29 November 2012 Last updated at 16:03 ET

Aerial show as Christmas lights switched on in Edinburgh

Fireworks were set off from the castle as the lights were lit on Edinburgh's Christmas Tree

Edinburgh's Christmas lights have been switched on in an event including aerial acrobatics and fireworks.

A 5m-high giant Santa Claus was leading characters from Princes Street to Mound Place for the event.

The Christmas Dream Machine show included illuminations, aerial performances, flying Christmas presents and fireworks.

The parade was followed by a display of fireworks from the castle and the lighting of Edinburgh's Christmas Tree.

Afterwards, events included a Christmas Brazilian Samba band and an after-show in St Andrew Square Garden, featuring acts including finalists of Edinburgh's Got Talent, the cast of Dirty Dancing, the drums of Clanadonia and a fire show from Flame Oz.

Edinburgh's Lord Provost Donald Wilson said: "The Light Night ceremony shows Edinburgh at its best and this spectacular evening is always a fantastic way to mark the start of six weeks of Christmas celebrations.

"This is a very special time of year for Edinburgh and its residents and we are immensely proud that so many people choose to share their Christmas with us and enjoy everything our wonderful city has to offer."