elcome to WishList: however you spend it, we’ve got Christmas covered. Getting organised? Check out our shopping guides and our rundown of the best markets and fairs. Out and about? From the best Christmas events to the coolest spots for group gatherings, plus our Edinburgh Hogmanay highlights, there’s absolutely no excuse for a dull December. Planning to lie on the couch mainlining selection boxes? We’re here for you too, with stuff to read, stuff to watch, stuff for last-minute presents and stuff to fill your glass. (And cheese. All the cheese. Yes please to Christmas cheese.) Your festive fun starts here. From all of us at The List, we wish you everything you wish yourself, plus an extra helping of magic and a sprinkling of fairy lights, courtesy of the cities we’re proud to call our stamping grounds, every day of the year.
Jo Laidlaw Editor
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Christmas isn’t Christmas without . . .
We asked some hardworking elves (aka List staffers) to tell us what’ll be jingling their bells when the printing press closes for Christmas
Decorations everywhere (vintage paper ones); an old-school advent calendar (no chocolates, just pics of robins); A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack; classic/stinker musical The Slipper And The Rose on telly; a real tree (multicoloured lights, no matchymatchy baubles) and a gentle greet over ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’, aka The Greatest Carol Ever. Paul McLean, Sub-editing Santa
The hectic mix of parties, catch-ups and organising in the lead-up, then a total slowing down on the day itself. Eating too much, all day, all month . . . on a loop. Not getting dressed till the afternoon. Festive tunes, fairy lights and cheeseboards. Watching Christmas telly with a few drinks. Family. Seonaid Rafferty, Head Arty Elf
For me, it’s about gorgeously long late-night drinks, streets drenched in sparkling lights and Cher’s ‘DJ Play A Christmas Song’ on unapologetic repeat. I love how this season mixes chaos with a lush calmness as everyone hunkers down with loved ones. Plus, for a nosy person like me, sneakily judging my neighbours’ tree set-ups is a real treat.
Jayne Atkinson, North Pole Partnerships Point Person
CONTRIBUTORS
CEO Sheri Friers
Editor Jo Laidlaw
Art Director
Seonaid Rafferty
Subeditor
Paul McLean
Writers
Ailsa Sheldon, David Kirkwood, Isy Santini, Jo Laidlaw, Kevin Fullerton, Murray Robertson, Paul McLean, Suzy Pope
Cover Illustration
Nataliia Pyzhova
Print & Digital Content Manager
Murray Robertson
Senior Business Development Manager
Jayne Atkinson
Online News Editor Kevin Fullerton
Media Sales Executive Lachlan McMaster
Marketing & Events Manager Leah Bauer
Marketing & Events Executive Eve Johnston
winter at capital theatres
A glittering winter tale
1 2 3
Edinburgh Zoo’s
Giant Lanterns
Back after a six-year break, Edinburgh Zoo will be lit up by over 600 Chinese lanterns in this interactive aquatic-themed walking trail. Explore marine myths and legends along the way, walk through the inside of a huge whale, and warm up with mulled wine and toasted marshmallows.
n Edinburgh Zoo, until Sunday 22 February.
Lost Shore: Christmas Movies
No matter the weather, the surf doesn’t stop at Europe’s biggest wavepool. If that seems too much of a shivery bite, they’ve a programme of classic Christmas movies, including How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Scrooged and, of course, the greatest Christmas film ever made: The Muppet Christmas Carol Fight me.
n Lost Shore Surf Resort, Newbridge, Edinburgh, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14, Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 December.
Wee Nutcracker
It’s a cracker of an idea. Coming in at just 45 minutes, this specially adapted (and fairly priced) version of The Nutcracker is perfect for a wee one’s first exposure to ballet. All the magic remains, there’s a live pianist on stage and the dancing is, naturally, sublime.
n Tramway, Glasgow, Friday 12– Wednesday 24 December.
12 days of Christma s
Hoolie In The Hydro
Gary Innes’ passion project is an annual highlight for lovers of traditional music. This year celebrates The Big Yin (because yes, Billy Connolly was a folkie first). A star-studded cast including Martin Compston and Elaine C Smith provide the chat, with the likes of Innes’ own Mànran and Elephant Sessions on the tunes. n OVO Hydro, Glasgow, Saturday 13 December.
Viennese New Year
Cure that hangover with a selection of timeless Viennese waltzes and polkas. This Scottish Chamber Orchestra concert is all about the family Strauss, bringing to life the darkly glamorous manners and frothy fripperies of a long-gone court. Soprano Rachel Redmond guests, while Andrew Manze conducts.
n Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Thursday 1 January; plus other Scottish tour dates.
Vitamin C: Music Is The Answer
Straight after the Torchlight Procession, Vic Galloway and Andy Wake take over the Assembly Rooms to kickoff Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations. They’ll host a DJ set from Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite as well as live music from indie-rockers Waverley as the city prepares to let its collective hair down.
n Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, Monday 29 December.
4 5 6
Lauriston Castle At Christmas
The Lauriston team have pulled out all the stops this yule, with a gorgeous wee programme of Christmas craftiness. Fold paper poinsettias, decorate with handpainted winter foliage, make colourful cranberry wreaths or turn your hand to crafting a pegdoll fairy for the top of the tree. Wholesome fun.
n Lauriston Castle And Gardens, Edinburgh, dates vary.
The Irn-Bru Carnival
With over 75 different rides and attractions, The Irn-Bru Carnival holds a special place in Glaswegian hearts. There’s a softplay area for youngsters as well as plenty of family-friendly rides, while thrill-seekers can enjoy that funny feeling at the base of their tummy on attractions like the Miami Superbob and Extreme Ice Blast.
n SEC, Glasgow, Friday 19 December–Sunday 11 January.
Beauty And The Beast
For many families, the Citz panto will be their first experience of gathering in the shiny new space since its huge renovation. In other words, this one’s a milestone for both the theatre and the local community. Luckily there’ll be plenty of magic, music, mystery and mischief as Beauty learns to love her Beast.
n Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Tuesday 2–Wednesday 31 December.
PICTURE: JOHN CLARK
Beyond Van Gogh & Beyond Monet
Try a complete change of vibe and immerse yourself in the colours and light of Monet and Van Gogh. Iconic paintings blend with cutting-edge technology, allowing you to step inside their work to see it from a new perspective on a huge scale.
n Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, Saturday 29 November–Friday 2 January.
