Edinburgh may be synonymous with the biggest New Year street party in the world or Hogmanay as the locals like to call it, but there are plenty of activities and events in the countdown to Christmas. Make a note of November 22nd to reserve one of the cheap hotels in Edinburgh because the fun starts from here.

Light Night

Up goes the famous Edinburgh Wheel, around goes the carousel and on go the Christmas lights on November 22nd. The event signals the switching on of more than 200,000 lights around Princes Street and a 13.5-metre tall Norwegian Christmas tree donated to Scotland's capital city by the people of Hordaland. The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink also opens two new skate rinks beneath Edinburgh Castle on Light Night. There is also the Ice Bar created by specialist company Ice Box with "hot apple and chocolate drinks available throughout the day" according to the Scotsman. The bar had not been granted an alcohol licence as of September.

Head to East Princes Street Gardens for the switch on at 17:15.

Nativities

Unravel the controversy behind sculptor Tim Chalk of Chalk Work's interpretation of the nativity scene. It is unveiled with a carol service on December 2nd for the fifth time. The local artist challenges people's perceptions of a nativity scene while concentrating on the arrival of a baby in difficult circumstances.

Go to the foot of the mound at Princes Street Gardens by the Floral Clock for 16:00.

Santa Stroll

Father Christmas arrives in Princes Street Gardens on December 13th, which he will visit every day to feed his reindeer - borrowed from Cairngorm Centre - and collect Christmas wishes from a post box. Children are welcome to come and visit and ask for gifts. Check into some affordable accommodation in Edinburgh in time for a Santa stroll, taking in the historic Grassmarket quarter and the delights of Edinburgh Festival Theatre on the 14th or take the Santa Express from the fountain from 15th.

Santa is in Princes Street Gardens until December 23rd.

Gluhwein

Adults have the chance to sample mulled, spicy Gluhwein from large Hat Kata tents erected for sampling over the last two weekends before Christmas. They are an example of how the old nomadic reindeer-herding Sami people in Lapland used to live. It's a perfect place for the adults to enjoy Christmas.

Look out for the tents at Princes Street Gardens.

The Great Scottish Santa Run

The entrance fee for this 1.5 km run on December 16th not only buys adults and children a place on the circuit, but also a Santa suit or elf hat. As well as a hat, under 12s also receive a certificate from Santa on finishing. All the money will be donated to charity When You Wish Upon a Star, that grants wishes for sick children. This year John Lewis is offering mulled wine and mince pies free for fun runners in fancy dress.

The run starts at Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens.

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Edinburgh Writer's Museum celebrates the 500-year-old birthday of John Lydgate's poem 'The Complaint of the Black Knight'.

It is written in Middle Scots and is believed to be the earliest book printed in Scotland, according to the date on it.

The National Library of Scotland holds the only known surviving copy.

Until January next year, the Writer's Museum is celebrating Scottish work from authors like Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Scott gets a special mention in this exhibition and visitors will not only be able to see his chessboard and dining table, but also the printing press on which his famous Waverley novels were produced.

But you can also see portraits, manuscripts and personal exhibits from other authors, including Burns' writing desk.

Admission is free to An Electric Shock of Delight: Sir Walter Scott and the Waverley Novels, which is situated in the Museum which was a Lady Stair's House, built in 1622.

The Complaint of the Black Knight was printed on Andrew Myllar and Walter Chepman press after being given the first Edinburgh printing patent by King James IV.

The Writer's Museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and is near to the affordable accommodation in Edinburgh.

Do you know what neeps and tatties are? How about mince patties or haggis?

Why not book into some affordable accommodation in the hub of Scotland's market place to find out during Scottish Food Fortnight.

More than 60 events are taking place all over Scotland to celebrate the area's fine food, deceptively for the whole month of September.

There will be farmer's markets, exhibitions and debates as well as samples of the local specialities with Edinburgh hosting most.

The festival started in 2003 by the Scottish Countryside Alliance Educational Trust (SCAET) to raise the profile of the quality produce on offer.

SCAET wanted people to be more aware of local food and drink and where they could buy it.

Nicola Chalmers-Watson, SCAET director, said: "Scottish Food Fortnight is about encouraging everyone in Scotland to make the most of our amazing larder."

The Radisson in Edinburgh has game bird pie on the menu made from grouse, wood pigeon and partridge, served with beetroot salad and whisky creme fraiche.

Whisky will be at a special price at the bar until late September.

