Edinburgh’s Christmas with Haloorganisers Unique Assembly have announced a very special guest star for LNER’s free ‘Light Night Concert’, with ‘Girls Aloud’ superstar Nadine Coyle set to perform at the Ross Bandstand with a show packed full of chart-topping pop and festive sparkle.
Headlining Light Night with LNER, Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle will perform some of the iconic girl band’s biggest hits at the Ross Bandstand including ‘Love Machine’, ‘Sound of the Underground’ and ‘The Promise’.
The free event alsoincludes a festive sing-a-long of Christmas classics with the spectacular Pheonix Choir and Voice of the Town, a beautiful Lantern Procession, and if everyone sings loud enough, a visit from Santa himself, all beneath the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The ‘Light Night with LNER’ will kick-off at 3pm, Sunday 22 November and the event is free for all to attend.
In 2002, Nadine Coyle was selected as a member of Girls Aloud, with whom she has been successful in achieving a string of 20 consecutive UK top ten singles (including four number ones), two UK number one albums, five consecutive platinum selling studio albums and received nominations for five BRIT Awards.
Now she joins LNER and Edinburgh’s Christmas for this free event. She may have thought of herself as a city girl, she may have thought of herself as a beach girl, but this year, she’s an Edinburgh’s Christmas girl!
As sponsor of the iconic LNER Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens, LNER are no stranger to Edinburgh’s Christmas, having brought festive cheer to millions of visitors in recent years. This year, their new partnership of ‘Light Night with LNER’, helps spread festive cheer, bringing free community events to the capital, and supporting charity fundraising across the seven-weeks of Edinburgh Winter Festivals.
This year, a fundraising target of £75,000 will support the incredible work of official local charities One City Trust, When you Wish Upon A Star, My Name’5 Doddie, CALM and Street Assist Edinburgh.
Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER, said:“Every year, LNER connects millions of people from across the UK with all that Edinburgh has to offer, including its spectacular Christmas and Hogmanay events.
“That’s why we’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Edinburgh’s Christmas and cannot wait to bring festive cheer to the thousands of people joining us onboard the LNER Big Wheel or at Light Night with LNER.
“That’s why we’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Edinburgh’s Christmas and cannot wait to bring festive cheer to the thousands of people joining us onboard the LNER Big Wheel or at Light Night with LNER.
“At LNER, we’re passionate about supporting the communities that we serve. This year, we’re delighted that we are helping to deliver free community events, such as Light Night with LNER, kickstarting the city’s celebrations. We’ll also be helping raise vital money for good causes in and around the area, including our charity partner CALM – all with a little LNER sparkle.”
On continuing the partnership with LNER, Unique Assembly said;“We’re thrilled to expand our strong partnership with LNER this year, raising valuable funds for CALM and welcoming Nadine Coyle to the Ross Bandstand Programme.
“The LNER Big Wheel is a favoured mainstay of the Edinburgh’s Christmas programme, and an iconic addition to the stunning festive landscape in Edinburgh, it’s fantastic that LNER can join us for more events. “
Light Night with LNER will also feature performances from the cast of Back to the Future at the Edinburgh Playhouse, La Clique Noël, Phoenix Choir, Insane Magic and more.
LNER and Nadine Coyle join the already announced programme of free, community-focussed events at the Ross Bandstand, includingEdinburgh’s Christmas with Halo ‘Kick-Off Concert’ with Red Hot Chilli Pipers on Sat 14 Nov, Edinburgh Diwali celebrations on Sun 15 Nov, a Taste of Scotland weekend to celebrate St Andrew’s Day on Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov complete with free outdoor ceilidh, and the Santa Fun Run and Santa Paws in aid of charity partner When You Wish Upon a Star on Sun 6 Dec.
The full Ross Bandstand programme can be found on edwinterfest.com
Edinburgh’s Christmas Polar Ice Bar on sale now, with new Viking theme from Hamilton Ice Sculptors
The Polar Ice Bar with Icelandair– a bar where everything from the tables and chairs are sculpted from ice by experts Hamilton Ice Sculptors – returns with a brand-new theme for 2026, with spellbinding hand-carved Viking themed ice sculptures in the magical Edinburgh’s Christmas attraction on George Street.
The hugely successful Family Ice Experience with Icelandair is back by popular demand, with more family-friendly sessions in the Polar Ice Bar this year than ever before. This year’s ice bar, which sits at a cool minus 8 degrees, will be Viking themed, featuring dazzling hand carved sculptures and fire and ice elements.
The Polar Ice Bar welcomes guests with jackets and gloves on arrival and complimentary mocktails or cocktails served in a glass made of ice.
Visitors can enjoy 30 minute slots for frozen festive fun at the coolest bar in town and then warm up at The Coorie Inn just next door – inspired by luxury Highland lodges, the free-to-enter Coorie Inn will serve up piping hot drinks, festive warmers and host a programme of live music, quizzes and craft workshops.
Polar Ice Bar and Family Ice Experience tickets are available from edwinterfest.com.