Massaoke: Christmas Live
Picture the scene: huge crowd, brilliant band, lyrics on the screen. Live-band singalong Massaoke nights are a total blast and this one’s Christmas-flavoured. Expect your Pogues, your Whams, your Slades and of course your Chris Reas to all make an appearance. Bring lozenges and leave any cynicism at the door.
n Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Saturday 13 December.
Concerts By Candlelight
Scottish Ensemble’s fascinating journey from early music collective to contemporary creative commissioners always makes for interesting listening. Concerts By Candlelight explore paths and connections: you’ll hear JS Bach next to Caroline Shaw, as well as new work by Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, in beautiful settings.
n Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, Tuesday 9 December; Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Glasgow, Wednesday 10 December; plus other Scottish tour dates. 10 11 12
PICTURE: DAVID MUNN
PICTURE: HUGH CARSWELL
ALL NEW FOR 2025
Join us as fire and ice transform Edinburgh Castle in this spectacular festive show
SELECTED DATES FRI 21 NOV - SUN 4 JAN Book online in advance.
Tickets £24 – concessions, family tickets, discounts for Historic Scotland members available.
edinburghcastle
Edinburgh City Centre / From The Meadows to Castle Terrace
West Princes Street Gardens
Join revellers from around
for
Featuring SWIM SCHOOL waverley.
STUART BRAITHWAITE
DJ SET (MOGWAI)
VIC GALLOWAY & ANDY WAKE
Assembly Rooms, George Sreet
St. Giles’ Cathedral, High Street
HOGMANAY
SUSIE McCABE
CHRISTOPHER MACARTHUR-BOYD
AYO ADENEKAN
Assembly Rooms, George Street
ACOUSTIC SHOW
Assembly Rooms, George Street
MUCKLE BE THE LIGHT
Assembly Rooms, George Street
Manson, The Makar & Dreamers Beyond
Portobello Town Hall Blether & Brawness on New Year’s Day with SHIRLEY MANSON
MICHAEL PEDERSEN
NICOLA STURGEON AND MUSIC FROM NORMAN BLAKE (Teenage Fanclub)
From light shows to grottos, the run-up to Christmas is all about dark nights, cosy drinks and gathering with family and friends.
Princes Street is the hub for Edinburgh’s Christmas (until Sunday 4 January), with the traditional markets and attractions like the LNER Big Wheel drawing the crowds. An all-new community programme at the Ross Bandstand includes Red Hot Chilli Pipers headlining a free day of fun on Fair Saturday (29 November), part of a global movement that celebrates artists, culture and social projects in response to the naked commercialisation of Black Friday. The Silent Disco Christmas Cracker (Saturday 13 December) looks like fun too, and you’ll find the ice rink and polar bar at George Street.
In Glasgow, the refurb of George Square means changes to the traditional celebrations. Glasgow’s Winter Wonderland (Friday 21 November–Sunday 4 January) will be split over two sites: Glasgow Green has an ice rink, Big Top Festive Live and the scarier rides, while St Enoch Square has a family-friendly feel, including a solar-powered giant wheel (with wheelchair access). Both spots have market stalls and plenty of food and drink to help you make a day of it. The traditional Christmas tree and nativity scene moves to the Cathedral Precinct, and a new festive light trail will see the city sparkle. Heading indoors, Glasgow Science Centre is screening classic festive films in The Planetarium dome, as well as full-dome experiences that set classic albums like Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon to 360° visuals.
When it comes to light shows, east coasters are spoiled for choice. As well as Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns (see page 7), Castle Of Light: Fire And Ice will see Edinburgh Castle all lit-up and lovely (Friday 21 November–Sunday 4 January). Christmas At The Botanics also returns (Thursday 20 November–Tuesday 30 December), with an all-new light trail bringing drama to the gardens, with lots of hot chocolate stops and more than enough prettiness to fill up your camera roll.
If you want to combine the festive fuzzies with a bit of art, Christmas At Jupiter has an expanded programme (Saturday 6–Sunday 14 December). They’ve got Christmas movies, the ever-popular Christmas Fair (weekends only), Santa, elves and all the rest. For the first time, the sculpture park will be open for the duration, so you can view the art, too. If you’ve never visited The Real Mary King’s Close, December is a great time to give it a whirl: they’ve added A Victorian Christmas experience to their standard tour (Saturday 6–Sunday 28 December).
Finally, don’t let Christmas get you down. Laugh off the stress of deciding who sits next to Uncle Mike at dinner, or simply avoid talking to your colleagues by having office drinks while watching comedy. Christmas At The Stand comedy specials (Edinburgh & Glasgow, dates vary) will see you right.
On the town
Fight the urge to hibernate this winter as Jo Laidlaw brings you the best days out and festive experiences for all ages
Red alert
What better way to get into the seasonal spirit than a visit to the big Christmas kahuna himself? Here are some of the best spots to let Santa know what you want in your stocking
Santa’s Stories (part of Edinburgh’s Christmas) sees the main man setting up home in West Princes Street Gardens for the duration. After a group story, each wee one will get to meet Santa and receive a special gift. If you’ve put off writing the Santa letter, there’s a post box and letter-writing station. Elf Adventures at St James Quarter is also worth a look: storytime, elf school and reindeer food-making are all available on a drop-in basis. Further afield, Craigie’s Farm, Archerfield Walled Garden and Conifox Adventure Park all have visits from the man in the red suit.
Glasgow’s Winter Wonderland on Glasgow Green has a pretty Santa grotto with bookable visits. If you’re exploring Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square, you can also drop by the grotto in the St Enoch Centre. Santa’s Snowy Hideaway includes a gift, face-painting, crafts and a photo op, with all proceeds going to Street Soccer Scotland.
Finally, don’t forget good old Dobbies As well as grottos in their stores, there are lots of different experiences for the young and the young-at-heart, including Santa breakfasts and (our fave) Santa Paws sessions for four-legged fur babies.
PICTURE: CRAIG DUNCAN
Santa’s Stories
PICTURE: IAN GEORGESON
Everything’s coming up Christmas
Curtain up! Light the lights! Jo Laidlaw rounds up the best showstopping festive entertainment in theatres across Glasgow and Edinburgh
Cinderella: A Fairytale
This new production of Sally Cookson’s Cinderella includes music, puppetry and magic as Ella tries to make it to the ball. But who are her mysterious birdy pals? All will be revealed . . .
The Embra triumvirate of Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young (above) lead the fun in this classic pantomime. Expect lots of audience participation as Jack tries to keep hold of his trusty cow, against all the odds.
