How many schools do you know that develop critical and creative thinking from Nursery to S6
Application deadlines for August 2025 entry: Junior School – Friday 15 November, 2024
Senior School – Sunday 1 December, 2024
For further information contact the Admissions Office on 0131 221 6709 or admissions@george-heriots.com
george-heriots.com
At Reconnect Counselling we provide specialist support for mothers navigating the unique challenges of motherhood. Whether you’re struggling with identity loss, balancing life as a mother, or improving emotional well-being, our counselling service is here to help. We also offer support for miscarriage and fertility issues, managing stress and anxiety, and caring for children with disabilities.
Our services include individual counselling, long-term therapy, and brief therapy tailored to your needs. We also run a monthly therapeutic art group for mothers who want to explore their experiences creatively and a 6-week online group therapy for those seeking support from the comfort of home.
We believe in helping mothers reconnect with themselves, manage the demands of life, and rediscover balance and peace.
Find out more at www.reconnectedinburgh.co.uk
At the Buggy Repair Centre, we know how important it is to keep your buggy running smoothly. We handle everyday repairs like fixing wheels, brakes, tyres, tubes, bearings, handle foam, poppers, small stitching jobs, scratches and scuffs.
Some manufacturers are better at providing smaller parts, but if we can’t get new ones, we’re great at finding second-hand alternatives. While not all chassis or handlebar issues can be fixed, we can usually order new or used chassis when needed.
We’re an authorised repair centre for Uppababy and work closely with brands like Babystyle, Egg, Mamas & Papas, Out ’n’ About, Mountain Buggy, Baby Zen and more to ensure reliable service and access to parts.
Let us help keep your buggy on the move! Visit buggyrepaircentre. co.uk for more information.
George Heriot’s School opened its doors in 1658 for the education of Edinburgh’s ‘faitherless bairns’, made possible through the generosity of jeweller to James VI, George Heriot. We are proud to welcome young people from across Scottish society, especially Foundationers, children of widows and widowers, who live in Edinburgh and its environs. These pupils are a key part of our story as Edinburgh’s oldest independent school. ‘Giving’ remains at the heart of the school today in our Foundation and motto: I distribute chearfullie.
Heriot’s leads Scottish education with its golden legacy of high-quality academic attainment and its focus on kindness, pupil wellbeing and care. This was recognised in the exceptional results of our recent Education Scotland Inspection:
‘The School has sector leading approaches to ensuring inclusion and equality for children and young people.’
‘Young people’s overall attainment in their National Qualifications is outstanding.’ ‘Young people feel safe, happy and have every opportunity to learn and thrive.’
Please see the Education Scotland website for the full report https://education.gov.scot
Heriot’s welcomes children aged 4 to 18 (Nursery to S6) in a co-educational setting and progressively develops critical and creative thinking. Heriot’s values are simple: work hard, be kind, be yourself. It is these values which bind our pupils and staff together to create a cohesive culture. Conveniently a city centre school, we have beautiful grounds and open spaces. Our Junior and Senior School classrooms are purposefully located together on one campus, reinforcing a strong community feeling.
Through our extensive range of curricular and co-curricular subjects and activities, our emphasis is on developing each child’s potential and encouraging them to grow to be their best self. We have high expectations of our young people; we want them to thrive, enjoy their learning and care about one other.
The 2025 entry application deadline for P1-P7 is 15 November, and for S1-S5 it is 1 December 2024. Should you wish to apply, please go to our online application form via www.george-heriots.com/admissions/apply-online Please email admissions@ george-heriots.com for more information.
Visitors are welcome during term time, to allow you the opportunity to have a look around the school, get to know Heriot’s and our ethos and meet with key staff members to answer your queries. Contact the Admissions Office on 0131 221 6709 or admission@ george-heriots.com to arrange a visit or to find out more about the admissions process.
Choosing a school for your child is a very important decision. Our most important publicity comes from our current and former pupils and parents so do please feel free to speak to them! We look forward to meeting you and helping you discover what is behind the stones.