Unique Assemblyhas announced the addition of world-renowned sexy circus cabaret La Clique to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas line-up as the city’s festivities cross the bridge into the historic Old Town, marking the first time a Spiegeltent will take residence in Bristo Square.
Providing a glamorous cabaret option for the festive season, La Clique Noël will light up the stage in the Palais du Variété’s new home of Bristo Square, for seven weeks of Sexy, Funny and Dangerous Christmas Kabaret.
Brand new for 2026’s season, La Clique Noël joins a packed line-up for Edinburgh’s Christmas with Santa’s Stories, LNER Big Wheel and the Around the World Starflyer already on sale. The world-famous traditional Christmas markets will once again pop up in Princes Street Gardens in the capital’s New Town from 14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027, hosting beautifully decorated chalets selling gifts, decor and festive food.
Born at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004, La Clique has gained international acclaim as the original trailblazing Spiegeltent cabaret show performing all over the world from Edinburgh to London, Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, New York, Paris and more.
The Olivier Award winning show will take over its new home in Bristo Square for six nights a week, with matinees on weekends, kicking off on Friday 20 November at 7.30pm. Plus, a host of more festive announcements to come from Edinburgh’s Christmas.
La Clique Noël will once again host the best of the best boundary pushing performers set to entertain Christmas crowds with dazzling acrobatics, razor-sharp wit, sights and sounds you will never forget in the intimate setting of the Palais du Variété fusing cabaret, circus, and sideshow burlesque for a specially curated festive show.
This year’s cast includes Heather Holliday, renowned sword swallower and firebreather; David Pereira, award-winning ‘shaving cream’ acrobat and sublime aerialist; Mario Queen of the Circus, a showman comic known for his crowd surfing, juggling and much more.
With sold out seasons and critical acclaim from around the world under its belt, La Clique’s Christmas edition is sure to add an extra touch of magic to Edinburgh’s Christmas this year under the warm glow of the Spiegeltent. The perfect festive night-out for party-goers and groups looking for the perfect Christmas Cabaret experience.
La Clique’s David Bates said:“Christmas and Hogmanay feel like the perfect time for La Clique to return to its birthplace in Edinburgh. This very special cast are delighted to be in town for 7 weeks – resident in the perfect environment which itself is the star of the show – the Palais du Variété Spiegeltent in Bristo Square.
” La Clique has played to millions of folk in its 22 years but none more special than the audiences in its Auld home toon! Fresh, New, Cutting Edge – La Clique is a reinvention of itself and this year will be no exception. Strap yourself in, leave your troubles at the door and escape with us!”
Directors of Unique Assembly who create and produce Edinburgh’s Christmas said:“Unique Assembly are delighted to welcome back ‘La Clique’ to Edinburgh for festive fun guaranteed to get you on Santa’s naughty list. “
“La Clique was born in Edinburgh and has grown into an international smash-hit, celebrated around the world as well as the city we pride ourselves on representing.
“Unique Assembly has made Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay some of the most celebrated events in the world, which last year welcoming over 3M visitors to world-class attractions, making both events accessible to local and international audiences.’’
La Clique Noël takes place from Friday 20 November until Sunday 3 January.
Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations spread across the city for seven weeks of festive fun, with more events still to be announced.
Glide along the ice beneath sparkling lights, surrounded by Edinburgh’s stunning Georgian architecture, on the city’s largest outdoor ice rink. From confident skaters to first timers, everyone is welcome to join the fun!
New special themed sessions have been introduced and run throughout the season, including Toddler Sessions for wee ones finding their feet, Relaxed Sessions for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere, and Late Skates with guest DJs on Fridays for adults looking to glide into the weekend.
Themed sessions:
Mon 15 – Thu 18 December: All sessions. Students 2-4-1 bookable at Box Office
Fri 19 Dec, 3-4pm: K-Pop Demon Hunters
Mon 22 Dec, 6-7pm: Swifties on Ice
Tue 23 Dec, 6-7pm: Pop Princesses
Mon 29 Dec, 4-8pm: Hottest Hits of 2025
Tue 30 Dec, 4-8pm: Birl on Ice – The Best of Scottish Trad
Wed 31 Dec, 1-3pm: Tots Tunes
Wed 31 Dec, 3-5pm: Hogmanay Through the Years
Fri 2 Jan, 6-8pm: 90s Boybands vs Girlbands
Sat 3 Jan, 6-8pm: 90s Trance
See here for more information on the sessions and to book.
Edinburgh’s Christmas’ Santa Paws event attracted over 100 dogs in festive outfits. The event took place on Sunday, 7 December in West Princes Street Gardens, the city’s premier family destination this festive season. It raised awareness of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, a local charity which was also fundraising at the event.
Furry friends (and their humans) also enjoyed games, photo opportunities with Santa’s elves, pet stalls including Bowzos Bows and Pure Pet Food and took part in a best dressed dog parade with winners chosen by the organisers: 3rd place went to Pisco, 2nd to Luigi and 1st to Winton.
The charity event raised funds for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, which strives to support families who need help caring for their pets at home, as well as providing loving care, rehabilitation and rehoming services for animals who can no longer be cared for by their owners.
