WINTER is well and truly here and the centre of Edinburgh is noticeably brighter after the Christmas lights were switched on in the centre of town, and the annual festivities were opened in East Princes Street Gardens.

The rainbow colours of the carousel and the Ferris wheel, along with the twinkling fairy lights in the trees, light up the area around the Scott Monument.

The Gluhwein is flowing in the German Market next to the galleries, while at the ice rink in the gardens below there is a mixture of professional-looking gliding and slapstick falls, as skaters of all abilities take to the outdoor rink.

Though the Winter Wonderland attracts thousands of people each year, it has come in for criticism in the past. A year ago it was reported the fairground's future was under threat, after senior councillors said they were "completely embarrassed" by the size and style of it, fearing it was "over the top" and ruining Princes Street Gardens.

This summer, when the Christmas programme was put out to tender, they awarded the main contract for the next three years to the Durham-based company She's Gott It, named after managing director Nickie Gott.

This was a surprise choice ahead of comedy club boss Karen Koren who, along with Hogmanay street party organiser Pete Irvine, has been staging popular attractions such as the ice rink, Ferris wheel and festive markets since 2000. Ms Koren has since been drafted in to run the ice rink on a separate contract.

Nickie Gott promised to make some changes and this year new attractions include an ice gallery, a toboggan run and an ice-rink for under-sevens.

As the first weekend of the Winter Wonderland got underway, Ms Gott said: "The lights are on, the attractions are open and since Friday hundreds of people have been coming to see what we've got to offer.

"The Highland Market looks beautiful and the ice gallery really took my breath away.

"So far we have had some amazing feedback - people are saying they've been bowled over by the gallery - and because it's our first year it is really important for us to get that."

So what festive fun is on offer over the next seven weeks?

ICE GALLERY
Edinburgh's first ever Ice Gallery boasts ten tonnes of carving ice which, thanks to oxygen being removed during the freezing process is completely transparent. Ice sculptures include a Santa, angel, snowman, piper and skater. And games such as noughts and crosses and crazy golf - made out of ice - are likely to prove popular with kids. It's £5 to get in and a hot chocolate is included in the price - a good thing as temperatures in the gallery dip to minus three degrees.

MARKETS
The German Christmas Market sells handmade gifts and decorations and is a great place to warm yourself up, with a Bratwurst hot dog and a mug of piping hot Bavarian-style mulled wine - known as Gluhwein. The market next to the Scott Monument has been revamped and renamed. Now called the Highland Village Christmas Market, presents ranging from jewellery to jam can be snapped up here.

WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK
It's the tenth anniversary of the popular outdoor rink, but for the first time this year kids can try skating in a separate mini rink, where special double-edged skates can be hired to make balancing easier.

THE EDINBURGH WHEEL
The ever-popular Ferris wheel beside the Scott Monument spans 33 metres. By day it offers a panoramic view of the Capital and by evening its colourful lights make it one Edinburgh's best known landmarks during the festive season.

Tollcross Christmas Lights [3]