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From the free Christmas markets in Princes Street Gardens to the mystical light shows at Edinburgh Castle or The Royal Botanic Gardens, there’s plenty Festive atmosphere to soak up wandering through the city.
We’re here to share with you seven cultural recommendations across music, theatre, dance and art. Let’s pepper your December with cosy concerts and majestic performances.
Concerts by Candlelight with Scottish Ensemble
Concerts by Candlelight tour offers moments of stillness, contemplation during a busy month. The rich selection of music weaves between past and present, combining seamlessly to create a beautiful sonic tapestry
The Scottish Ensemble perform their annual Concerts by Candlelight across Scotland. This 75minute performance includes a world-premiere from Hannah Kendall, as well as works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Pēteris Vasks, Arvo Pärt, Caroline Shaw, and more.
Catch the Scottish Ensemble in some of Scotland’s most atmospheric settings from 5–12 December.
Soundhouse Winter Festival
The Soundhouse Winter Festival is a new 5-day music festival. It includes performances from some of Scotland’s best musicians and exciting newcomers. It also has a full programme of workshops over the weekend – including a workshop on singing Gaelic lullabies.
Gigs include Scottish Jazz musician Fergus McCreadie in McCreadie/Stumbras/Scanroglio/Galeotti and Su-a Lee & Friends (Duncan Chisholm, Donald Shaw and Hamish Napier). Su-a Lee is associate cellist of SCO and performed in Capriccio this August.
The Nutcracker with Scottish Ballet
Costumes plucked from a chocolate box; Tchaikovsky’s score to transport you to a land of dreams; and a story lifted straight from the pages of a classic fairy tale. This is The Nutcracker, a dance performance from Scottish Ballet.
For the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival, Scottish Ballet will bring a new production of Mary, Queen of Scots to the Festival Stage. Speaking to our 2025 theme The Truth We Seek, this production delves into the stories— the true and the fictional —that surround Mary’s life and legacy.
With that (only) 9 months away, experience the other type of Festive spirit. With Tchaikovsky’s score performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra, this ever-popular ballet brings joy to audiences of all ages.
POP LIFE at City Arts Centre
POP LIFE draws inspiration from art history, socio-political movements and cultural shifts over the past six decades.
The exhibition explores the intersection of popular culture and contemporary figurative drawing and challenges traditional distinctions between high and low art.
POP LIFE is a travelling exhibition, previously shown in Sweden (2022-23) and the Netherlands (2023). Co-curated by artists Euan Gray and Witte Wartena, it is adapted from previous iterations to include Scottish artists alongside international artists.
Treasure Island at the Lyceum
Treasure Island
© The LyceumIf it’s the Theatre you’re after, head to the Lyceum to see Treasure Island. This playful new adaptation by Orkney playwright Duncan McLean follows a young Jim Hawkins who works at North Edinburgh’s finest accommodation for reformed pirates and past-it privateers.
Sea shanties, adventures and heartfelt fun enliven Jim's story as Billy Bones' treasure map leads him north to the isles of Orkney in search of Captain Flint's hidden fortune.
Experience Treasure Island at Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh 28 Nov 2024–4 Jan 2025.
Christmas At The Movies with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra:
Christmas At The Movies
© BBCMovies and Christmas. These synonymous events are brought together in a warming Festive concert from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Hosted by singer Jamie MacDougall, this celebration is suitable for all the family with popular tunes from blockbusters, film scores by the legendary John Williams, and the opulent harmonies of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Secure your tickets today to kickstart your festive celebrations with a symphonic burst of big screen magic.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
With all these culture activities on offer, you'll need to refuel. So, if it's the food and drink excursions you’re after, our partners at The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa have some Festive Treats in store.
Their chic restaurant One Square have a range on offer this season. They’ve launched a new cocktail menu, creatively named ‘The Square Route of Edinburgh: Volume III (World Wide)’. Other offerings include a seasonal Market Menu, a Weekend Champagne Brunch and a Festive Storytellers Afternoon Tea.
With stunning views out over Edinburgh Castle and beyond, it’s an ideal location for sipping and eating in the city.