Meanwhile, organic and locally-grown strawberries and raspberries will be on sale in the city from Soft Fruits.

And the city hosts a special farmer's market on the Castle Terrace on September 13th from 09:00 to 14:00 from the Scottish Association of Farmers' Market.

Whatever the gossip has been about artist Tracey Emin, her artwork is not to be missed.

Some people think Emin's portraits of her life are too up close and personal, but that is what made her famous.

There's the mish mash of discarded cigarettes, broken bottles and bloodstained sheets that make up The Bed.

Then there's the Exorcism of the Last Painting I Ever Made, which might just seem like an untidy room.

So why not take a look for yourself?

Both are on display at the Modern Art Gallery in Edinburgh – sadly without the infamous tent All the People I Ever Slept With.

This is the work of art that threw Emin into the spotlight.

However, the 100-plus names on the tent did not refer to Emin's sexuality as the title might suggest, but whom she actually shared a bed with.

They included her grandmother, her teddy bear and her (later aborted) foetuses.

Sadly, the tent went to campsite heaven four years ago after a fire at Momart art warehouse.

To take a closer look at Emin's life, come to the Modern Art Gallery before November 9th for £6 entry.

The Modern Art Gallery is near several of the cheap hotels in Edinburgh, so take time to look around.

The exhibition is explicit and the Gallery recommends that under 16s are accompanied by an adult.

A unique collection of Scottish art work is on display this autumn at one of Edinburgh's most beautiful galleries.

There's an opportunity to pause for a three course meal and afternoon tea at the City Art Centre as you look round some of the best work in the country.

City Art Centre has hosted some of the most innovative contemporary art work of this century as well as blasts from the past.

Previous exhibits have included Egyptian antiquities to Star Trek.

It was opened in 1980 to house one of the biggest collections of Scottish art work in the UK.

More than 3,500 paintings, watercolours, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture and tapestries are in the collection.

Work by McTaggart, Fergusson, Peploe and Eardley are in the collection.

In 1997, more gifts were donated to the Scottish Arts Council, including topographical maps of the city and portraits of personalities in the area.

The City Art Centre is not far from some of the best hotels in Edinburgh and hosts a special collection of art, painting and drawing until December 24th.

Highlights include work from Redpath, Paolozzi, Blackadder and Bellany.

Market Street is overshadowed by the looming Edinburgh Castle which sits on top of the hill.

In contrast to the Castle, admission to the gallery is free.

Opening hours are between 10:00 and 17:00 from Monday to Saturday.

Ever wondered why the Romans built Hadrian's Wall?

What was so fearsome about the Northern tribes that the Romans wanted to keep them out?

The National War Museum of Scotland is offering visitors the chance to probe deeper into the flashpoints of the past.

On display until February next year are some of the gruesome weapons used by the Scottish in Call to Arms.

They include grapeshot, which were small iron balls that could prove deadly when fired from a cannon.

It is an interactive exhibition so lucky guests will be able to touch some of the artifacts.

Entry to the National War Museum of Scotland is free with admission for the castle, which costs £10 to £12 for adults.

The Castle dominates the city skyline; it dates back to the Iron Age when the rock is believed to have had a hill fort settlement on its summit, overlooking affordable accommodation in Edinburgh.

It is open seven days a week from 09:30 to 17:00 local time.

Don't miss the chance to see the Scottish crown jewels and regalia nor the weapons in the Great Hall, which was built by King James IV.

There's plenty to see, including an esplanade, gatehouse, the Moon Battery and Moons Meg cannon.

Visitors to the Scottish capital may be interested to know that the city offers some of the best places to relax in Europe.

Indeed, the Glasshouse Bar in Edinburgh has been praised by both media outlets and travel experts for providing a high-quality leisure experience.

The rooftop establishment allows people to enjoy food and drink, cool and shady verandas, as well as remarkable views of the city.

Therefore, anyone who is staying in a cheap hotel in Edinburgh could enjoy the chance to live the high life for a night or two.

Customers will find it a quiet alternative to the city's bustling streets, as well as a great opportunity to get a unique view of the surrounding area.

Landmarks such as Calton Hill - home of the Scottish government - are clearly visible, making the Glasshouse an excellent place for visitors.

In the words of the Guardian: "The Glasshouse offers a shady, lavender-scented haven away from the hustle of the streets below."

Located near to the 150-year-old Lady Glenorchy Chuch, the modern building serves an example of how old and new work together in Edinburgh.