Edinburgh gets ready to welcome Christmas!

Forget about short days and cold weather – November is going to be all about spectacular shows, fun rides, quirky markets and festive food and drink, when Edinburgh’s Christmas launches on Friday, 21st November.
The city will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland for six weeks, with attractions popping up both in St Andrews Square and East Princes Street Gardens. Favourites from last year including The Big Wheel, the Star Flyer and Santa’s Grotto will return, whilst new additions include a circular ice rink round the Melville Monument in St Andrews Square, a Christmas Ceilidh and a host of impressive stage shows for all tastes and ages.


One of the best things about Christmas is all the socialising you get to do so we rounded up a list of all the shows you can looking forward to enjoying with your friends and family in Edinburgh this year…
Scotch and Soda
Following on from last year’s hugely popular show, LIMBO, Underbelly are bringing the circus to town yet again! Scotch and Soda, a ‘whisky-soaked evening of raucous circus, dance and music, will have its European premier at The Spiegeltent in St Andrew’s Square. The show, performed by a talented Australian cast of acrobats and dancers, is recommended for those over the age of 12.
Scotch and Soda runs from Friday, 21st November – Sunday, 21st December (No performances on Mondays or on Sunday, 30th November) and tickets cost from £15.50.
Stick Man – Live on Stage
In the live stage adaption of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s hugely popular book, Stick Man, a trio of talented actors will recreate the story about the trials and tribulations of being a real-life stick man. The unique show looks set to be a huge hit with all the little ones this Christmas and, coupled with a visit to Santa’s Grotto and a ride on the Santa train, could make for a magically festive outing!
Stick Man – Live on Stage runs most days from Saturday, 22nd November – Sunday, 4th January. Tickets cost from £12.50 – £17.50 or a family ticket can be bought for £45 or £55.
Al Murray – The Pub Landlord’s Festive Saloon
Decidedly British Fringe-favourite Al Murray is returning to Edinburgh for three nights only to perform his latest show, The Pub Landlord’s Festive Saloon. The popular comedian will be joined by a host of special mystery guests each night and, if you opt to see him on New Year’s Eve, you will also get access to the world-famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party!
You can catch Al Murray – The Pub Landlord’s Festive Saloon on Monday 29th, Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st December. Tickets cost from £25.
Frisky & Mannish
Widely considered to be a staple of The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, musical comedy duo Frisky and Mannish are likely to sell out their Edinburgh’s Christmas run. Completely brash, camp and unique, this is a show that’s not to be missed!
Catch Frisky and Mannish at 9:30pm onTuesday 22nd or Wednesday 23rd December. Tickets cost £15.

Ceilidh at Christmas with the Robert Fish Band
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of raucous, funked-up Ceilidh dancing with the Robert Fish Band.
Ceilidh at Christmas with the Robert Fish Band takes place on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th November. Tickets cost £12.50.
Baby Loves Disco Christmas Cheer
It’s not just grown-up that like to let their hair down and party over the festive seasons – kids want to do a bit of clubbing too, you know!
To cater to their ‘needs’, Baby Loves Disco are set to bring their unique day-clubbing experience back to Edinburgh with a festive twist – not only will the kids be able to dance the night day away but they’ll also be able to enjoy face-painting and will each take home a present from Santa!
Baby Loves Disco Christmas Cheer takes place at 3:30pm on Sunday, 23rd November and Sunday 7th, 14th and 21st December. Tickets cost £8.
Brat Kids Carnival
For those that are too young to enjoy the delights of Scotch and Soda, the Brat Kids Carnival is a great alternative. Kids will love watching the talented Australian cast hula hoop at top speed and perform acrobatics high up in the air.
The Brat Kids Carnival is on at 3:30pm on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th December and Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th January. Tickets cost £13 each.
Briefs: The Second Coming
Briefs: The Second Coming looks set to be as fun and unexpected as the title suggests!
The male vaudeville troupe are bringing their hit variety show to Edinburgh and audiences can expect drag, comedy and an abundance of ‘boylesque’!
Catch Briefs: The Second Coming from Thursday, 18th December – Sunday, 4th January (no performances on 25th and 29th December or 1st January). Strictly for those that are over the age of 16.

All images provided by Underbelly Ltd