Festival Theatre, Saturday 13 December–Sunday 11 January.
The Snow Queen Shivery, glittery, sparkly, classic ballet: this traditional festive treat is based on Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale (as was a tiny movie called Frozen). Gorgeous stuff, with
choreography by Christopher Hampson.
Festival Theatre, Thursday 27 November–Sunday 7 December; plus other Scottish tour dates.
Snow White
Summerhall Arts’ first ever panto has all the right ingredients: a Snow White who marches to the beat of her own drum, a missing father, a wicked stepmother and a sassy magic mirror.
Classic festive larks.
Summerhall, Thursday 11–Sunday 14 December.
Snowy
Step into a magical snowglobe to help Snowy the pup save Christmas in this magical adventure for the whole family. Cute as a box of buttons: they had us at magical snowglobe, to be honest.
Festival Theatre Studio, Wednesday 17–Wednesday 31 December.
Beauty And The Beast
The first panto at the renovated Citz after seven long years is worth celebrating; expect sparkle, magic and plenty of joyful celebration in this Christmas milestone. Dominic Hill and Joanna Bowman direct.
Carol gets a visit from three spooky, silly ghosts telling her to change her ways, but will she listen? Lewis Hetherington’s tenth panto for Easterhouse’s fantastic Platform arts centre is pitched at the whole community, with loads of jokes and songs, relaxed performances and fair prices.
Platform, The Bridge, Tuesday 2–Wednesday 24 December.
Gallus In Weegieland
The West End’s in crisis and Gallus doesn’t know her nice toes from her naughty toes. Johnny McKnight’s pantos surely qualify as national treasures and this completely weegie romp promises to be another belter.
Tron Theatre, Wednesday 19 November–Sunday 4 January.
Ice Dragon
The big panto can be a little bit scary for tiny folks: this relaxed, interactive show aims to be a gentle alternative for under-6s. Four dragons make a mysterious discovery, find
new forest friends and travel on a quest. We’re hooked already.
Theatre Royal, Monday 1–Friday 12 December.
Jock And The Beanstalk
The Trots don’t have a bean to their name and the greedy Glaikitguts is terrifying their village. Is selling the family cow really the answer? This traditional panto (pictured below) has all the bells, all the whistles and all the bean-based puns.
Join Elaine C Smith, Johnny Mac and all the gang at the bottom of the ocean for a theatrical-spectacular traditional panto. Can Ariel fight off the evil Sea Witch and find her feet (quite literally)? You betcha . . .
Love panto, hate wee weans? The Òran Mór panto is for 14+, so expect plenty of grown-up jokes as Martin McCormick puts a Glasgow spin on the classic tale. Can Mary Doll help the Clydebankses find the true meaning of Christmas? Maybe, if they get off their bloody phones first.
Òran Mór, Tuesday 25 November–Sunday 4 January
CRing out the old, ring in the new, as Jo Laidlaw brings us the best of Edinburgh’s famed Hogmanay extravaganza
Party on
rash, bang, wallop: Edinburgh remains the undisputed worldwide home of Hogmanay, though a quieter, folk-tinged thread running through this year’s programme suggests there’s plenty of room for contemplation as well as full-on celebration.
It all kicks off with the Torchlight Procession (Monday 29 December), which winds its way rather beautifully through the Old Town, led by the Massed Pipes & Drums and a bunch of Vikings (yep, real Vikings). Vic Galloway and Andy Wake’s Vitamin C club night follows straight after, warming up the dancers with a DJ set from Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite.
The Night Afore Concert (Tuesday 30 December) sees folk/rock crowdpleasers Peat & Diesel headline an outdoor gig at the Ross Bandstand, supported by accordion sensation RuMac. If you’d rather stay warm, Susie McCabe hosts the Ho Ho Hogmanay comedy special at Assembly Rooms, or there’s a beautiful candlelit performance from folk trio Lau up at St Giles’ Cathedral.
Parents with long memories might remember being told that Christmas was for bairns and New Year was for grown-ups, but there’s plenty for families. Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club is an afternoon of dancing before the Street Party kicks off, followed by Sprogmanay, an afternoon of family fun at the National Museum Of Scotland on New Year’s Day.
Hogmanay fireworks (and clockwise from top right), St Giles’ Cathedral, Torchlight Procession, Wet Leg, Tinderbox Orchestra
On to the main event. The Concert In The Gardens sees pop sensations Wet Leg inviting Edinburgh to take a seat on their chaise longue (and a listen of their new album will not disappoint: it’s a belter). They’re supported by Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys. At the same time, the Hogmanay Street Party brings 45,000 revellers to the streets. 2manydjs lead The Party Zone, while The Tartan Zone majors in upbeat homegrown talent including Valtos and Bella McNab’s Ceilidh Band, with a Silent Disco Zone on Market Street completing the story. Come midnight, the whole shebang will be lit up by the world-famous fireworks, in what’s always a truly spectacular midnight moment.
Don’t waste the first day of the year sleeping off a hangover, because there’s plenty to keep you occupied. First Footin’ is a free, unticketed music trail across some of the city’s venues. The likes of Tinderbox Orchestra (with guests including Kathryn Joseph), classical/folk duo Sean Shibe and Aidan O’Rourke, and the soulful Theo Bleak will pop up in venues like St Giles’ Cathedral and the Assembly Hall. Or blow the cobwebs off with a walk on Porty beach, then head to the nearby town hall for Muckle Be The Light: Manson, The Makar & Dreamers Beyond. Garbage’s Shirley Manson and Edinburgh’s poet laureate Michael Pedersen chat to former first minister Nicola Sturgeon and Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake. Lang may yer lum reek!
PICTURE:
Playing the markets
If your Christmas shopping mission is stuck in a rut, Jo Laidlaw has your back, with the best festive fairs and markets
Bowhouse December Market Weekend
With Bowhouse’s regular roster of local food and drink traders, a whole barn dedicated to street food, plus a selection of crafty and arty traders curated by Tea Green Events, you’ll get half of your to-do list ticked off over this weekend.
n Bowhouse, St Monans, Friday 12–Sunday 14 December.
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival
There’s plenty going on here. Gifts and crafts in the market, Santa at the Sealife Centre, loads of kids’ activities, live entertainment (including a choir or two), and food and drink stalls with enough warming treats to power you through.