When you’re part of the club, you’ll support our work with Scotland’s animals and get all this cool stuff…
• Your choice of a cuddly Collie, Highland Cow or Seal
• Membership card and certificate
• A 16-page magazine full of fun activities and animal stories
• Collectable animal fact cards and folder
Find out more at scottishspca.org/cub-club
If your kids are wanting to get active, meet new friends or simply want to spend more time on a favourite activity then look no further.
Join babyballet Edinburgh North
Discover the joy of dance for little ones aged 6 months to 6 years. Our fun, friendly classes help build confidence and coordination in a magical, nurturing environment.
Book a 3-week trial for just £20 today!
Classes in: Ratho, Stockbridge, Kirkliston, South Queensferry & Corstorphine
Contact Miss Marie 07307232112
Yoga-inspired movement sessions brought to life with storytelling & music (composed especially for the classes).
A multi-sensory approach develops physical & communication skills. Mindfulness & breath awareness are introduced with playful games and activities, giving children strategies for their future mental wellbeing and tools for self-regulation. Kindness, consideration & respect are at the heart of the sessions.
Weekly sessions in Edinburgh for little ones aged 16 months – 5 years. Edinburghwest@tattybumpkin.com www.childreninspiredbyyoga.com
Follow on Facebook or Instagram @childreninspiredbyyogaedinburgh
FREE TRIAL at Aspire Dance Academy
Classes for ages 3-18.
Various styles, including Jazz, Acro and Contemporary from beginners to advanced.
Over 30 years experience in the industry.
Based at the Royal High School.
Contact samm.b@btinternet.com
Call: 07909504424
Saturday mornings with Children’s Sports Academy. Join at any point in the term!
A ‘one stop shop’ for the coaching of primary school-aged children that gives all participants access to a variety of sports.
Sessions take place under one roof within the state-of-the-art facilities of The Galleon Club in George Watson’s campus where our participants receive progressive, professional coaching in gymnastics, tennis and football.
Children’s Sports Academy provides children with the ideal foundation to build a lifelong love of sport and reap the benefits that sport participation brings.
Book online at: www.childrenssportsacademy.com
When you get in touch, please don’t forget to say you saw them in Families Edinburgh magazine!
Italian Baby & Me with Emma and Anna
Friendly, weekly classes for you and your little one to learn or practice Italian together through simple songs, rhymes, games and more. Whether you are Italian or not, seize this opportunity to immerse your baby or toddler in the sounds of another language and open the pathways to a lifelong love of language learning.
Sessions start at 11am in the Play Barn at Whitekirk Hill, North Berwick.
Plus for just £1 make a morning of it and enjoy 110 minutes of soft play at the Play Barn afterwards.
Message Emma on 07444313542 to find out more.
Winter Pre-school Dance Programme - New Classes, New times.
Tutu Tots toddlers with parent participation: Saturday 9.15am.
Twinkles Ballet from 3yrs, New class: Friday 2pm also Tuesday 3.40pm & Sat 10am.
NEW! Acro dance from 3yrs, Wednesday 3.30pm
All held in our beautiful Davidsons Mains Dance studios. With over 25 years of making dance fun for little ones, you can be sure your child will be taking their first steps in the best hands.
Limited spaces for older children available. waterfrontdance.co.uk
Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, email or call: kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk 0345 313 3252
Ages 3-12
Voxblock £59.99
Bring stories to life with Voxblock. This screen-free audiobook player encourages a love of reading without the distractions of screens and WiFi connection. Begin with a Voxblock Gift Pack which includes: a player, one audiobook, a charging cable and a protective case. The intuitive design means even the youngest kids can use it independently, fostering imagination and literacy. Loved by parents looking for a calm, tech-free alternative to entertain and educate their little ones this Christmas.
Buy online at www.voxblock.co.uk
The Mindfully Slow Down Series Bundle
Discover the magic of slowing down with stories in The Mindfully Slow Down Series by local author Natasha Iregbu.
