Vanessa Piras

With the fun of the Edinburgh Festival and the long summer days behind us, it's very easy to get a bit depressed and start sadly thinking about the cold, dark winter ahead. No more unique shows to go to, no more walks up Arthur's Seat to watch the sun setting just before 11 o'clock, no more laying in the sunshine on the Meadows... only rain, wind, cold and darkness. Doesn't sound great, does it?  Fear not: our lovely city has plenty on offer to counter the blues. Here are 14 reasons why you should be excited about spending winter in Edinburgh.  1. Cups of hot mulled wine, bratwursts and tons of Nutella pancakes in the magic atmosphere of the European Christmas Market. <img id="43df4735-2972-0e93-8091-e850d5be0b8d" data-caption="" data-credit="Graham Campbell via Flickr" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="131450" loaded="131450" image_id="102874173" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102874173/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline"> Graham Campbell via Flickr         2. Ice skating by the Scott Monument.  <img id="f5d1fbd7-4402-0a25-8c9c-15d2f2eba8fa" data-caption="" data-credit="© Peter Stubbs. www.edinphoto.org.uk" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="175184" loaded="175184" image_id="102870996" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102870996/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline"> © Peter Stubbs. www.edinphoto.org.uk   3. Admiring the magnificent Christmas decorations at the Dome.  <img id="a1702d9b-2704-e844-6ff3-cc50c92

Edinburgh is a magical, buzzing city, from the hidden corners on the Royal Mile to the Georgian splendour of New Town, the wild surroundings and amazing views from Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill to the quirky shops and restaurants of Bruntsfield and Stockbridge. It's easy to see why we love it so much and have made it our home. But with the festival madness quickly approaching and the throng of tourists arriving to discover the beauty of the Scottish capital, us faithful residents might need a wee break - preferably involving sun and the chance to relax in a remote Mediterranean island or wild fun in an exotic resort. Here's a look at four spots you can escape to directly from Edinburgh Airport - are you ready to work on that tan? Nesebar, Bulgaria Andrew Prime flickr.com/photos/pr1me/     A lovely coastal town rich in ancient buildings, history and glorious seafood restaurants. Also known as the 'Pearl of the Black Sea', Nessebar is the perfect place for a relaxed but gastronomically-satisfying holiday. Sunsets from the boat cruise are breathtaking and, if you fancy a wild night out, the ultimate British Sunny Beach and its clubs with never-ending beach parties is just around the corner. Fly from Edinburgh with BHAirlines. Athens, Greece Dario Sušanj flickr.com/photos/dariosusanj/   This majestic city should be in everyone's travel destination bucket list. The Acropolis, Parthenon and Ancient Agora are just some of the many architectural beauties that tell the almost 3,00

'Welcome to my wardrobe.' This is the warm greeting you are likely to receive when stepping into Joanna Bizio's vintage shop in Stockbridge, a delightful nook packed with unique clothes and accessories that looks like a miscellaneous and fashionable cosy dressing room. From quirky '60s inspired Stella McCartney dresses to Edwardian fur shrugs, princess-like fluttery gowns and sparkly '80s camisoles, this place will tell you the story of the life of a tasteful and talented lady.       Joanna has been collecting clothes since the age of 14; what's currently on show in her shop it is just a wee preview of her timeless and precious closet. It all started when she used to sew dresses for her dolls. Then, a passion for photography and art came along. The main ingredient, though, is her exquisite personality. Miss Bizio Couture is more than a simple vintage boutique; it is a window in the life of a very special and creative personal shopper who will guide you through her belongings and share them, and their magic, with you. Joanna is passionate and knowledgeable. Inspired by the works of great women such as Cindy Sherman and Claude Cahun, she loves playing different roles, characters and icons from the past and present.   One day you will see her dressed up as a suffragette or World War Two land girl and the next she will pull off her vintage Missoni scarf and become 'the girl with a pearl earring'.       It's something that she seems to truly enjoy doing. The fun and the passion