The estimable OOTB’s HelloArt Christmas Market focuses on arty gifts while the Winter Arts Market brings together 100 indie makers. Or buy direct from artists at their Winter Open Studios (Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November) at sister venue Abbeymount Studios.
n HelloArt Christmas Market: Saturday 22 November; Winter Arts Market: Friday 5–Sunday 7 December; both at Out Of The Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Printmakers Christmas Market & Open Days
As well as picking up stocking fillers like jewellery, homeware and art here, you can take part in a printmaking workshop, look at the members’ exhibition, hear an artist talk and enjoy a tour of Printmakers’ stunning building.
n Edinburgh Printmakers, Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November.
Riverside Christmas Market
Combine your Christmas shopping with exploring this iconic space. There are festive activities all around the museum, plus local makers selling homeware, candles, jewellery and decorations.
n Riverside Museum, Glasgow, Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December.
Loch Lomond Shores and (below) Out Of The Blue
Events
Winter Makers Market
Over 60 independent makers converge on Edinburgh’s Fruitmarket gallery for a weekend market dedicated to indie art, craft and design. Hosted by Endless Love Creative, it’s also a good chance to check out the gallery’s excellent book shop.
n Fruitmarket, Edinburgh, Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December.
Winter Market At Summerhall
Around 35 artisan makers will show their wares at Summerhall, alongside carols from their own choir, mulled wine and snacks, and some gorgeous winter workshops. It’s all indoors, too, which keeps it cosy.
n Summerhall, Edinburgh, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December.
Edinburgh Printmakers
Crafting Christmas
If you want to keep your Christmas homemade, or fancy trying something new, take a craft workshop
Glasgow’s gorgeous Hidden Gardens are worth visiting at any time of the year; their fabric wreath-making workshop sounds like the perfect way to spend a pre-Christmas Sunday afternoon (Sunday 23 November). Braw Wee Craft Club’s Christmas workshops (dates vary) will have the most determined Christmas-cynic carolling ‘Ding Dong Merrily On High’: make your own pom-pom wreath, cosy up with an arm-knitted blanket or create your own tree decorations. If you feel like combining a winter walk with your workshop, Fife’s Falkland Estate has a super-sweet day of willow wreath-weaving workshops (Saturday 6 December). Try saying that after a mulled wine. Or head to Dundee for DCA’s Christmas Crafternoons (dates vary), where you’ll use ecofriendly materials to craft wreaths, paper stars and handstitched cards.
Edinburgh Craft Club’s Christmas programme is full of great sessions (the ink glass baubles look gorgeous) or go bespoke and set up a wee private party with pals or colleagues. They’re also teaming up with Rabble to host wreath-making-with-cocktails sessions (dates vary). Or head to Dalkeith Country Park’s WinterFest, which includes kids’ and adult workshops like gingerbread house-building and wreath-making, alongside ice-skating, Santa visits and festive shopping evenings.
Braw Wee Craft Club and (below) Edinburgh Craft Club
Shop at Scotland’s Leading Contemporary Culture Bookshop this Christmas.
Fruitmarket sells products from local makers, the most coveted gifts and books on music, architecture, fiction, art and art theory, history and design – a slice of contemporary culture. Every purchase supports the gallery to bring you more exhibitions and events.
Eat, drink, shop local
SECOND CASHMERE
4 Rogart Street | G40 2AA secondcashmere.com instagram.com/secondcashmere
Second Cashmere creates considered collections of second-hand and recycled cashmere, restored and manufactured in Scotland. We recondition, repair and rework cashmere by hand, interrupting waste streams to give new life to discarded pure cashmere knitwear.
ST ENOCH CENTRE
55 St Enoch Square | G1 4BW st-enoch.com
Back by popular demand, St Enoch Centre’s Santa’s Grotto is open every weekend from 22 November (as well as 22 & 23 December), spreading Christmas magic in the lead up to the big day. Entry is free with visitors encouraged to donate to Beatson Cancer Charity if they’re able.
THE MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER BY MYSTERY ENSEMBLE
Destiny Church Shawlands, 1120 Pollokshaws Road | G41 3QP redevents.world
Immerse yourself in the world of magical music from the cult fantasy, based on the novels of the same name by JK Rowling: an experience not to be missed! The programme features music from Harry Potter films performed by the extraordinary Mystery Ensemble.
PASTÉIS LISBOA
280 Byres Road | G12 8AW 24 Gordon Street | G1 3PU instagram.com/pasteislisboa
Famous for the best pastel de nata in the UK, handmade daily to an award-winning recipe from Lisbon. Try the Classic, seasonal faves like Plum & Cardamom, or their Vegan options. These guys also have a serious rep for their Iberian Deli range of specialist artisan products from Spain and Portugal. A mustvisit for all foodies.
SECOND LINE RECORDS
133 Hyndland Road | G12 9JA secondlinerecords.com
New independent record store in the West End of Glasgow, specialising in rare and newly released jazz, soul, funk, blues, electronic and hip hop music.
RSNO CHRISTMAS CONCERT FEATURING THE SNOWMAN
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Sat 20 Dec, 2pm & 6pm | rsno.org.uk
This family-friendly concert is the perfect start to your Christmas, packed full of singalong carols and festive melodies! Plus, experience The Snowman on the big screen, accompanied by Scotland’s National Orchestra and narrated by comedian Josie Long. Sponsored by ScotRail.
Shopping close to home is not only good for the local economy, it's good for the environment too. So give independent businesses your support this Christmas and check out this fantastic selection of shops, restaurants and other enterprises: one of them could be just what you're looking for!
LEITH SCHOOL OF ART
25 North Junction Street | EH6 6HW leithschoolofart.ac.uk
Give the gift of creativity this Christmas! From courses in drawing and painting to animation and textiles, Leith School Of Art has something for everyone. Reignite imagination with a Weekend Workshop or gift voucher; a thoughtful, inspiring present for any art lover.
Edinburgh’s home for folk arts and witch crafts is moving in early 2026! We can’t wait to show you all the magical things in store, but until then find us at 63 Causewayside this November and December for broom-making and bookbinding workshops, or shop our strange and wonderful gifts.
SIMPLY GREEK
8 Union Street | EH1 3LU simplygreekedinburgh.com instagram.com/simplygreekedin
Simply Greek is a family-owned restaurant in Edinburgh offering authentic Greek food and warm, relaxed hospitality.
THE PORTOBELLO BOOKSHOP
46 Portobello High Street | EH15 1DA theportobellobookshop.com instagram.com/portybooks
Pop down to Portobello this winter and find the perfect present at one of Edinburgh’s best-loved independent bookshops. With events, workshops and festive evenings, as well as expert bookseller recommendations, The Portobello Bookshop is the perfect destination as the nights draw in.
