Tomorrow: LifeCare Christmas Fair

Join us at LifeCare’s free Christmas Fair on Sat 6 Dec, 11 AM–3 PM at The LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB!

Enjoy festive stalls, treats, gifts, and community cheer. Perfect for all ages — come along, support local, give to a good cause and celebrate the season together

Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland and ScottishPower Foundation for making our free support possible.

Utilita Energy Hub in Leith transforms into free Santa’s grotto

A Leith shop will be transformed into a magical Santa’s grotto this week – providing gifts to local children for free

  • Who: Santa Claus
  • What: A free event to meet Santa, take photos, and receive a small gift if on the nice list
  • Where: Utilita Energy Hub, 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA
  • When: Friday, 5 December 2025, from 11:30am to 3:00pm
  • Cost: Free, but please bring a food donation for a local food bank 

Energy supplier, Utilita, will provide a different kind of energy this winter, transforming its Leith shop into a sparkling Christmas grotto on Friday, 5 December between 11:30am and 3pm.

The free event at the Utilita Energy Hub in Newkirgate aims to deliver relief to families facing a tough winter ahead, providing free presents to children as many families struggle with the cost of living crisis. Guests attending the festive day out are asked to bring one food item that will be donated to a local foodbank.

Gifts are aimed at young children up to the age of 10, but anyone is welcome to meet and take a photo with Santa Claus. There will be one gift per child, free of charge, while stocks last.

Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at the Leith Hub, said she is hoping the grotto will spread some festive cheer: “We’re looking forward to welcoming families and children to our Energy Hub this Friday, 5 December. Excited youngsters will get an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus and receive a free gift between 11.30am and 3pm.

“There’s plenty on offer for visiting adults too – you will be offered a cuppa, as well as free and simple energy advice to help make your energy spend go further this winter. Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item – if they can – which will be distributed to our local Food Bank.”

Utilita’s high street hubs make it super simple to manage your energy – no phone lines or online dashboards, just a friendly face to speak to. Whether you’re looking for account support, help to manage your spend or energy-saving advice, Utilita’s Energy Experts are on hand to help.

Utilita began a roll out of Energy Hubs in 2018 across the UK to provide a personal touch to their customer service, opening their Edinburgh branch in 2020. The hub has helped thousands of locals better control their energy usage as well as supporting various community initiatives.

The hub’s Community Room provides local groups and charities with a free, warm and safe space for them to hold meetings or community events, with complimentary WiFi and refreshments available. 

The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk

See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.

Light the nights with a free festive concert this weekend hosted by radio DJ and panto legend Grant Stott

Light Night at Edinburgh’s Christmas

Sunday 23 November, 2pm – 6pm

Ross Bandstand, East Princes Street Gardens 

Free, unticketed 

Winter Festivals

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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! 

The line-up features

Leith Phoenix Community Choir

Angela Watson School of Dance

Little Voices Big Stars Choir

BollyFeat Dancers

Singerie choir

Edinburgh University Chamber Orchestra

Magician Kevin Quantum

SoundSational 

(subject to change on the day)

St Andrew’s Day Storytelling for children at LifeCare

SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER at 11am – FREE EVENT

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

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Community Eye Health Day Event – Clarity Edinburgh

Clarity are delighted to invite local Edinburgh residents to join us for a special free community eye health open day. 

This event offers an opportunity to learn more about eye health directly from our expert clinical team, enjoy a tour of our facilities, and take part in a relaxed and informative afternoon dedicated to patient wellbeing. 

It will take place on Saturday, 22 November, drop in anytime between 10am – 3pm at Clarity Edinburgh, 60 South Gyle Cresent, Cornerstone, The Stones Business Park, Edinburgh, EH12 9EB. 

There will be: 

  • Free mini consultations and eye screenings to assess your eye health and identify any early signs of common conditions.
  • Expert advice from our specialist consultants, covering a range of eye treatments and services. 
  • Guided hospital tours offering an insight into our modern, patient-focused environment.
  • Complimentary festive refreshments served throughout the event. 
  • Competitions and giveaways with a chance to win a selection of prizes.
  • Free patient chauffeur service available to those who require assistance getting to and from the hospital.

“We’re very pleased to welcome local people from across Edinburgh, and beyond, to our new private hospital,” said Andrew Gunn, Hospital Manager.

“Our team is passionate about providing exceptional eye care and ensuring patients feel supported at every stage of their journey.

“This event is a chance to meet our specialists, learn about eye health, and enjoy the hospitality and care we are proud to offer.”

The event is free to attend.

Book your place here:

https://www.clarityhealthcare.uk/edinburgh-mini-consultation-event-25/ 

For further information, please contact events@clarityhealthcare.uk

TODAY: Stories from Edinburgh’s history at Drumbrae Library Hub

We have an exciting Storytelling event TODAY – Tuesday 14th October at 2pm!

Come along and help celebrate Edinburgh’s 900th anniversary with stories from Edinburgh’s History!

Learn about Queen Margaret’s love story, the soap opera of Mary Queen of Scots and a tale of a powder Monkey.

Entertaining tales for all, free event, no tickets required.

(Recommended age 5+)

*All children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult

Scottish stories at Stockbridge Library

A FREE preview show by a group of tellers from the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Come and listen to three tales of Scottish fairies and folklore, with puppetry and musical instruments adding to the magic.

You’re invited to take part in our interactive imagination exercise as well, perhaps you’ll walk away a storyteller too!

Book your free tickets on:

https://www.eventbrite.com/…/free-show-thin-places-a…