Slow Down Amaya, shortlisted in the Ink Book Prize 2024, introduces children to mindfulness with the senses and takes young readers on an adventure in nature where Amaya, an excitable butterfly, meets a quiet sunflower called Sammy. Slow Down Sammy explores a fun mindfulness technique that helps children release worried and anxious thoughts.
These delightful books share uplifting tales of friendship, kindness and the power of living in the moment. They are perfect for helping children learn to navigate their feelings and emotions. The bundle includes character bookmarks and an eco-friendly character canvas bag. This is a fantastic gift for children aged approximately 4-7 years old. www.butterfly-minds.co.uk
Currie Community Centre Christmas Craft Fayre December 1, 12pm – 4pm, FREE
Fun event for all the family with 30+ stalls from local artists, crafters and small businesses to help you find the perfect Christmas gifts.
Christmas time at Doodles
Looking for the perfect present for family and friends this year that will be handmade and personal? Look no further, Doodles can help you make a unique gift for someone special.
All ages and abilities are welcome plus pet prints on request!
The festive period is always a busy time so don’t forget to plan ahead by heading to their website and booking online.
Please note Tuesday 12 December will be the last day to guarantee items ready before Christmas, but the earlier the better!
Ages 7-11
We’re excited to announce the launch of Cub Club, a new kids’ membership for 7–11 years olds from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA)!
If you have a young person in your life who is OTTERLY wild about animals, sign them up to Cub Club and start their journey of fun and learning, all while supporting animals across Scotland. Members receive an exciting welcome pack full of goodies, with their choice of cuddly toy, collectible animal fact cards, magazine full of fun activities and animal stories and much more!
Join today from £7 per month and help inspire the next generation of animal lovers. Visit scottishspca/org/cub-club to find out more.
We are so lucky in Edinburgh to have so many festive treats for the whole family to enjoy!
Treasure Island at the Lyceum
It’s Christmas Eve and young Jim Hawkins works at North Edinburgh’s finest accommodation for reformed pirates and past-it privateers. Talk of cutlasses, ships and gold can be dangerous in such company. It’s not long before the story of their greatest voyage takes over... Jim, Ben Gunn and Lean Jean Silver are soon reliving their time hunting for treasure on the Hispaniola. Ahoy!
Sea shanties, adventures and heartfelt fun enliven Jim’s adventure as Billy Bones’ treasure map leads him north to the isles of Orkney in search of Captain Flint’s hidden fortune. Encountering plenty of puffins and buckets of swashbuckling, Jim tries to beat the pirates to the gold and get back home to Edinburgh safe and sound. Remember, X marks the spot... Or does it?
This playful new adaptation by Orkney playwright Duncan McLean is directed by Lyceum favourite Wils Wilson, with songs from Tim Dalling. Adventure awaits!
From Thu 28 Nov 2024–Sat 4 Jan 2025.
Visit lyceum.org.uk to book.
Traquair Christmas Opening 23 & 24 November
See Traquair, Scotland’s Oldest Inhabited House, beautifully decorated for Christmas. Visit Santa in his luxurious grotto and receive an early Christmas present!
We have entertainment for all with puppet shows, carol singers, and face painting, as well as hot food and drinks from the Old Walled Garden Café. The House will be full of local stalls selling gifts, festive crafts and Christmas treats.
Tickets available at www.traquair.co.uk
Step into a world of winter wonder this Christmas at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh
Discover more about the polar regions and the amazing creatures that live there.
Feel the festive magic with Dynamic Earth’s Winter. Experience where you’ll meet Santa in his polar Grotto and learn more about his polar pals! Gaze up at real footage of the aurora borealis above your head in our new daily Planetarium show: What’s Up? Winter Wonderland.
Enjoy festive classics The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Holiday and Love Actually like never before in our 6K Planetarium on selected days in December. Keep the festive spirit going with free drop-in activities exploring polar animals beginning on December 27.
