To celebrate 100 years since the Castle was gifted to the nation by the Reids, this year’s programme has a strong 1920s theme.
The centenary programme was officially launched with a visit from Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, who joined colleagues and volunteers at the castle to mark the beginning of a year-long celebration.
Featuring an exciting and varied selection of events, the programme will include talks, creative workshops, film screenings, and family fun activities. Highlights include:
Immersive heritage experiences inspired by different periods of the castle’s past
Interactive outdoor activities and themed trails for families
Seasonal festivals celebrating culture, craft and community
Costumed interpretation and live performances
Creative workshops, talks and special tours
A highlight of the year will be the original murder mystery plays, composed and performed by Edinburgh Living History, where guests can use their sleuthing skills to uncover the culprit.
In August, the 1920s-inspired scavenger hunt, reflecting popular leisure activities of the era, will have guests following the clues to meet some characters from the past whilst enjoying the beauty of the grounds.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the return of much-loved Japan Sakura, offering another weekend of fun, with the opportunity to take part in traditional crafts and hands-on activities for all ages.
To mark the centenary, guests can also watch a series of film screenings of titles both made and set in the 1920s starting with ‘The General’ (1926).
Many events will be free to attend, with some ticketed experiences available through advance booking. Details of all events are listed on the Culture Edinburgh website.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Lauriston Castle is one of Edinburgh’s most treasured sites, and the centenary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate both its past and its future.
“This programme brings together heritage, creativity and community in a way that reflects the spirit of Mr and Mrs Reid’s generous gift.
“We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to discover everything that Lauriston has to offer in 2026.”
2026 is the year of the Fire Horse. St James Quarter will officially mark the arrival of the Lunar New Year with a vibrant programme of celebrations, inviting visitors to enjoy traditional performances, family-friendly entertainment and exclusive giveaways in the heart of Edinburgh.
Taking place on Saturday 21st February, the celebrations will centre around a spectacular Lion Dance, a much-loved Lunar New Year tradition symbolising prosperity, happiness and good fortune for the year ahead.
Back by popular demand, St James Quarter has partnered with Yee’s Hung Ga Kung Fu Edinburgh for the performances. The lion dancers will journey through the Galleria before arriving at Register Square, bringing colour, movement and energy to the Quarter as they perform to the rhythm of traditional drumming. Visitors can catch the performances at 12noon and 1pm, making it easy to plan a visit around the vibrant festivities.
Alongside the live performances, St James Quarter will be hosting red envelope giveaways throughout the day.
In keeping with Lunar New Year tradition, the envelopes will contain a range of prizes, discounts and special offers from St James Quarter brand partners, giving shoppers the chance to enjoy exclusive rewards while celebrating.
Potential prizes include: St James Quarter giftcards, a £50 Botanist voucher, Moleskine notebooks, bath and body treats from Molton Brown, as well as some beauty favourites including Sol de Janeiro minis.
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at St James Quarter said:“Lunar New Year is an important cultural celebration for many of our visitors and communities across Edinburgh.
“We’re proud to mark the occasion once again with traditional performances and activities that bring people together and add to the sense of atmosphere across the Quarter. We look forward to welcoming guests to join us on 21st February to celebrate the Lunar New Year with friends and family.”
The Lunar New Year celebrations form part of St James Quarter’s ongoing commitment to reflecting and celebrating Edinburgh’s diverse cultural calendar, offering engaging events for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
For all of February, we are hosting an exhibition from the Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Police Historical Society about Edinburgh & Leith during World War II.
To tie in with this, we have a lecture on Monday 9th February at 6:30pm delivered by Tom Wood: The Bombing of Edinburgh & Leith – 1939-1942. There is no need to book ahead and it is free to attend.
We are hosting a second lecture on 23rd February on The Memorial Roll about Edinburgh Police and the uncommemorated lives lost during World War II – more details to follow.
The author, Gerard McEwan, has generously donated a copy of this book which is part of our Local History collection. Access this collection in the library and other resources online with your library card!
WE invite all Edinburgh residents to celebrate Languages Week Scotland (2 – 6 February) by joining a variety of activities promoting the languages spoken by New Scots at Edinburgh Libraries.
Muirhouse Library, 2 February, 6 – 7:30pm
Bringing together stories and experiences of Syrian and Sudanese New Scots, Join us for an open session that celebrates spoken and written Arabic through poetry, narration and calligraphy workshop.
Gilmerton Library, 4 February, 1 – 8pm
From lines to letters: Multilingual calligraphy
Celebrate one of the languages spoken by the Afghan community in Edinburgh, the library will offer Pashto alphabet pages for practice. Come along with family and friends to test your calligraphy skills. No booking required.
Oxgangs Library 5 February, 10:00 – 11:30am
From speech to mastery: Reading challenge in Arabic
Whether you are an Arabic or non-Arabic speaker, this fun session will provide a variety of activities that celebrate the language and culture through learning and discovery.
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.
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!’
WHAT’S ON TODAY – Thursday 11 December at North Edinburgh Arts 
Winter Pop-Up Market | 11am–3pm
Dementia-Friendly Film Club: Scrooge | 1.30–3.30pm
Garden Sessions for Adults | 1.30–4pm
Youth Arts Collective | 4–6pm
Women’s Wellbeing Workout | 6–7pm
Talk: Scottish UFOs | 6–7.15pm
SNEAK PEEK ALERT! 