Festivities in Edinburgh went off with a bang as the capital's Christmas lights were switched on to mark the beginning of a major winter makeover.

The festive spirit is well and truly as the Christmas lights on the tree on The Mound and Princes Street were illuminated.

Revellers were treated to dancing fountains and a giant snow globe at the grand switch-on.

Edinburgh councillor Charles Dundas said the festivities are designed to help take the tress out of Christmas shopping this year.

He added: “I’m no great fan of Christmas shopping but even I would find this an attractive environment to shop.”

Festivities will begin in Princes Street Gardens over the weekend, while the street itself will reopen to buses and taxis on Sunday, following months of disruption for the tramworks.

The four-day launch is being funded by Edinburgh Trams, and organisers say the barriers will move aside to accommodate the biggest festive celebration the city has seen.

The big wheel, ice rink and winter market will be in the gardens again as part of the Sparkle into Christmas festivities, but a number of new activities have also been added for 2009.

Over the opening weekend, a massive water fountain show set to music will happen on Princes Street every 15 minutes. A life size animatronic polar bear, dancing angels and the massive snow globe will also be on hand to entertain the crowds.

Homecoming 2009 will also be recognised, with the Art Car Parade travelling through town on Saturday, featuring a variety of decorated vehicles from artists across the country.

The lightswitch will be flicked by the city's Lord Provost George Grubb. He said:  “This year the city really has pulled together in a collaboration that means we will have the brightest and best Christmas ever.

"Sparkle into Christmas will set the scene for six weeks of celebrations that will continue into the New Year.

"Edinburgh is a glorious city at any time of the year, but never more so than at Christmas when the city really comes alive in an explosion of light and colour!”