Book now at dynamicearth.org.uk
Join Children’s Classic Concerts this December for the orchestral retelling of the festive classic ‘A Christmas Carol’
Can you help banish Scrooge’s ‘bah humbugs’ in time for Christmas Day?! CCC are calling in help from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the RSNO Youth Chorus and The Manor School of Ballet to make sure of it.
And if that doesn’t do the trick, music from Home Alone and The Muppets Christmas Carol certainly will! Scrooge won’t be able to resist this sparkling celebration jam packed with ballet dancing, festive singalongs and Christmas favourites.
Kickstart your festive season with guaranteed fun for all the family.
Visit childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk to find out more and book.
Fun for all the family at Village Hotel Club Edinburgh
Have a magical time at one of our special festive family events:
Sunday 8 December
Michael Bublé Sing Along Festive Lunch
£35 Adults, £15 Kids, £90 Family
Sunday 15 December
Festive Family Lunch with Santa
Includes festive 2-course lunch, family disco and a visit from Santa.
£25 Adults, £15 Kids, £72 Family
Christmas Day
Christmas Dinner
Enjoy a delicious 3-course Christmas dinner
£80 Adults, £40 Kids, £216 Family
Hogmanay Family Gala
Bespoke 3-course dinner and live decades duo entertainment and DJ £70 Adults, £35 Kids, £189 Family
Family bundle includes 2 adults and 2 children (3 to 12 years), under 2s go FREE.
View our full calendar of events online, www.villagehotels.com/christmas
Join us on Saturday 14 December for a Christmas activity day! Take in the Palace’s festive decorations and make some of your own with ribbon wreath making in the Great Gallery. Discover how the tradition of Christmas cards began and take part in this Victorian craft in the Palace Family Room.
Attend an exclusive family tour this winter to explore the Palace before doors open to the public. Tours are available on Sat 14 and 21 with bookings available online. Bookings are also now available for a special holiday Royal Rhyme Time our interactive toddler storytelling session, as well as our creative workshop Abbey Strand Art Club where we will be making collage calendars.
Come back again for FREE by converting your ticket to a 1-Year Pass. For full details of upcoming events please visit www.rct.uk/whatson
National Mining Museum Scotland is a 5-star visitor attraction set in the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange, just 5 minutes from the Edinburgh City by-pass and a 5-minute walk from Newtongrange Railway Station!
Visitors to our award-winning museum can enjoy two floors of fascinating exhibitions, guided tours of the colliery with insights into what life was like for the miners and their families. Find the Colliery Cats activity, dress up, interactive zone, outdoor play and picnic areas. Our winter events programme is packed full of festive fun for all the family including our popular Santa’s grotto which sells out every year!
Visit www.nationalminingmuseum.com/experience/whats-on to find out more and to book your tickets now!
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Edinburgh’s
Returning to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station for the second year, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride delivers a magical Christmas experience for children and adults alike.
Inspired by the classic book and popular film The Polar Express, this interactive journey invites you to relive the story in real time as you embark on this magical adventure.
Beginning in November, you will be immersed in the world of The Polar Express, starting with a warm welcome at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a must –do event this Christmas. The film’s magical scenes, ensure a truly immersive experience for guests of all ages.
Once on board the beautifully decorated train, guests are encouraged to don their festive pyjamas, capturing the spirit of the movie’s young protagonist. From the moment the conductor welcomes you with a lively “All aboard,” the experience becomes fully immersive. Characters from the story, including the dancing chefs, and the conductor himself, perform scenes that evoke nostalgia and wonder. One of the highlights of the ride is the serving of the chef’s famous hot chocolate and tasty cookie, mirroring the memorable scene from the movie.
During the journey, be delighted as the classic story is read aloud, bringing the heartwarming tale to life. The sense of anticipation builds as the train steams along its journey, Santa Claus himself will board the train to meet everyone on board. Each guest will receive a special silver sleigh bell from his very own sleigh, the “first gift of Christmas,” as in the original story, making for a treasured keepsake.
