Tag: activities

Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline the community programme

• Excitement mounts as Edinburgh’s Christmas opening is less than 3 weeks away
• Traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree & Advent Concert to light-up The Mound and herald beginning of Edinburgh’s winter celebrations
• Plus, Scottish bagpiping icons, silent discos, ceilidhs, carol concerts and more top the bill for the beloved Ross Bandstand

With just under three weeks until Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions open to  Edinburgh residents and visitors, the full Ross Bandstand programme has been unveiled,  promising a lively hub of family-friendly and community events, taking place across four  weekends leading up to Christmas. 

From a showstopping performance from the world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers to St.  Andrew’s Day ceilidhs, carol concerts, Santa Runs and more, the much-loved Ross Bandstand  stage will be at the centre of Edinburgh’s seasonal celebrations for 2025.

 A full list of highlights includes: 

Norwegian Christmas Tree Light-Up – Tuesday 18 November, 6pm (Public switch on at 6.15pm):

A beloved 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. Each year, the must-see light-up of the gorgeous Norwegian Spruce Christmas  Tree on the Mound marks a cherished moment in the city’s festive calendar, heralding 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:

Edinburgh’s Christmas team is busy decking the halls – and the stage! – for an afternoon of  Christmas magic, featuring 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 enchanting magical acts, big choir singalongs and a  special visit from Santa, with a lantern parade and collaborations with Edinburgh’s cultural  venues adding extra festive sparkle.

This is a must-attend for families – giggles and jingles  guaranteed! 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 headline a free day of  fun 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, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Scotland’s creativity and charm! 

St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh & Market – Sunday, 30 November, 12pm until 6pm (free to attend):

Celebrating St. Andrew’s Day, Ross Bandstand comes alive on 30 November with a special  free Family Ceilidh. This year, The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience will take to the  stage – a band renowned as one of the top ceilidh acts in the world.

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 delicious 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 beautiful Nativity Scene, crafted by Munich sculptor Thomas Hildenbrand,  returns to The Mound as a central part of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations. Since 2023,  the stunning 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 beautiful Courtyard,  featuring performances from local school and church choirs. This 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):

Edinburgh’s Christmas is delighted to welcome the beloved When You Wish Upon a Star  Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk, celebrating 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. 

If you are worried about your furry friends feeling left behind, worry no more: Santa Paws is  here! A Santa Run but for animals, Santa Paws sees our canine friends throw on their best  festive outfits and make a run for it.

With photo opportunities, activities throughout the  afternoon and a dog show of best dressed pups on the Bandstand stage, West Princes Street Gardens is paw-sitively the place to be this festive season! 

Silent Disco Christmas Cracker – Saturday 13 December, 6.30pm-8pm:

Get ready to dance the night away beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle as  the Christmas Cracker returns to the Ross Bandstand.

Partygoers can choose from three  music channels packed with festive favourites, with both a static DJ and a roving DJ going  head-to-head to deliver the ultimate Christmas playlist.

A lively, feel-good celebration, this  event promises an unforgettable night of music, lights and festive cheer right in the heart of  the city.

For tickets, visit www.edwinterfest.com.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Christmas is beginning to arrive in Edinburgh, and  there’s so much to look forward to across this year’s celebrations. From festive performances  and community celebrations to special moments for families, most of the events on offer are  free so there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.

“I’m especially delighted to welcome the ever popular Red Hot Chilli Pipers to the Ross  Bandstand for what promises to be a showstopping performance. I’m sure it will be a real  highlight of the season and a fantastic way for people to get in the holiday spirit.”

A Unique Assembly spokesperson said: “West Princes Street Gardens will be bursting with  festive cheer this winter, with a packed programme of free and ticketed community events  spreading Christmas cheer and a warm Scottish welcome to locals and visitors alike.

“Whether  singing loud for all to hear at the Light Night Concert and Silent Disco Christmas Cracker,  birling beneath Edinburgh Castle to live ceilidh bands, watching the world-famous Red Hot  Chilli Pipers sleighing the stage on St. Andrews Day weekend, or joining hundreds of Santas for a run around West Gardens, there is festive fun for everyone!’

Winter Festivals

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