Santa Paws took place after the annual Santa Fun Run, also in West Princes Street Gardens, which each year raises funds for When You Wish Upon A Star, who grant the wishes of children aged 4–16 living with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.
The eventful, family friendly afternoon brought festive joy to all who attended, raising money for two important charities.
Life Raluy,Development Manager at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said: “Today’s Santa Run and Santa Paws gathering was a fantastic celebration of people and their pets coming together for a great cause.
“We may not have broken a record this time, but the atmosphere was full of joy, kindness and community spirit. Every person — and every dog in a festive jumper — helped raise vital funds and awareness for animals who need us.
“We’re so thankful to everyone who joined us and made today so special.”
Over 16,000 people enjoyed free community and music events at Ross Bandstand over the St Andrew’s Day weekend celebrations, presented by Edinburgh’s Christmas.
Edinburgh Christmas, Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Among many others, audiences danced to the famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers (pictured) and whirled-away to The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, renowned as one of the top ceilidh acts in the world!
Edinburgh’s Christmas events and activities continue until 4 January!
Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows
Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.
With the 2025 brief to design a window that captures their vision of winter or the festive season, using any medium and style they wish, Edinburgh children’s 24 winning designs will be on display in West Princes Street Gardens along the top path from Thursday 27th November, each turned into a magical lightbox.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Winter Windows competition is in partnership with Arts & Creative Learning, Lifelong Learning, City of Edinburgh Council.
The judging panel consisted of Unique Assembly directors and City of Edinburgh Council representatives. Each of the 24 winners receives free tickets for a fun day out with their friends and family at Edinburgh’s Christmas – along with having their artwork on display throughout the festive season in one of the capital’s busiest locations!
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!
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!’
Spreading Christmas cheer, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers over 8,500 free tickets to local community groups and charities
Edinburgh’s Christmas spreads festive cheer further across the capital this year by offering more tickets than ever before to local community groups and charities, with over 8,500 free tickets now available across the community.
With more people than ever before able to share in the Christmas magic, this year over 8,500 tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions – including the Ice Rink, Santa’s Stories, West Princes Street Gardens Funfair, LNER Big Wheel and for the first time ever, the Around the World Star Flyer – are being gifted to local community groups and charities to join in the festive fun.
Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas are now keen to hear from charities and volunteer organisations working in communities across the capital.
Over 8,000 tickets in 2024 were gifted to over 160 local charities including those working with people with disabilities, young carers, refugees, and other disadvantaged groups, to ensure that Edinburgh’s Christmas is magical for as many as possible this festive season from funfair rides to meeting Santa himself.
Local groups and charities can apply now for tickets to this year’s event which will bring a dusting of Christmas sparkle to the Scottish capital from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
More information on this year’s highlights can be found on the edinburghs-christmas.com website.
Donations and money raised across both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals this year will be distributed to the event’s Official Charity Partners; One City Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star, Simon Community Scotland and Age Scotland. Last year visitors raised £11,000 for charity via donations made online when purchasing tickets and at fundraising points around Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay.
Unique Assembly will also soon announce a programme of free community-focused events at the iconic Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens.
Judith King, Scotland Fundraiser at When You Wish Upon A Star said: “We are truly honoured to be selected as one of the charity partners for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festival with their support, we can grant even more wishes for local children living with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.
“Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay are at the heart of our Wish family in Scotland. They consistently go above and beyond to support not only our wish-granting work but also our beloved Edinburgh Santa Fun Run and Walk, now in its 21st year.
“This festive season, their contribution will strengthen local communities, positively impact service users, and make a real difference for those who rely heavily on charitable support every day.
“We are proud to be part of Edinburgh Christmas Magic this year.”
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “With even more tickets available for communities and charities than ever before, I’m delighted that so many residents will have a chance to experience the magic of Edinburgh’s Christmas.
“It’s a small but meaningful way to say thank you and celebrate the incredible impact these groups have all year round.”
“I’d encourage organisations and charities to apply for tickets to make the most of what promises to be a truly memorable festive season for all.”
A Spokesperson for Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas said: “We’re delighted that so many community groups and charities in the city received free tickets last year and we’re building on that to offer even more Community Tickets this year.
“The work of community groups and charities in Edinburgh is more vital than ever, so offering free tickets to ensure that those most in need of some Christmas cheer can enjoy themselves this year, is hugely important to us.
“Whether you’re applying for tickets for your own organisation or want to support our wonderful charity partners with a donation, we encourage everyone to give what they can and support those who need it most this Christmas.”
The opportunity to apply is now open and the deadline for Community Ticket applications is 23:59 on Wednesday 05 November, and those who apply will hear about their tickets by Friday 07 November.
Residents with an EH postcode remain eligible for a 20% discount on tickets to all of Edinburgh’s Christmas events. For further information, visit the edinburgh-christmas.com website.
Organisations applying for community tickets can also get in touch at communities@unique-assembly.co.uk. Tickets are limited per application and applications should include details of your organisation’s aims and how you would like to use the tickets.
Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open daily from 15 November to 4 January, except Christmas Day, with varying opening dates and times available at the official website.