For many, the true magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is its ability to appeal to all ages. The timeless story and festive ambiance remind adults of the wonder of Christmas while igniting the imaginations of young children. Edinburgh’s rich, historical Waverley Station serves as the perfect backdrop, blending the charm of the city with the nostalgic holiday setting.
Ultimately, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is more than just an event—it’s an unforgettable journey that celebrates the magic of Christmas, creating lasting memories for all those on board. For anyone seeking to embrace the warmth and joy of the season, this is a must-do festive adventure. Book your tickets online today, search: The Polar Express Edinburgh.
all your organic
Let Magic blow you away this Christmas at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival!
‘Tis the season to be blown away by some of the best illusionists, magicians and variety acts from around the country for the 15th annual Magic Festival from 17-30 December.
With a packed schedule of big shows, intimate shows, experiences and workshops the Scottish Storytelling Centre is once again the hub for the best of Scottish and UK performers.
Enjoy family-friendly hilarity with Tricky Ricky, superb sleight-of-hand from past The Magic Circle Magician of the Year Dr Will Houston and even grand stage illusions with ‘The Art of Illusion’.
Kevin Quantum and guests return to Church Hill Theatre with the ‘Christmas Special’, a riotous full evening show on the big stage with NEW unfiltered magic and spectacular stage illusions designed to blow your mind. And check out events dedicated to magic of Edinburgh as we celebrate Edinburgh 900 this year! Including our free to view photographic illusion exhibition, created in partnership with YouTube star and magic mastermind Prof Richard Wiseman that will be on display throughout the festival and beyond.
Full line up and tickets here www.magicfest.co.uk
Whether your Christmas tradition is having a laugh at the Pantomime or staring in awe at the ballet, or you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment for the wee ones.
This year’s panto at the Festival Theatre is the much-loved classic Cinderella, featuring panto favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young. Scottish Ballet are back with their gorgeous production of The Nutcracker that will sweep you away to the land of dreams and leave you entranced by the Sugar Plum Fairy. In The Studio, Barrowland Ballet are back with The Gift, their show for kids 5 and under, which celebrates the true gift of imagination.
www.capitaltheatres.com
Don’t forget to say you saw these events listed in Families Edinburgh Magazine! Edinburgh
Christmas at the Botanics is returning for 2024 with new exciting installations set to bring the holiday magic back to the Garden. Opening on 21 November 2024 and running over 35 nights, the onemile-long trail held after dark at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will amaze the whole family with dazzling light displays.
The festive favourites making a return to the Garden this year include the iconic Christmas Cathedral, Fire Garden and of course, a jolly visit from Santa.
Visitors can also look forward to brand-new installations along the trail, including flickering Candles that will transport Potterheads to the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry, Firework Trees that will bring the Garden to life with vibrant bursts of colour and the Mycelium Network which will bring a psychedelic twist through coloured strobes and pulses.
Entry is by ticket only. Book online at www.rbge.org.uk/christmas
We love putting these listings together for you but please check relevant websites for times/dates/changes as these pages are put together weeks ahead of some events just in case!
Daily
Family Activity Area
Museum of Edinburgh
Come and have fun in our family area in the heart of Museum of Edinburgh right next to Greyfriar Bobby’s gallery. Our activity area is packed full of art materials and worksheets relating to our galleries and amazing objects relating to the history of Edinburgh.
Daily ArtSpace in the City Art Centre
FREE Family Activity Space in the Heart of the Gallery
Come and have fun in our family area in the Lower Ground Floor at the City Art Centre. Our activity area is packed full of art materials and worksheets relating to our exhibitions. We offer a warm and welcoming space for family groups to work creatively together and to stay as long as you like. Open daily 10am-5pm.
Every Friday during term time
Family Fridays
National Gallery of Scotland, Clore Learning Space 10am–4pm. FREE , drop-in
Every Friday during term-time we dedicate our new gallery spaces to families! Friday mornings are for our littlest art-lovers. Expect interesting textures, lights, sounds, sensory art-fun… and a cuppa for the parents/carers. The afternoons are for the big kids! We’ve got trails, new play activities and of course, hands-on making with artists.