BOTANICS SHOP
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place | EH3 5NY rbgeshop.org
Find thoughtful, nature inspired gifts at the Botanics Shop. From Scottish-made accessories and sustainable homewares to garden tools, festive food and decorations. Every purchase supports the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s work in plant conservation and celebrates the beauty of the natural world this festive season.
FRUITMARKET
45 Market Street | EH1 1DF fruitmarket.co.uk
Shop at Scotland’s leading contemporary culture bookshop this Christmas. Fruitmarket sells products from local makers alongside the most coveted gifts, and books on music, architecture, fiction, art and art theory, history and design. Every purchase supports the gallery to bring you more exhibitions and events.
Outside Town Advertising feature
THE LEDDIE
West Main Street, Aberlady EH32 0RE theleddie.com
Celebrate the festive season and ring in the New Year at The Leddie, Aberlady’s awardwinning boutique hotel with great-value luxurious coastal stays, festive feasts and seasonal experiences. Enjoy exclusive winter rates from £162, a complimentary festive drink, and sparkling events from wreathmaking to brunch with Santa.
MARINE NORTH BERWICK
18 Cromwell Road, North Berwick EH39 4LZ marineandlawn.com/ marinenorthberwick
With enviable views of the Firth Of Forth and Bass Rock, Marine North Berwick rises from the East Lothian landscape to offer guests a quietly elegant escape.
BEYOND MONET AND BEYOND VAN GOGH
Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston EH28 8NB | 29 Nov–2 Jan beyondvangogh.co.uk
Using cutting-edge projection technology, over 700 masterpieces by two of history’s most influential artists come alive around you. From Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’ and ‘Sunflowers’ to Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’ and ‘Impression, Sunrise’, their iconic works are freed from their frames and transformed into moving, immersive worlds.
Archerfield Walled Garden is not to be missed this Christmas. With a shop, food market, and Garden Café, you’ll find everything you need for the festive season, all in one place. Discover thoughtful gifts, catch up with friends, shop for foodie treats, and choose the perfect Christmas tree; plus everything you need to decorate it.
SCOTTISH SEASIDE SAUNAS
Elie Harbour, Elie | KY9 1DT elieseasidesauna.com
Elie Seaside Sauna is the sauna that kicked-off the sauna movement in Scotland when it opened in July 2022. The original Dune Sauna is available for private hire only and is popular with families and groups (it seats six for £96). At the newer Shore Sauna, individuals can book a seat in this shared space for £16 per hour.
LOST SHORE SURF RESORT
11 South Platt Hill, Newbridge EH28 8AY lostshore.com
Whether you visit for a surf, a stay or a spa treatment, Lost Shore has something for everyone, including delicious food at the newly opened Lost Kitchen. This winter, there are classic Christmas movies, the kids are invited to meet Mrs Claus and there’ll be a Hogmanay to remember.
1 National Portrait Gallery tea towel, £15, npgshop.org.uk
Surrealism: First And Always hardback book, £50, toppingbooks.co.uk
Gorillaz T-Shirt, £20, avalancherecords.co.uk
Fergus McCreadie: The Shieling album, £27, secondlinerecords.com 5 Akira Kurosawa: Samurai Collection Blu-ray boxset, £45, hmv.com
Keli playtext, £11, nationaltheatrescotland.com
CHRISTMAS AT THE STAND
DINBURGH
Give the gift of cinema this Christmas with a GFT gift voucher or membership. The perfect present for the film fan in your life!
GFT: Scotland's leading independent cinema and the home of film in Glasgow
Putting on the glitz
If you can’t treat yourself at Christmas, then when can you? David Kirkwood and Ailsa Sheldon’s top dining and drinking spots put a bit of glam into group gatherings
GLASGOW
THE BUTTERY
One of the oldest restaurants in Glasgow, The Buttery’s been doing special occasion bookings since before you were born. Cosy coves and corners can become private spaces, where attentive tartan-clad pros bring out elegant plates of food with Scottish dishes the focus. n twofatladiesrestaurant.com/buttery
CRABSHAKK BOTANICS
If enough of your crowd enjoy seafood, nowhere else in town rivals this bustling space of high ceilings, low lighting and cooking that’s honest, modern and stylish in equal measure. For a small group of up to eight, consider private dining in the green room.
n crabshakk.co.uk/botanics-crabshakk
HOUSE OF GODS
Sometimes you just want a bougie cocktail to start or end the evening, and House Of Gods’ festive list delivers in spades. Their Orient Express-inspired lounge screams decadent glamour and they take their shaking seriously, but at the same time it’s fun n houseofgodshotel.com/bars
MALOCCHIO
This impressive recent opening puts a trendy spin on modern Italian dining, with an openplan kitchen slinging out regional pastas and signature pizzette, with all the hustle and bustle of the Merchant City whizzing by outside. Group bookings for up to 16.
n malocchio.co.uk
The Buttery
Eat & drink
MARGO
Ox And Finch’s bigger, younger sibling has been the success story of 2025. There’s a cracking booth for groups at the front, and they’ll take up to 20 elsewhere. Michelinrecommended small plates gloriously update classic flavour combos: confit lamb with merguez, cavolo nero and anchovy, anyone? n margo.restaurant
ROYÂ
Sultry Persian small plates served amid rich tones of burnt gold and petrol blue. The meat is halal and the staff well-versed at dealing with big tables. This year’s festive menu standouts include turkey shawarma croquettes and braised short rib with sticky date jus and chestnut crumble.
n royarestaurant.co.uk
SWADISH BY AJAY KUMAR
Diners flock to this split-level converted fire station on the fringe of the Merchant City for high-calibre fine dining, Indian-style. Spices from the subcontinent merge with local ingredients in dishes like roe deer Chettinad, or roast turkey, jeera aloo and cumin-spiced Yorkshire pudding. n swadish.co.uk
UBIQUITOUS CHIP
The newly refurbished Chip has spaces for most nights out, from its chirpy brasserie to the whisky bar. Most majestic is the legendary main dining space, favoured for graduations, weddings and everything in-between: foliage spills over the balcony and there’s 50 years of history in every corner. The Scottish, ingredient-led cooking is always more than solid.
