Live music, festive performers and the launch of a new après-ski social hangout spot will accompany the venue’s Christmas lights switch-on on Friday 6 November.
Santa is heading to Teviot on Friday 6 November, bringing his elves and some four-legged friends for a Christmas celebration filled with music, creativity and festive spectacle.
The Teviot Lights Switch-On event previously drew 1,000s of spectators to Bristo Square, and this year marks the events return following a three-year break while the historic building was closed for renovations.
The event is free to attend and open to everyone. Come along early to enjoy festive food and seasonal specials at Edinburgh University’s Student Association-run Union Social, the Library Bar and Gallery Café, Teviot and Baristo, Potterrow, which will all be open throughout the day.
The festive programme begins at 4pm, with the Brass Band, carol singers and Jazz Band performing traditional favourites and Christmas covers. Live reindeer will join the celebrations, with Santa hats and candy canes being given away to help visitors get into the spirit.
At 7pm Santa and his elves will lead the countdown to the Christmas lights switch-on joined by stilt performers and musicians in a parade-style celebration.
Once the lights are on, the evening continues with opportunities for visitors to get photographs with Santa, take part in Christmas karaoke in Union Social and enjoy the DJ’s musical entertainment in Union Social Garden which takes on a whole new vibe.
From Friday 6 November, Après Ski Social, a brand-new concept bringing the spirit of an Alpine hangout arrives at Union Social Garden. Swapping the slopes for Edinburgh’s city centre, the new winter social spot is designed for catching up with friends and making an evening of the darker nights throughout the winter months.
Vice President Activities & Services 2026/27, Vasil T, said:“Teviot has always been about bringing people together and we can’t wait to welcome students, families and our Edinburgh neighbours, to join and celebrate the start of the festive season with us.
“It’s a chance to enjoy the talents of our student musicians, support local creativity and share that special moment when the Christmas lights come on.
“We’re also excited to launch Après Ski Social, giving everyone another reason to get together in the garden this winter. Bring your friends, bring your family and help us give the festive season a brilliant start!”
Next week we are joined by local author, Leona Thomas, as she shares her past works, how she researched family history, and gives tips on the writing process.
Come along for free on Monday 19th October at 6:30pm.
On Sunday at noon, artist Kirralee Fisher is giving a talk on her exhibition at the Cathedral, followed by a conversation with our Chaplain Lana and Jonathan Baxter from A+E.
Local charity LifeCare is inviting parents, grandparents and carers to join a free, practical paediatric first aid session at its Stockbridge hub this Friday (11th September).
The session will cover basic first aid for infants, including how to deliver CPR and what to do in the event of choking. It is designed to give people who care for young children the confidence and practical knowledge to respond calmly in an emergency.
Taking place from 3pm to 5pm at CafeLife, LifeCare, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge, EH4 1JB, the informal session is open to anyone who looks after children and would like to learn some essential first aid skills.
There is no need to book, and the session is completely free to attend. Tea and coffee will also be available, with donations welcome to support LifeCare’s work.
Set up in September 1941, the charity is celebrating its 85th anniversary of delivering transformative support within our local communities this month.
Sarah Duckmanton, Activities Coordinator at LifeCare said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for families and carers to access useful, practical information in a friendly and welcoming setting. Knowing what to do in an emergency can make a real difference, and this session is sure to be a great opportunity to learn some important skills.
“This event forms part of our free Talks at LifeCare programme, where we have covered everything from Edinburgh Street Style to the Water of Leith. Everyone is welcome. Thanks to everyone at the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland for helping make these free talks possible!”
CafeLife is fully accessible with lots of space for buggies, prams and wheelchairs. If you’re interested in getting involved or would like to learn more, please get in touch sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk.
Event details
What: Paediatric First Aid – including choking and CPR When: Friday 11 September, 3pm–5pm Where: CafeLife, The LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge, EH4 1JB Free but donations are always welcome
We are pleased to invite you to ‘Knots, a community walk for all the family’ on Saturday 26th September, 1:45pm-3.00pm. It is part of the Granton:hub / Madelvic House Doors Open Day.
We will walk, play, do an art activity, and learn about nature too. This event relates to our neighbour, United Wire, and one of our other historical and contemporary industries, fishing. You will learn some basic knotting practices (appropriate for children and adults), making a joint artwork, and also something to take home with you to help you remember the walk and what you have seen.
Starting and ending at the Granton Hub / Madelvic House.
Places are limited for participants’ safety and enjoyment. Suitable for those with wheels / sticks. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Tamsin Grainger is a Paths for All walk leader. In 2024/5, she was the Granton Archive Community Development Worker, and she is an experienced pedestrian.
This event is free to attend but booking is required via Eventbrite.
Collective Gala is a free family-friendly day of celebration with creative activities for all ages. Explore newly commissioned artworks and performance by Scottish artists, join behind-the-scenes tours, shop with local makers, and enjoy creative play sessions for children.
The day will culminate in a celebratory procession inspired by Gala traditions. Saturday, 5th of September, from 11 am to 4.30 pm. FREE ENTRY!
Looking for something to keep the little ones entertained? We’ve got plenty planned for a fun-filled afternoon at our Harvest Festival on Saturday 5th September, 11am–2pm.
Here’s just some of what you can look forward to:
Bouncy castle
Spartans football games
Face painting
Temporary tattoos
Musical statues with Bev
And that’s just the beginning! There’ll also be apple picking and pressing, garden activities, craft stalls, delicious food, a bake sale, tombola and much more to enjoy.
Best of all, it’s completely free to attend, so bring the whole family along and enjoy a fantastic day out with your local community!