Fridays during term time
Find Out Fridays
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, EH1 1JF 1.30-4pm. FREE drop-in
Taking a different theme and activity each week, our Engagement team will be on hand to share some of the fascinating facts and surprising stories behind our collections, through object handling, practical demonstrations or quick crafts.
4 November BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby/ Bump)
Modern One, Meet in Art Space. 10.15am, 11am and 11.30am Babes-in-arms gallery tours for new, and expectant, parents/ carers!
9 November
The Big Family Event Dynamic Earth 9.30am-3pm Free Speakers, workshops and stalls run by SCCR and representatives of organisations who run family services, as well as fun and creative activities that all the family can join in with. Cyrenians’ Cook School will be on hand to share tips on making fun, tasty meals inexpensively, while there’s also a family yoga session and a Conversation Café. FREE lunches and refreshment provided throughout the day.
16 November
Polish Heritage Event
National Mining Museum Scotland 11am-3pm. FREE Enjoy a vibrant celebration of Polish culture and traditions. In the Black Diamond Theatre to watch the wonderful animated film, ‘A Bear Named Wojtek’, which tells the story of the fantastic journey of an orphaned Syrian brown bear brought to Edinburgh having been previously adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II. www.nationalminingmuseum. com
17 November
Buttons Galore
Lauriston Castle, 10am-12 noon
Experiment with crafts using buttons. All pre-booked family craft workshops are family learning experiences and designed around the whole family working together. Ages 6+. www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
From 21 November
Christmas at the Botanics Running over 35 nights, the one-mile-long trail held after dark at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will amaze the whole family with dazzling light displays. The festive favourites making a return to the Garden this year include the iconic Christmas Cathedral, Fire Garden and, of course, a jolly visit from Santa. Entry is by ticket only. Bookings are online only and are on sale at www.rbge.org.uk/christmas
23 November-31 December
Cinderella
Join returning panto favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young with a new magical pantomime for all the family at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Edinburgh audiences expect, Cinderella features laughout-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her Prince Charming. www.capitaltheatres.com
23 & 24 November
Traquair Christmas Opening
From 10am-4pm
Visit Santa in his luxurious grotto and receive an early Christmas present! Entertainment for all with puppet shows, carol singers, and face painting, as well as hot food and drinks from the Old Walled Garden Café. The House will be full of local stalls selling gifts, festive crafts, and Christmas treats. Book tickets online. www.traquair.co.uk
28 November-4 January 2025
Treasure Island
Sea shanties, adventures and heartfelt fun enliven Jim’s adventure as Billy Bones’ treasure map leads him north to the isles of Orkney in search of Captain Flint’s hidden fortune. Encountering plenty of puffins and buckets of swashbuckling, Jim tries to beat the pirates to the gold and get back home to Edinburgh safe and sound. Remember, X marks the spot... Or does it? This playful new adaptation by Orkney playwright Duncan McLean is directed by Lyceum favourite Wils Wilson, with songs from Tim Dalling. Adventure awaits! www.lyceum.org.uk
30 November
St Andrew’s Day Family Ceilidhs
The Counting House Ballroom, EH8 9DD A choice of 11.30am12.30pm, 12.45-1.45pm, or 2-3pm All of these ceilidhs are aimed at families with children aged 3-9 years, but everyone is welcomethe dances will be simplified and non-scary. Please bring your own refreshments. A donation of £5 per family would be welcome if you can manage it. For all these events please email ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com to book your place.
Starting 13 January 2025...