n ubiquitouschip.co.uk
Margo
1,3,4 & 5 January 2026, 3pm (7.30pm in Ayr)
Edinburgh | Aberdeen | Perth | Ayr sco.org.uk
Andrew Manze conductor
Rachel Redmond soprano
1820 ROOFTOP BAR
There’s definitely a POV that Edinburgh’s never bonnier than on a winter night. Where better, then, to view the lights and action than a rooftop bar with a warming whisky cocktail in hand? This is a great spot to start or end your festive event. You don’t have to do the whisky experiences to access the bar, but they’re highly recommended too.
n johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princesstreet
BABA
A quiet table for four or a banquet for 20: Baba is the place for a Levantine feast with friends. Pick and choose your favourite mezze or go for their ‘best of Baba’ selection which includes the signature buffalo mozzarella with sour cherry harissa and basil.
n baba.restaurant
CONTINI GEORGE STREET
This former bank building exudes glamour and their take on modern Italian dining is like getting a hug from a nonna on Christmas morning. A turkey-free menu hits enough universally festive notes to feel familiar, while precise cooking, impeccable sourcing and a genuine welcome elevates the experience to a classy treat.
n contini.com
DISHOOM
Arrive hungry, stay all night: Dishoom is a brilliant place to host a party. They’re hot on dietaries, so it’s easy to keep everyone happy. Expect a heavily laden table with flavours of Bombay, like keema pau, black dhal and chicken ruby. Festive menus start from £49 and if you’re ignoring the whole Christmas thing, classic feasts are still available.
n dishoom.com
Left to right: Baba, Dishoom, Sotto
KA PAO
Add a little industrial chic to your get-together, with a booth at Asian-inspired Ka Pao. The sharing menu (£35pp) is super-generous, avoids ordering stress and includes all the big-hitters, like Arbroath smokie miang and coconut corn ribs. Get the party started with a pandan and Thai basil Old Fashioned. n ka-pao.com/edinburgh
THE PALMERSTON
With tables for up to 12, The Palmerston is an elegant yet relaxed restaurant to gather your fave people together. Ideal for a long, relaxed lunch, expect properly hearty servings of hyper-seasonal local produce, like Berkshire pork shoulder or Shetland lamb with lentils, and definitely leave space for pudding. n thepalmerstonedinburgh.co.uk
PORT OF LEITH DISTILLERY BAR
You’ll have to be early to watch the sunset, but that’s all the more reason to head to this swish skyline distillery bar for a chilled-out catchup over aperitivo. Or go later in the evening to watch the lights over the Forth with a wee cocktail or two.
n leithdistillery.com/the-distillery-bar
SOTTO
A low-level trattoria, a warm bowl of tortellini in brodo and your pals; what could be cosier or more convivial this winter? Get yourselves down to Sotto, toast your impeccable taste with a Salted Negroni Sbagliato and thank us later. Christmas menus start from £45. n sottoedinburgh.com
PICTURE: TINA LEAHY
CONCERTS BY CANDLELIGHT
Music that creates a warm glow during the winter chill.
02 – 11 December throughout Scotland.
Tickets: £25 / £13 concessions Free for under 16s
Book at scottishensemble.co.uk or using the QR code below
Cheesy does it
Don’t know your Stinking Bishop from your Baron Bigod? Fear not, as Ben Hodgson shows Suzy Pope how to build the perfect cheese board
‘You need different milks, textures and flavours for the ideal cheese platter,’ explains Ben Hodgson from Strathearn Cheese. ‘Four cheeses is perfect: something soft, a goat’s cheese, a hard option and something blue. And you don’t need to look beyond Scotland for any of it.’
Hodgson started his culinary career in a deli in Perthshire before a stint as a pastry chef at Gleneagles. ‘When I was 14 and working in the deli, we’d get off-cuts. It sparked my passion for cheese. I became obsessed.’ In 2024, he started delivering boxes and washing up at Strathearn Cheese, slowly working his way into the cheese-making room. When the former owners announced the business’s closure, Hodgson took over and now spends as much time as he wants tending to the churning tubs.
Strathearn’s flagship product is Wee Comrie, a mild cheese which is the perfect entry point for a festive cheese board (strathearncheese.com). ‘You want to start with the mildest cheese and work up to the strongest flavour, so nothing overpowers,’ explains Hodgson. Wee Comrie has a bloomy rind and buttery taste. As it matures, it moves from mild and lactic to deeply savoury, and the texture changes from semi-soft cheese to oozy and rich.
Eat & Drink
‘The savoury hit from cheese needs to be paired with something sweet,’ he continues. ‘And you need crunch from water biscuits or crackers.’ Honey, quince paste or chilli jams are his sweet element of choice. He also suggests adding fresh fruit as an extra layer which acts as a palate cleanser. ‘December isn’t the season for grapes, but pears, dates and figs all work.’
Moving on to goat’s cheese, Hodgson recommends an Elrick Log from Errington Cheese in Lanark (erringtoncheese.co.uk). Coated in fine ash, the contrast between the brilliant white middle and grey exterior adds a touch of theatre to the board. Young and citrusy smooth, it turns complex and mushroomy as it ages. Then, for the hard cheese, ‘you can’t go wrong with cheddar,’ he says. He suggests St Andrews Farmhouse cheddar (standrewscheese.co.uk), which crumbles nicely and has a savoury snap from its salt crystals after 12 months of ageing. It’s unpasteurised, made from raw cow’s milk sourced from the farm’s own herd and has a nutty flavour with a tangy finish.
Ending with the strongest flavour on the board, Hodgson opts for Hebridean Blue from the Isle Of Mull Cheese Company (isleofmullcheese.co.uk). It’s a bold, firm creamy blue with a hint of peppery spice and a salty tang that nods to the sea air of its island home.
Ben Hodgson
Word up
Great Scot!
