With so many events taking place in the Edinburgh over the forthcoming Christmas period, we’ve taken a look at some great things to do in the Capital this festive season.
The creative team behind Castle of Light has unveiled this year’s ‘Magic and Mystery’ themed interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle, as the countdown to Christmas begins.
You could also visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where special events for all ages are taking place. While elsewhere in the Capital there are gin distillery tours, wreath-making workshops and a dark Christmas Carol puppet show for adults. And, there is also a free community nativity trail taking place in Blackhall just three days before Christmas day itself. And in Midlothian, there are Christmas workshops at Dalkeith Country Park over the next month, with a fun 1k Elf Dash taking place there to let the little ones run off some of their Christmas energy.
You could also visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where special events for all ages are taking place. While elsewhere in the Capital there are gin distillery tours, wreath-making workshops and a dark Christmas Carol puppet show for adults. And, there is also a free community nativity trail taking place in Blackhall just three days before Christmas day itself. And in Midlothian, there are Christmas workshops at Dalkeith Country Park over the next month, with a fun 1k Elf Dash taking place there to let the little ones run off some of their Christmas energy.
5. Sterling Home
The finale of the Sterling Home festive events series in Edinburgh will see Scotland’s favourite florists, MUD, the store will host a free Festive Wreath Workshop on Sunday, November 26. Guests will have the chance to create their very own personalised fresh Christmas wreath, assisted by expert florists from MUD. The ultimate in festive fun, MUD’s Festive Wreath workshop will see guests customise their own wreath, creating the perfect front door accessory this Christmas time. Tickets are available online now. To book your space, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sterling-home-edinburgh-festive-events-tickets-749092043467?aff=oddtdtcreator. Photo: Submitted
6. Lind and Lime Gin Distillery Tours
Whether the whole family is back for Christmas, its date night or time to catch up with your pals from home, choose a different experience this festive season and visit the historic distilling district of Leith. For gin lovers, Whisky enthusiasts or complete beginners, book a distillery tour of Lind and Lime to learn about their multi award-winning gin or wander further to the newly opened Port of Leith Distillery, the UK's first vertical distillery with 360° panoramic views across the city. The 75 minute tour is priced at £25 and includes: A signature Gin & Tonic on arrival; Insight into the origins of Lind & Lime; The opportunity to fill and label your very own 5cl bottle of Lind & Lime; A masterclass in mixing a Gimlet cocktail. Tours are available Thursday - Sunday, and can be booked directly via the website or shop. Gift vouchers are available to be redeemed at a later date. More information on the tours can be found at https://lindandlime.com/thetour. Photo: Andrew Cawley
7. Boris & Sergey’s Christmas Cabaret
‘Boris & Sergey’s Christmas Cabaret’ is Flabbergast Theatre’s very unique take on A Christmas Carol and promises to be as dark as it is fun. This December the infamous Balkan Bad-Boys of puppetry, host a Christmas celebration for adults like no other; as our foot-tall cult favourites put their leathery heads together to come up with an exceptional cast of cabaret delinquents, which they can’t wait to unleash upon their unsuspecting audiences over the festive season. All this will be held together by Boris and Sergey as they present A Christmas Carol – although the two may be slightly at odds with regards to the morals and focus of the definitive Dickens’ tale. This festive show is on at Roxy Theatre, Central, 2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh, December 12-21 at 7.30pm. Tickets: https://assemblyroxy.com/whats-on/94-boris-sergeys-christmas-cabaret/performances. Photo: Henry Maynard
8. Conifox Christmas Experience
Conifox Adventure Park has announced that its spectacular Christmas Experience will once again welcome families for 2023’s festive season. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December families can spend precious time together as they venture through the 90-minute festive extravaganza. It all begins at passport control, where visitors will walk through the enchanted wardrobe into the North Pole and journey through the magic forest where lots of fun and games await. From a cosy catch up in the kitchen where visitors can enjoy a story from Mrs Claus to The Reindeer Flying School and the North Pole Post Room - there’s lots of interaction for both the young and young at heart. Visitors also need to keep an eye out for mischief makers Mr Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, and The Nutcracker as they promise snowball fights, tricks and plenty of fun and laughter along the way. This starring line up has been bolstered this year by Buddy the Elf from the North Pole who just loves Christmas more than anyone else. And of course, no Christmas Experience at Conifox would be complete without a visit to meet Santa himself, where each little one will receive a Golden Christmas Coin which can be exchanged for a toy at the Toy Workshop. New for this year, the experience also includes a trip to the Make-a-Teddy Factory, where little ones can exchange their Christmas Coin for a bear of their own design. Tickets are available at www.conifox.co.uk and start from £18 per adult, £27.50 per child (1 year +) and £5.00 per child (up to 1 year). Photo: IAN GEORGESON