From 29 November
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh
Returning to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station for the second year, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride delivers a magical Christmas experience for children and adults alike. Inspired by the classic book and popular film The Polar Express, this interactive journey invites you to relive the story in real time as you embark on this magical adventure. Beginning in November, you will be immersed in the world of The Polar Express, starting with a warm welcome at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a must – do event this Christmas. The film’s magical scenes, ensure a truly immersive experience for guests of all ages. Book your tickets online today. edinburghthepolarexpress ride.com
30 November
Abbey Strand Art Club Palace of Holyroodhouse 1.30-3pm Take inspiration from Queen Alexandra’s collages and make your own collage picture to take home. Get ready for 2025 by making your collage into a calendar and you will be able to enjoy looking at your creation all next year. Suitable for children 7-12 years old accompanied by a parent or carer. www.rct.uk/whatson
30 November - 23 December
A World of Winter Wonder Dynamic Earth. Saturday -Sunday, with the exception of 20th) Running 10:15am–5pm Immersive storytelling and group visit to Santa to learn all about the wonderful polar world he lives in. Opportunity for families to have 1:1 meet and greet/ photo with Santa. www.dynamicearth.org.uk/ whats-on
2 December
Royal Rhyme Time Palace of Holyroodhouse 11-11:45am & 2-2.45pm
It is Stuart the Unicorn’s favourite time of year: Christmas! Explore some snowy pictures and discover how some Kings and Queens spent this special time of year a long time ago. These sessions are best suited to children aged two to four but children under two are welcome. Children should be accompanied by parents or carers. www.rct.uk/visit/palace-ofholyroodhouse
1 December
Sleeping Beauty Pantomime
National Mining Museum Scotland 12pm & 2.30pm Annual family-friendly panto, Sleeping Beauty, is not to be missed! Book online. www.nationallminingmuseum. com/experience/whats-on
1 December
Christmas Craft Fayre Currie Community Centre 12pm–4pm, FREE Fun event for all the family with 30+ stalls from local artists, crafters and small businesses to help you find the perfect Christmas gifts. Performances from Fourth Valley Choir, Pentland Singers and Razzamatazz.
Ever-popular Santa returns to his grotto from 7 December. Write a letter to Santa and pop it in the post box, enjoy some wee festive crafts and spend some time chatting with Santa. www.nationallminingmuseum. com/experience/whats-on
8 December
A Christmas Carol Usher Hall
Tis the season to be jolly! CCC needs your help to save Scrooge from his surly ways (what the Dickens is that all about?). Can the magic of the festive season take away those bah humbugs and fill him with Christmas joy? We pull out all the stops in our orchestral retelling of the festive classic... Scrooge surely won’t be able to resist this sparkling celebration. www.childrensclassic concerts.co.uk
8 December
Michael Bublé Sing-a-long Festive Lunch
Fun for all the family at Village Hotel Club Edinburgh
Have a magical time at one of our special festive family events, £35. Adults, £15. Kids, £90. Family Family bundle includes 2 adults and 2 children (3 to 12 years), under 2 years go free View full calendar of events online. www.villagehotels.com/ christmas
8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 December
The Muppets Christmas Carol Christmas Movies 10.15am at Dynamic Earth
The Muppets’ rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic tale puts a unique twist on that fateful Christmas Eve, when Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. www.dynamicearth.org.uk/ whats-on
14 December
Christmas Bauble Workshop
National Mining Museum
Scotland 11am
Get into the festive spirit and deck the halls in style! Join us in this creative Christmas workshop- decorate 2 baubles, paint a ceramic bauble with your own unique design and making a snow globe bauble. You can also decorate a giftbag to put your baubles in. Book online. www.nationallminingmuseum. com/experience/whats-on
14 December
Christmas Activity Day
Palace of Holyroodhouse
10am-3pm