THE TWO ROBERTS
DAMIAN BARR
Barr’s tale of real-life Scottish artists
Robert Colquhoun and Bobby MacBryde is a beauty. The rags-toriches-to-rags-again story follows them from working-class Ayrshire to pairing up (in every sense) at Glasgow School Of Art. They cross Europe on the eve of war and find fame in 1940s London before tragedy strikes. Canongate
BRING THE HOUSE DOWN CHARLOTTE RUNCIE
Revenge is a dish best served live on stage at Edinburgh’s Fringe in Runcie’s rollicking debut. The troubled artist-reviewer dynamic hits a new low when a performer sleeps with a womanising critic, oblivious to the fact he’s just penned an awful review of her show. The consequences make for a riotous read. Borough Press
HERMIT CHRIS MCQUEER
McQueer leaves the short story format behind to enter the disturbing world of incels with this brilliant debut novel. Through 19-year-old Jamie and his relationship with mum Fiona, we enter a world of online misogyny, sexism and male loneliness, told with heart and humour via the author’s vivid Scots dialect. Wildfire
Stranger than fiction
The cream of biographies and memoirs
FRANKLY NICOLA STURGEON
‘Our Nicola’ or ‘that bloody woman’ depending on your politics. Scotland’s former first minister speaks openly about the personal and the political in her bestselling memoir. Leadership, the independence referendum, Brexit, covid and Sturgeon’s highprofile fallout with Alex Salmond all feature. Macmillan
ELECTRIC SPARK: THE ENGIMA OF MURIEL SPARK FRANCES WILSON
Plenty has been written about Spark but this exploration of her earlier years has wowed critics. Returning to the 1940s and 50s, we relive an almost unbelievable set of events (divorce, murder, blackmail, religious conversion) that would all feed into Spark’s unsettling, groundbreaking fiction. Bloomsbury Circus
MOTHER MARY COMES TO ME ARUNDHATI ROY
The acclaimed author of The God Of Small Things pens her first memoir, with a focus on her complex relationship with her late mother. Beautiful lyrical prose is a given with Roy, but here it’s cut through with sharp humour as she recounts becoming the woman and the writer she is today. Hamish Hamilton
Brilliant 2025 novels from Scottish authors
Let’s be honest, ‘The Twelve Days Of Christmas’ is a terrible gift guide: what are you going to do with all those calling birds and maids-a-milking? Instead, support your local bookstore, as Paul McLean handpicks a dozen great reads for all ages and appetites
Sold a pup
Doggy-themed books for fans of the four-legged
TAILS OF SCOTLAND
PETER MACQUEEN
A perfect gift for those who don’t know their deerhound from their Dandie Dinmont. MacQueen (aka The Highland Hutter) tells the story of 14 Scottish dog breeds, covering their history as well as practical tips on caring for them, wrapped up in beautiful images of said pooches looking majestic in the Scottish landscape. Black & White
THE DOG IS FULL OF LOVE VARIOUS
A fun collection of more than 30 poems about how we love dogs and they love us. John Bond brings the whole package to life with his fantastically observed illustrations, capturing the essence of our four-legged friends. It’s a book that will speak to little ones and grown-ups alike. Nosy Crows
MY DOG
The love between ten-year-old Rhys and his labrador Worthington is put to the test when Rhys is sent to live with his dog-hating dad and forced to keep his canine chum secret. Aimed at the 9–12s, it’s a tale to tug at the heartstrings with glorious, atmospheric illustrations by David Litchfield. HarperCollins
World party
Cookbooks to let your tastebuds travel
BOUSTANY
SAMI TAMIMI
Tamimi is probably best-known as co-founder of the Ottolenghi group of restaurants and delis, as well as co-author of several bestselling cookbooks. Subtitled ‘A Celebration Of Vegetables From My Palestine’, here he strikes out on his own with a vibrant vegetarian salute to Palestinian food and culture that’s full of heart. Ebury Press
15-MINUTE INDIAN ANJULA DEVI
One for the time poor: all you need is one pan and 15 minutes from your hectic daily diary. Divided into ten easy-to-follow sections (think chutneys, raitas and pickles; fish and seafood; rice and breads), Devi will soon have you knocking up an amazing array of quick-fix Indian treats. Carnival
KAPUSTA ALISSA TIMOSHKINA
Co-founder of global fundraising campaign #CookForUkraine, Timoshkina takes us to Eastern Europe to learn more about five key vegetables (cabbage, beetroot, potato, carrot and mushrooms). This ‘vegetable-forward’ ethos is affordable, seasonal and sustainable but her main goal is to create great food. Hardie Grant
OLIVIA WAKEFORD
Scotland’s
AFTERNOON
TEA
as you discover a timeless festive favourite, reimagined in the heart of the Botanics.
21 November - 28 December rbge.org.uk/christmasafternoontea
The world’s only narrativefocused drinks reviewer (for good reason) is back with a round-up of tonguetantalising tipples for the festive season. But can these drinks help Kevin Fullerton overcome his Scroogeinfested mania?
Drinking games
Scrooge they call me, all because I burn children’s presents in front of them for a laugh, tell them Santa’s not real and enjoy sneaking into grottos to loudly mock lowpaid actors, safe in the knowledge that I’ve destroyed the festive season for tens of people. If these simple acts of character-building make me a Scrooge, then so be it
One evening, my dreams of burning down a tinsel-covered orphanage were interrupted by a tinny-covered phantom hovering at the foot of my bed, his hands chained together by pack-rings. ‘It is I,’ the apparition moaned, ‘The Ghost Of Christmas Pints. I demand you change your anti-festive ways.’
‘Why should I?,’ I replied, ‘when we all know Christmas has been malformed into a consumer-capitalist hellscape which promotes credit cards over compassion?’
‘Well . . . fair enough,’ replied the ghost, ‘but dreaming about burning down orphanages is a bit full-on. Will you chill out if I give you these beers from Campervan Brewery?’
I gulped the brand’s venerable Leith Juice (£3.65 per can) and immediately relaxed. Arguably the best-known of Campervan’s broad-ranging selection, there’s an exquisitely sessionable air to this one, due in no small part to a tropical flavour that maintains a hoppy bite.
‘Well aye, that was good,’ I admitted to the spectral nuisance, ‘but why the beer?’
‘All will be revealed by another ghost who, due to a limited word count, will appear right now. Welcome, The Ghost Of Christmas Spirits.’
Home comforts
‘Lo,’ I exclaimed, deciding ye olde language was appropriate under the circumstances. ‘What spirits willst thou impart upon me?’
The ghost merely retched a 15-year-old Glengoyne single malt whisky (£79 for 70cl) from its throat with the vigour of a penguin feeding its young, wiping off the errant ectoplasm before handing me the glass. It was a dry, low-burn mixture with more than an overtone of black pepper that nonetheless would satisfy any single-malt aficionado. The essence of a great distillery was embedded in its flavour; warming but with a subtle tinge of sweetness.
By this time, I was loaded, mumbling curses and openly plotting an assassination attempt on Santa Claus that involved poisoning a portion of milk and cookies with arsenic and my own invective-filled saliva. ‘Even him out, Ghost Of Christmas Sobriety,’ declared The Ghost Of Christmas Spirits.
