What to do in Edinburgh this Christmas: enjoy world-class cabaret, comedy and circus fun in the Old Town
Have yourself a merry Christmas – and enjoy some dazzling entertainment as the Palais Du Variété Spiegeltent takes up residence in Bristo Square for the first time.
The festive season in Edinburgh is getting a spicy new twist as an incredible line-up of live entertainment heads for the heart of the city this month.
Edinburgh’s Christmas will once again bring festive cheer to the Princes Street Gardens – and this year, they’re taking the performances to a whole new level with something for everyone.
New for 2026, La Clique Noël, Stamptown and The Big Christmas Show will join an exciting line-up that also includes classic favourites Santa’s Stories, the LNER Big Wheel, the Matrix and the Around the World Starflyer.
Edinburgh’s world-famous Christmas markets will return to the Gardens from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with the cutest chalets throwing open their shutters to sell gifts, decorations and festive food.
Read on to find out more about what to expect as Edinburgh’s Christmas programme of live entertainment heats up this year.
It’s cabaret – but not as you know it
Born at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2004, La Clique has earned international acclaim as a pioneering Spiegeltent cabaret show. Having entertained audiences in London, Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, New York and Paris, the Olivier Award-winning production will take over its new home in Bristo Square from Friday, 20 November, until the New Year.
Set within the intimate Palais du Variété, the specially curated show will feature dazzling acrobatics, razor-sharp wit and extraordinary acts. This year’s cast includes Heather Holliday, renowned for her sword-swallowing and fire-breathing; David Pereira, an award-winning shaving-cream acrobat and aerialist; and Mario, Queen of the Circus, a charismatic comic performer known for crowd-surfing and juggling like no other.
Following sold-out seasons and critical acclaim around the world, La Clique Noël offers an ideal night out for partygoers and groups seeking a memorable Christmas cabaret experience, thanks to its boundary-pushing performers who will bring you an unforgettable blend of cabaret, circus and sideshow burlesque.
La Clique Noël runs six nights a week, with weekend matinees. Shows are selling fast – book your spot on the website.
Late-night cult show is not for the faint-hearted!
Netflix stars Stamptown, led by Zach Zucker, will bring their alternative late-night cabaret to the Palais du Variété from 3 to 19 December. First appearing at the Fringe a decade ago, the show began as a refuge for misfits of alternative performance. It has since evolved into one of the festival’s most notorious cult phenomena, building a devoted following through an anarchic mix of clowns, comedians, rockstars and daring performers.
At its centre is Jack Tucker, Zach Zucker’s sweat-soaked, wildly overconfident alter-ego. Equal parts washed-up comic and deranged ringmaster, Tucker presides over the chaos with outrageous confidence and delusion. Previous performers have included Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Jordan Gray and 2026 breakout star Mr Cardboard.
This Edinburgh Fringe favourite will run Wednesday to Sunday, with performances at 10pm (doors open at 9.30pm). To book one of these hot tickets, visit the website.
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Enjoy magic fun for all the family
Completing the new additions for the 2026 festive season is The Big Christmas Show, from the creators of hit Fringe production 1 Hour of Insane Magic.
This family-friendly spectacle combines magic and circus for festive entertainment suitable for all ages. With Trickster Luke Osey as your host, it features an all-star cast: Insane Magician Cameron Gibson, Queen of Hoops Lily Phoenix, and Renowned Troublemaker Snookie Mono.
Expect the unexpected in this hour of festive entertainment you won’t want to miss! Tickets are available now on the website.
How to find out more and book today
Edinburgh’s Christmas runs from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Tickets for La Clique Noël, Stamptown, The Big Christmas Show and the wider festive programme are available now at edwinterfest.com.