With three weeks to go til Edinburgh's Christmas festivities kick off, organisers have announced a series of free events at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens over coming weekends.
They include a cultural and craft day, climaxing with a performance by bagpipe rockers the Red Hot Chilli Pipers; a St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh & Market; a community-led Light Night Concert, and performances by local choirs.
The annual charity Santa Run will also be striding out across the Princes Street Garden and just up the hill, events for the festive calendar include the lighting of the Norwegian Christmas Tree and the annual Nativity Carol Concert
Norwegian Christmas Tree Light-Up - Tuesday 18 November, 6pm (Public switch on at 6.15pm)
The annual tradition which recognises the help given to the Nordic country by Scots during World War II, this special event stands as a powerful symbol of friendship between the two nations and heralds the beginning of Edinburgh’s winter celebrations.
The ceremony is followed by Scottish-Norwegian advent concert at St Giles’ Cathedral at 7pm, where locals and visitors alike are invited to join in for a night of musical reflection. This event is free to attend, with St Giles’ providing an atmospheric, accessible venue for elves of all ages to enjoy!
Light Night Concert at West Princes Street Gardens - Sunday 23 November, 2pm until 6pm:
An afternoon of Christmas family friendly fun and musical entertainment, as well as an appearance from the Big Man himself.
Between 2pm and 4pm, the warm-up features local community groups, choirs and dancers taking over the stage with roaming entertainment, from juggling elves and face painting to dazzling Snow Queens.
From 4pm until 6pm, the main event includes big choir singalongs and a visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural venues adding extra festive sparkle.
Free entry and no tickets required, just turn up on the day and get ready to sing!
A Taste of Scotland - Saturday 29 November, 12pm until 6pm (free to attend):
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers take centre stage at the Ross Bandstand to round off a free day celebrating Scotland’s culture, craft and community spirit.
Renowned across the world for their signature “bagrock” sound, the group’s high-energy performances fuse traditional pipes with rock anthems, promising to round off the day in unforgettable style.
Earlier in the day, explore stalls from Scottish makers in recognition of Fair Saturday – the global movement that celebrates artists, cultural organisations, and social projects the day after Black Friday. With live music from local performers, Highland dancers, hearty stovies and more.
St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh & Market - Sunday, 30 November, 12pm until 6pm (free to attend):
The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience will take to the Ross Bandstand. The group have earned a reputation as a top ceilidh act. With a caller to teach the steps, it doesn’t matter whether you are a dab hand at the Dashing White Sergeant or a first time Highland Flinger, everyone’s in for a lively whirl.
These traditional Scottish dances are as fun and joyful to watch as they are to join, with local Highland Dancers on hand to show how it’s done.
This event also brings back the local makers’ market and food stalls from A Taste of Scotland on Saturday, offering another chance to browse unique crafts and enjoy a taste of Scotland’s finest fare.
Nativity Scene Carols on The Mound - Sunday 30 November, 5pm until 6pm, Mound Place:
Once again, the Nativity Scene, crafted by Munich sculptor Thomas Hildenbrand, returns to The Mound as a central part of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations. Since 2023, the display has become a much-loved seasonal landmark, offering a quiet space for reflection amid the bustle of the festive period.
This year, the scene will be blessed by Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh, marking the beginning of the city’s Christmas celebrations and inviting residents and visitors alike to pause and share in the message of peace and hope that lies at the heart of Christmas.
After the blessing, visitors are invited to join the annual Nativity Carol Concert held in collaboration with Edinburgh Churches Together in Assembly Hall’s Courtyard, featuring performances from local school and church choirs.
The event is free to attend, with everyone welcome
Edinburgh Sings - Saturday 6 December, 2pm until 5pm
Enjoy a wholesome afternoon of free festive music with performances from community and performance choirs.
Audiences can expect performances of their favourite carols and Christmas classics at the Ross Bandstand, with plenty of opportunity to join in!
Santa Run and Santa Paws - Sunday 7 December, 11am (registration 9.30am to 10.30am – starts 11am):
The Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk celebrates 21 years this winter. The event sees Santas, Elves, Olafs and other festive creatures run, jog or walk around the 2.5km circuit in West Princes Street Gardens to fundraise money for a very deserving cause. When You Wish Upon a Star is a Scottish charity that makes the dreams of children with life-threatening diseases come true. Those who would like to take part, can register and purchase tickets here.
Four-legged friends can particiapate too in Santa Paws, a Santa Run for animals. There'll be photo opportunities, activities throughout the afternoon and a dog show of best dressed pups on the Bandstand stage, West Princes Street Gardens.
Silent Disco Christmas Cracker – Saturday 13 December, 6.30pm-8pm
A Christmas themed silent dance beneath Edinburgh Castle. Partygoers can choose from three music channels packed with festive favourites, with both a static DJ and a roving DJ going head-to-head. For tickets, starting at £12, visit www.edwinterfest.com.
More on Edinburgh's Christmas.