Shows Coming To Edinburgh This Christmas
For many of us, a trip to see a live show over the Christmas period is a much-loved tradition.
From the side-splitting comedy pantomime to the beauty of ballet, there’s a packed line-up of shows to choose from in Edinburgh & the Lothians this holiday season.
We’ve rounded up a list of the some of these top-notch shows – guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit!
Scottish Ballet’s The Snow Queen
With live music by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra, The Snow Queen is the ultimate Christmas treat.
Embark on a journey through a wintery fairy-tale forest to the icy Snow Queen’s palace. A magical take of a story of love and friendship, you’ll meet some colourful characters along the way.
A relaxed performance for those families requiring additional support takes place on 08 December.
19 November – 10 December
The Festival Theatre, Nicolson St, Edinburgh, EH8 9FT
Sinbad The Pantomime
With nail-biting drama, dastardly pirates and ferocious creatures guarding hidden treasure – not to mention plenty of laughs and songs along the way, The Brunton presents Sinbad The Pantomime.
Join Sinbad on an epic journey as he voyages over the sea searching for fortune and finding romance with a runaway Princess-in-disguise.
BSL Interpreted performance: 16 Dec; Audio description: 17 Dec; Relaxed performance: 28 Dec.
23 November – 31 December
The Brunton, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh, EH21 6AA
An Edinburgh Christmas Carol
The Christmas classic is re-told with a special Edinburgh edition – the appearance of Greyfriars Bobby!
The heart-warming Edinburgh Christmas Carol will warm even the coldest of winter days.
24 November – 31 December
Royal Lyceum Theatre, 30b Grindlay St, Edinburgh EH3 9AX
The Muppet Christmas Carol – Film with Live Orchestra
Kermit the Frog, Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat and Miss Piggy perform the classic Charles Dickens holiday tale, The Muppet Christmas Carol – Film With Live Orchestra, complete with a delightful musical score.
Definitely not bah humbug!
29 November
The Usher Hall, Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EA
Christmas Showtime
This festive season Edinburgh’s largest restaurant and bar, Brewhemia is pulling out all the stops with a variety of shows.
Come and see the most fabulous Drag Queens around on ‘Slay’-Bell Sundays; Musical Mondays are an immersive sing-along to all your favourite show tunes, and Tuesdays are Late Night Panto to boo, hiss, drink and dance the night away. Over 18’s only.
29 November – 20 December
Brewhemia, 1A Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE
ROH: The Royal Ballet – The Nutcracker
The much-loved production, ROH: The Royal Ballet – The Nutcracker has all the elements of a festive fairy tale.
Follow the enchanting story of Clara who embarks on a magical Christmas Eve adventure, complete with a handsome Prince, a Rat King and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
8 December
The Brunton, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh, EH21 6AA
Once Upon A Snowstorm
Based on Richard Johnson’s illustrated book, Once Upon A Snowstorm is a delightful play for audiences aged 5 – 8.
When a father and son become separated during a snowstorm, the young boy comes face to face with the forest’s inquisitive creatures – will they help him find his way?
09 – 23 December
Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge St, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED
Christmas with Il Divo
(Image Credit: The Usher Hall)
Performing festive classics as well as some of their much-loved greatest hits, Christmas with Il Divo sees the popular classical cross-over group spreading a little festive cheer this year.
14 December
The Usher Hall, Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EA
Evening Concert Series: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas
Set against the backdrop of the stunning medieval St Giles’ Cathedral, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas sees the musicians of the Piccadilly Sinfonietta perform a festive programme of classical favourites including Vivaldi’s epic Four Seasons.
14 – 19 December
St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE
My Fair Lady
“Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” to see the beloved musical, My Fair Lady this festive season!
Taking place at Edinburgh Playhouse, join Henry Higgins as he tries to transform Eliza Doolittle into a cultured member of high society.
14 December – 07 January
Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AA
The King’s Panto: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The King’s Theatre may be closed for refurbishment, but as the saying goes – the show must go on, so The King’s Panto: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is this year taking place at the Festival Theatre.
Featuring many well-kent faces, expect magical scenery, outlandish costumes and hilarious slapstick comedy.
17 December – 22 January
The Festival Theatre, Nicolson St, Edinburgh, EH8 9FT
The Gift
(Image Credit: Paul Campbell)
A festive show for all the family – The Gift shows how using your imagination can be as much fun as gifting presents.
For a special treat, come along to one of the Twilight Shows where PJs are the perfect attire (you’ll even get a bedtime snack and hot chocolate!)
17 December – 04 January
The Studio, 22 Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 9BL
Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook
(Image Credit: Sean Purser)
Featuring stories and a feast of both modern and traditional Christmas music, Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook returns to The Queen’s Hall this December.
Featuring some of the country’s finest folk musicians, including Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr, Kevin McGuire and special guest, Brass Band, this is a special performance that should not be missed.
18 – 19 December
The Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9JG
Don’t miss any of the fantastic Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations coming to Edinburgh this year – head to our What’s On Page for the full low-down! >