The fantastic Ross Bandstand’s festive community programme at Edinburgh’s Christmas opens with its Light Night Concert this Sunday – 23rd November.
The 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, Depute Lord Provost and Edinburgh’s own radio DJ, television presenter, stage and television star, Grant Stott.
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!
LifeCare is delighted to host a special St Andrew’s Day storytelling celebration led by storyteller Fergus. Families are invited to drop in for a fun-filled morning of stories, dancing, and crafts—perfect for children aged 3–10.
The free event will take place on Saturday, 29 November at 11am, with guests encouraged to wear something tartan to join in the spirit of the day.
This fantastic storytelling adventure is supported by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s Big Scottish Story Ripple initiative, organised by Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS) and supported by the Scottish Storytelling Forum.
No booking required just come along to the Lthe LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB
As the evenings turn frosty, Christmas at the Botanics returns to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for the 2025 festive season. Running for 36 nights on selected evenings from 20 November to 30 December, the trail will illuminate the beauty and resilience of nature during winter.
The popular after-dark trail will once again transform the Garden into a glowing wonderland of light and sound, showcasing both homegrown talent and international artists.
Visitors can enjoy an array of spectacular installations that explore the theme of transformation and renewal – paying homage to the natural cycles of change that sustain our planet. New installations for 2025 include:
Papillons: Making its UK debut on this year’s trail, the installation by French design studio Pitaya will see a breathtaking display of hundreds of multi-coloured butterflies taking flight among the trees, inviting visitors to step into a vision of springtime in the depths of winter. The installation serves as a joyful tribute to biodiversity.
The Seeds: These internally lit, stand-alone white sculptures are equally impressive during the day as they are when illuminated at night and are powerful symbols of restoration and new beginnings.
Water Lilies: Five large, self-illuminated water lily flowers gracefully float along the surface of the Pond. As their incandescent petals reflect off the water, these flowers serve as a reminder of growth and transformation.
Pic Phil Wilkinson
As well as the well-loved Christmas Cathedral, which has become a popular selfie spot over the years, visitors can also capture the love of Christmas under the new Heart Arches. Emitting a vibrant red glow, this installation adds another great location to capture picture-perfect moments with loved ones.
Designed to complement the Garden’s landscape, with 98% of the lights being energy-efficient LEDs, the trail combines art, sustainability and storytelling in the uniquely atmospheric setting of one of Edinburgh’s most iconic tourist destinations.
Beyond being a visual treat, the trail plays a vital role in supporting the Garden’s important work to tackle the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency. Ticket sales help fund crucial plant research, conservation and education programmes, helping to build a positive future for plants, people and the planet.
Pic Phil Wilkinson
Sarah Cathcart, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “This year’s trail celebrates transformation – in nature, in art and in how we experience the winter season.
“We’ve refreshed much of the route to reflect the beauty and resilience that define both nature and our work at the Botanics – and the importance of protecting it.
“Christmas at the Botanics has become a highlight of Scotland’s winter tourism calendar, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. It’s a wonderful way to showcase Edinburgh at its most magical and celebrate the creativity that Scotland is known for.”
Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now, with the addition of three quiet nights to offer a more relaxed and accessible experience. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred timeslot.
For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please click here.
Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter RG Live, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.
For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.
Young carers up to age 19 will now receive Young Carer Grant following an expansion of the benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland.
The grant which was previously open to 16 to 18-year-olds is a Scottish only benefit that gives young carers a yearly payment of £390.25.
The payment can be used to pay for whatever the young person wants – like driving lessons, tech to help with work or study or new clothes.
The grant is available to young people who spend at least 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit. It is available to young people who are in education, employed or out of work.
Social Justice Secretary @S_A_Somerville visited @fifeyoungcarers to announce the extension of Young Carer Grant to 19 year olds.
Young Carer Grant is
✅ more than £390 for young carers aged 16 to 19 ✅ only available in Scotland
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Young Carer Grant recognises the important contribution that young carers make, and I’m proud that we’re able to extend eligibility further to include 19-year-olds.
“Young carers often miss out on activities enjoyed by other people their age – Young Carer Grant provides some support towards helping them do the things they like outside of their caring responsibilities.
“I would encourage young carers across the country to check their eligibility and to see what other support is available to them.”