Join us for a fun filled Christmas activity day! Take in the Palace’s festive decorations and make some of your own with ribbon wreath making in the Great Gallery. In the Family Room, discover how the tradition of Christmas cards began and design your own to gift family and friends! Come back again for FREE by converting your ticket to a 1-Year Pass. For full details of upcoming events visit the website. www.rct.uk/whatson
14 & 21 December
Exclusive Family Tours Palace of Holyroodhouse 9-10am
Come back again for free by converting your ticket to a 1-Year Pass. For full details of upcoming events please visit www.rct.uk/whatson
14-31 December
The Gift
The Studio, Festival Theatre Barrowland Ballet return to The Studio with their awardwinning show, back by popular demand! It’s often the cardboard boxes, not the gifts inside that are the most fun. Is the true gift the joy that can come from the imagination? This beautiful production celebrates the art of play, taking ordinary objects making them extraordinary and magical. www.capitaltheatres.com
15 December
Festive Family Lunch with Santa Village Hotel Club Edinburgh
Includes festive 2-course lunch, family disco and a visit from Santa £25 Adults, £15 Kids, £72 Family Family bundle includes 2 adults and 2 children (3 to 12 years), under 2 years go FREE . View the full calendar of events online. www.villagehotels.com/ christmas
17-30 December
Edinburgh International Magic Festival
With a packed schedule of big shows, intimate shows, experiences and workshops the Scottish Storytelling Centre is once again the hub for the best of Scottish and UK performers. Full line up and tickets online. www.magicfest.co.uk
21 & 22 December
Festive Cinema Screenings
National Mining Museum
Scotland
A series of popular festive movies with a visit from Santa. Films include The Snowman, The Snowman and the Snowdog, Elf, Polar Express and The Muppets Christmas Carol. Book online. www.nationallminingmuseum. com/experience/whats-on
23, 24, 27-30 December
Kevin Quantum Christmas Special - with guests Churchill Theatres Check website for times. Straight from sell-out shows around the globe, magician Kevin Quantum and special guests are back with NEW astonishing magic and spectacular stage illusions in a riotously fun and enchanting Christmas show for the whole family! Alongside Kevin, bringing the smoke and mirrors, are The Art of Illusion; internationally renowned magic duo Chris De Rosa and Michelle Ferguson. Expect drama, vanishes, levitations –big tricks and big wows with the glamour and glitz of a West End magic show. Enjoy a Christmas night out that will blow your mind! For ages 5+. Full line up and tickets online. www.magicfest.co.uk
25 December
Christmas Day Christmas Dinner
Village Hotel Club Edinburgh
£80 Adults, £40 Kids, £216 Family Family bundle includes 2 adults and 2 children (3 to 12 years), under 2 years go FREE. View our full calendar of events online. www.villagehotels.com/ christmas
27 December-6 January 2025
Polar Encounters FREE family drop-in 10am-4pm each day at Dynamic Earth This winter, come and explore a
polar paradise at Dynamic Earth! Investigate the wildlife that thrives in some of planet Earth’s most extreme environments: the Arctic and Antarctic. Get hands-on with infrared cameras to investigate animal blubber, explore the wonders of the Northern Lights with an aurora artwork station and make a papercraft polar pal to take home! Closed 1 Jan. www.dynamicearth.org.uk
29 & 30 December
Tricky Ricky - The After Christmas Christmas Show Scottish Storytelling Centre Laugh your Christmas socks off with Scotland’s ‘Children’s Entertainer of the year’ Tricky Ricky in this funny, punny magic show. For ages 4+. Full line up and tickets online. www.magicfest.co.uk
31 December
Hogmanay Family Gala Village Hotel Club Edinburgh
Bespoke 3-course dinner and live decades duo entertainment and DJ. £70 Adults, £35 Kids, £189 Family. Family bundle includes 2 adults and 2 children (3 to 12 years), under 2 years go FREE. www.villagehotels.com/ christmas
8-18 January 2025
The Nutcracker Festival Theatre
Follow Clara on a journey through the worlds of her imagination, as she drifts off to sleep on Christmas Eve. She meets the dashing Nutcracker Prince, takes on the larger-than-life Rat King, sees snowflakes dance in the Land of Ice and Snow and is whisked into the luscious Land of Sweets by the Sugar Plum Fairy! The Nutcracker brings light and joy to winter. Enjoy a visual feast as we take you and your family on a fantastical adventure. www.capitaltheatres.com BOOKING NOW