The charming walls of the former Royal School of Veterinary Studies at Summerhall will turn into a magic wonderland for most of this year's Edinburgh Magic Festival. From June 26-July 4, a programme of captivating performances and exhibitions from the best international artists and magicians will take place - here are seven unmissable events which are sure to leave you spellbound. The Secret RoomDiscover the deepest secrets of Lauriston Castle by exploring its intriguing past of clandestine laboratories, hidden rooms and furtive alchemists. Award-winning performers such as Billy Reid, The Professor and Ryan Davidson will lead you to this mysterious journey.Wednesday July 1, Lauriston Castle. £20/£18 concessions. Tower of IllusionA complete sell out at last year's MagicFest, Camera Obscura becomes again the beautiful setting of a unique treasure hunt. Face unnatural creatures, solve riddles and challenge the unknown with your team of fearless fellow warriors. Do you have the right skills and bravery to fight magical dragons and defeat evil wizards?June 29-June 30, Camera Obscura. £20 adults/£18 concessions/£12 children. Colin Cloud 'Kills'Let the power of deduction marvel you and meet the 21st century Sherlock Holmes. Colin Cloud returns to the festival with a brand new show. He will terrify and surprise you with his ability to read people's behaviour and notice tiny details that might seem insignificant at first glance. If that doesn't catch your attention, you'll also watch

Edinburgh - city of art, city of literature. How excited do you get when reading a book set in this magic city? We love following the adventurous paths of historic and fictional characters through the cobblestones of the Old Town, the streets of Leith or the sandy coasts in Portobello. Here are four of the best modern literary heroines who have walked these streets. Emma Morley from 'One Day' (David Nicholls) <img id="9becad22-db81-c70f-ded5-3449aaac6c4a" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="122704" loaded="122704" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102513335/image.jpg" alt="One Day David Nicholls" class="photo lazy inline"> The main female character in David Nicholls's novel is probably the best friend we all want to have around. Emma is ambitious, refreshing, kind and independent. She is a dreamer and ordinary in her own extraordinary way. That is why we like her. Edinburgh is the lovely setting of the beginning of her friendship/romance with fun-loving yet troubled Dexter. It's a relationship that will widen its boundaries in London and Paris before eventually going back to Edinburgh for scenes centred around the city's iconic landmark Arthur's Seat. Cat Morland from 'Northanger Abbey' (Val McDermid) <img id="f2c0ec4a-0694-8c9a-87fb-3688c3d98c3e" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="123523" loaded="123523" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102513341/image.jpg" al

The internationally famous Burlesque Ball UK lands in Edinburgh on Saturday April 25, bringing a glittery extravaganza of tassels, fishnets and feathers to the capital. Seeing it live on stage is only one aspect of burlesque though, and Edinburgh is home to several spots where you can try it out for yourself. Here's some suggestions, and remember - practice makes perfect! Charm School Burlesque Parties at Voodoo RoomsTwo full hours of glamour, posing and seductive entertainment is waiting for you at Voodoo Rooms. Make up a name for your retro, sassy alter-ego and you are ready learn the art of teasing, shimmying and glove peeling - you'll never feel sexier. Classes are run by the renowed Charm School on demand, and hen parties are also welcome. Voodoo Rooms, 19a West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA Academy of Burlesque & CabaretBased in Edinburgh and Cardiff, the Academy will teach you all you need to know to be irresistibly bawdy and seductive. Check out their wide range of themed performances and long list of collaborators across television, cinema and cabaret. Moulin Rouge and can-can lover? This is definitely the place for you. Beginners Burlesque classes are now held both in Grassmarket and Leith. The academy also offers and option for audacious gents, too. It's called Boylesque!Academy of Burlesque & Cabaret, 37/5 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QP  Although the April date of The Burlesque Ball UK is sold out, there are still tickets available for events on September 18

Spring is finally here! Time to get rid of boring multi-layered winter outfits and experiment with warmer colours, softer and lighter fabrics and unique patterns. But forget the High Street and get something unique from these vintage gems.1. W Armstrong & Son   With their main shop situated in the picturesque and lively Grassmarket, W Armstrong & Son is an Edinburgh institution. It's a powerful kaleidoscope of colours, fabrics, styles and eras where antique uniforms, sparkly 1920s dresses, Victorian gowns and biker jackets live together, comfortably blended in a cushy and timeless place. Dressing Edinburgh fashion lovers at affordable prices since 1840, the shop is now showcasing at Topshop in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. And if that is not enough, two smaller branches located in the heart of the Old Town and Newington will hopefully satisfy your thirst for vintage. 83 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HJ; 64-66 Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9JB; 14 Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2QZ 2. Those Were The Days A tiny, deliciously decorated vintage wonderland lies hidden in St Stephen Street basement in Stockbridge. Those Were The Days stocks an admirable collection that includes creations from Chanel, Versace and Givenchy as well as bespoke and beautiful vintage pieces. Not the cheapest of shops, but it is definitely the right place to grab some timeless and sophisticated fashion investments and enjoy the relaxed and lovely atmosphere. The bridal wear and jewellery sections also deserve