Millie is 19 and cares for her mum and older sister in Fort William.
From today, our Young Carer Grant has been extended to 19 year olds!
Young carers aged 16 to 19 may be eligible for over £390 and can apply on an annual basis.
She said: “I was told about the Young Carer Grant through our community link worker and was able to apply for it when I was 16, 17 and 18 which was very beneficial towards my driving lessons and car insurance.
“It’s absolutely brilliant that Young Carer Grant is up to the age of 19 now. It will definitely benefit a lot of young adult carers who don’t receive any financial benefits.”
Young Carer Grant has been available to young carers in Scotland since 2019.
Applicants must have been caring for one or more people for an average of 16 hours a week for at least the last three months. If they care for more than one person, they can combine the hours of the people they care for to average 16 hours a week.
A total of 4,135 Young Carer Grant payments were made in the 2024/25 financial year. This is the highest number of payments in a financial year since the grant’s launch. (Young Carer Grant statistics 2024/25)
Young carers providing care for 35 hours a week or more may be entitled to Carer Support Payment. Young Carer Grant is not available to people who already receive Carer Support Payment.
To find out more about social security support for unpaid carers and to check eligibility, visit mygov.scot/carers
Information on other support, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot
It’s almost a year since The Pitt reopened its doors on the Granton Prom, opening up a huge and much-needed community space in North Edinburgh.
We just want to take a moment to say thank you — to everyone who’s stopped by for a quick pint, come along to one of our events, or supported us in any way.
Every visit, every dance, every bite, and every cheer helps us keep building something special here. You’re helping us grow a space that’s not just about great food and live music, but about connection, creativity, and community.
Come along to The Pitt for a Christmas lights switch-on and festive gathering, accompanied by live music from talented local artists, carol singing, free seasonal treats and hot drinks.
And, as always, The Pitt’s street food market and bar, huge indoor seating area with pool table and table tennis and an under 5s play area.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – our Christmas jumper workshops!
These were a huge hit last year so start getting excited now! On Saturday 22nd and 29th of November, we will be running drop-in craft sessions (2pm – 4pm).
We will provide wool, felt, pom-poms etc – please bring a spare old jumper or t-shirt if you have one! We will provide some old jumpers as well.
We can’t wait, and we look forward to seeing you all wearing your beautiful Christmas or festive jumpers throughout December!
St James Quarter, Edinburgh, Christmas Light Switch-on
St James Quarter has teamed up with Scottish children’s charity, Children First, to bring festive cheer to families who need it most this Christmas, with the launch of the Gifting Tree – a heartwarming initiative that gives guests the opportunity to donate gifts for children and young people across Scotland.
Located on Level 3 of the St James Quarter Galleria, the Gifting Tree invites visitors to help make Christmas a little brighter for children and families who may otherwise go without this festive season.
Shoppers can now donate a new, unwrapped gift at the Guest Services Desk within St James Quarter. In return, each donor will receive a blank tag, on which they can write a special message to hang on the Gifting Tree – a symbolic gesture of generosity and community spirit.
All gifts will be distributed by Children First to families across Scotland who are struggling to make ends meet this winter. For those who would prefer to make a monetary donation, they can do so online via the Gifting Tree Just Giving page.
With over 240,000 children living in poverty across Scotland, energy costs rising and families facing increasing financial pressure, Children First has seen more families than ever reaching out for help.
The charity offers vital emotional, practical, and financial support to ensure children can grow up safe, secure and happy – but it relies on the kindness of local communities to make this possible.
Donated gifts could include games, books, cosy clothing, toiletries, or vouchers for shops and experiences (a full list of suggested items can be found below). There is a particular need for gifts for teenagers and older children, who are often overlooked in festive giving campaigns.
Jennifer Laseen, Chair of the CSR Committee at St James Quarter, said: “Every child deserves to experience the joy and magic of Christmas. We’re proud to partner with Children First this year to bring the Gifting Tree to life at St James Quarter.
“The festive season is a time for giving, and this initiative allows our guests to make a real difference to children and young people who are finding things difficult right now. We’re constantly inspired by the generosity of our community here in Edinburgh and look forward to seeing the Gifting Tree filled with decorations that represent kindness and compassion.”
Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Children First said:“For families already having a tough time, the added pressure and cost of Christmas can be overwhelming. By donating through the Gifting Tree, you can help bring joy to children in Edinburgh and across Scotland during the festive season.
“We’re incredibly grateful to St James Quarter for their generous support and we hope as many people as possible will get involved. This wonderful initiative has the power to brighten Christmas for countless children – and we can’t wait to see the difference it will make.”
To take part, visitors can simply bring their gift to the Guest Services Desk on level 1 of St James Quarter and then place their decoration on the Gifting Tree on Level 3 from now until 5 January 2026.
Suggested gifts for donation:
Vouchers for shops and experiences (cinemas, haircuts, Greggs, Starbucks, JD Sports, Primark, One4All vouchers)
Make-up sets, make-up brushes, jewellery, accessories, heatless curl set
Toiletries and personal hygiene items
Headphones
Games, puzzles and arts and crafts sets
Pyjamas, cosy socks, branded socks
Hats, gloves and scarves
Board games and arts and crafts activities
Journals, notebooks and stationery
Footballs
Guests can make the most of the festive season at St James Quarter with the extended opening hours outlined below:
Sunday 16th November – Sunday 14th December: 10am – 7pm
Friday 28th November (Black Friday): 9am – 9pm
Monday 15th December – Saturday 20th December: 9am – 9pm
Sunday 21st December: 9am – 7pm
Monday 22nd December – Tuesday 23rd December: 9am – 9pm
Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve): 9am – 5pm
Edinburgh Leisure is making it easier than ever to kickstart your fitness journey in time for the festive season with an unbeatable offer: a £1 joining fee across all memberships, available for a limited time only from 14th – 30th November.
Whether you’re looking to swim, lift, climb, or stretch your way to better health, Edinburgh Leisure’s Full Fitness membership offers the best value in the city – giving you access to the widest range of activities across multiple venues, all with no contract and total flexibility.
This year’s offer is even more exciting with the inclusion of Evolve Meadowbank, a cutting-edge hybrid gym and Hyrox training club, now part of the Full Fitness package. It means more choice, more flexibility, and even greater value – all under one membership.
More Than Just a Gym
From state-of-the-art gyms and swimming pools to fitness classes, golf simulators, and climbing walls, Edinburgh Leisure offers something for everyone. And with a strong local focus, the campaign is shining a spotlight on three key venues:
Meadowbank Sports Centre – Featuring a modern gym, two fitness studios, Evolve Hybrid Gym, running track, and Café Refresh.
Leith Victoria Swim Centre – Home to a 25-yard Victorian pool, sauna, gym, and three group fitness studios.
Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre – Offering gym access, fitness classes, all at the home of tennis
Don’t Miss Out
This limited-time offer is your chance to join Edinburgh Leisure for just £1 plus the cost of whichever flexible membership you choose to suit your lifestyle and experience the breadth of fitness activities available across the city.
With no contract and local venues on your doorstep, there’s never been a better time to move more and feel great.
Offer valid from 14th – 28th November 2025. Join now:
A dazzling maze of light, colour and imagination lit up Edinburgh Zoo on Thursday (13 November) as Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns officially opened.
As dusk fell, the trail, which has made its glowing return after six years, came to life with towering illuminated sculptures and intricate light displays.
This year’s interactive under the sea experience takes the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) visitors on a luminous journey into the deep, featuring marine wildlife, legendary sea creatures and ocean mysteries. All brought to life by more than 600 hand crafted lanterns, some standing at an impressive 20 feet high.
Open to visitors from now until February 22 2006, the interactive trail includes an enormous 14 meter whale for visitors to walk through, a giant crab and a journey through Atlantis. Over 12,000 LED bulbs light the trail which was created in just three months by Inlight Festival Group (the Zigong Lantern Company).
Locally inspired scenes feature iconic and lesser-known native Scottish species, from the much-loved puffins to the critically endangered flapper skate, one of the world’s largest rays and a focus of RZSS’s conservation efforts.
Edinburgh Zoo, Giant Lanterns Trail
Lindsay Ross, events and experiences manager at RZSS, said: “After a six-year hiatus we are so pleased to bring back Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns, bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before!”
Along the route, visitors can enjoy festive treats such as toasted marshmallows, mulled wine and other seasonal favourites.