And so another ghoul appeared to present me with a Hitachino Nest Yuzu Ginger NonAle (£2.99 per bottle), a non-alcoholic treat that deftly balances hops, ginger and the citrus burst of yuzu juice. It lacked alcoholic bite, but who needs it with something so smooth?
‘Right, Ghost Of Christmas Liqueurs, blast him,’ they chorused, before another bartending poltergeist flew towards me brandishing a Luxardo Limoncello (£21.95 per 70cl) which had been luxuriated in crushed ice. Its sharp and invigorating flavour burst with a citrus that was tart yet appealing; no need for additional mixers here.
The room was spinning as I laid my plans to Grinch the bejesus out of my local area. But what was this? I found I couldn’t move. In my stupendous stupor, the ghostly foursome had chained me to my bed. ‘Since you haven’t bucked up your ideas, we’ll let you rot for Christmas,’ they said. ‘See you on Hogmanay.’
PICTURES: REBECCA
Screen saviours
TV
Film
BLACK MIRROR: WHITE CHRISTMAS
After developing Charlie Brooker’s dystopian sci-fi anthology over two series, Channel 4 signed off on this feature-length special before it moved over to Netflix. Featuring Jon Hamm (still hot from Mad Men which was airing at the same time) and an Emmy-nominated Rafe Spall, it’s a frosty collection of three unsettling tales. Netflix
BAD SANTA
Billy Bob Thornton was perfectly cast as a slovenly shopping mall Santa Claus who indulges in petty crime to get by. Based on a story by Ethan and Joel Coen, it’s topped up with a fantastic supporting cast, including a memorable turn by the late Bernie Mac. Apple TV
Games
BALDUR’S GATE 3
This long-awaited sequel (coming 23 years after its predecessor) plays just like a tabletop RPG game, with an enormous range of actions available to players. It’s a gorgeous, wellperformed fantasy adventure, packed with interesting characters and a script that somehow seems to adapt to all possible outcomes. PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
BLACKADDER’S CHRISTMAS CAROL
Richard Curtis and Ben Elton wrote Blackadder, a beloved historical comedy series charting British history from the reign of Richard IV to WWI. This is its one successful spin-off episode, which subverts Dickens’ original fable by turning Blackadder from the nicest man in England into a complete git. Apple TV
BLACK CHRISTMAS
Exploitation guru Bob Clark directed this 1974 Canadian slasher film (one of the first in the genre) that clearly inspired John Carpenter’s Halloween four years later. A group of students are murdered by a mysterious killer who prefaces his crimes by phoning his victims in advance (a conceit later used by Wes Craven in Scream). Shout! TV
THE LAST OF US PART I & PART II
More than 12 years have passed since the release of the original game, which has now become a hugely popular TV series. The original, and its sequel, remain pillars of the medium, the latter in particular pushing the format in a way that its TV counterpart could never hope to match. PC and PS5
Something old, something new: Christmas is a great time for catching up on the telly, films and games you’ve missed. Murray Robertson shows us his seasonal and anytime favourites
THE BOX OF DELIGHTS
Back in 1984, the BBC splashed out £1m on this adaptation of John Masefield’s 1935 fantasy novel, a then record for a children’s show (it went on to win a number of Bafta and RTS awards). Airing over the six weeks up to Christmas Eve, it captured the hearts of a generation and (iffy effects aside) still holds up today. BBC iPlayer
THE DETECTORISTS
Mackenzie Crook’s beautiful comedy drama follows the travails of two detectorists (people who use metal detectors) played by himself and Toby Jones. The pair gently scour the landscape of south-east England for buried treasure while attempting to navigate tricky relationships with each other and their wider circle of family and friends. BBC iPlayer
KRAMPUS
In folklore, the Krampus is an anti-Santa Claus, a mythical creature that punishes naughty children. Cult writer/director Michael Dougherty assembled an interesting cast, including Adam Scott and Toni Collette, for this novel American take on the story. It features stunning creature effects and a beautiful stopmotion scene by New Zealand effects gurus, Weta Workshop. Now
RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE
Like Krampus, this 2010 Finnish fantasy-horror subverts the traditional, happy spin on Christmas by positing that Santa Claus was an evil creature that was buried near the Russian border long ago. An expedition to rouse him triggers a set of comedy-horror events inspired by John Carpenter’s The Thing Prime Video
MASS EFFECT LEGENDARY EDITION
The Mass Effect trilogy is one of gaming’s greatest sci-fi tales, here collected in one vast package. Part two is arguably one of the best games of all time but none of the episodes lets it down, not even a divisive ending that provoked a huge backlash in 2012. PC, PS4 and Xbox One
RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2
This vast action-adventure, set in the Wild West in 1899, is not so much a game as an ecosystem. Its sprawling world is filled with spectacular sights and sounds, including hundreds of species of wildlife. The story is less focused than its forebear but it all makes for an extraordinary, allconsuming experience. PC, PS4 and Xbox One
Nick of time
If you’ve left the Christmas shopping too late (again), Isy Santini’s last-minute online gifts might just save the day
DELIVERING THE GOODS
Curated by the team at Edinburgh independent bookshop Golden Hare, the PostBooks reading subscription delivers a beautifully wrapped new book every month, complete with a short guide. Customise the subscription by choosing the length (from three months to a year) and type ( ction, non- ction or both). If there’s a fast reader in your life, there’s even the option of receiving two books per month.
PostBooks reading subscription, from £52, goldenharebooks.com
BOTTOMS UP
Edinburgh’s Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers a range of experiences (book online if you know dates, or buy an e-voucher) but the daddy of them all remains the signature Journey Of Flavour. Part tour, part immersive performance, part cocktail tasting, there’s really nothing to match it. Drivers won’t feel left out: they get a little care package to take home, too.
Johnnie Walker experiences, from £30, johnniewalkerexperience.com
GO WILD
Thankfully the days of keeping exotic animals are long gone, but you can still adopt. Lend your support to Edinburgh Zoo’s beasties with a donation on behalf of the animal-lover in your life. In return, they’ll get a fact sheet and photo, a certi cate of adoption, and a selection of bookmarks and stickers. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, they’ll even get to meet their animal in-person.
Edinburgh Zoo animal adoptions, from £40, adoption.edinburghzoo.org.uk
NOTE PERFECT
Musos will be delighted with a year’s membership from independent record label, Last Night From Glasgow. The bronze level gives members access to LNFG’s full digital library, allowing lossless downloads of more than 200 albums. Higher membership tiers promise free CDs and LPs throughout the year, as well as free and discounted live show tickets.
Last Night From Glasgow membership, from £45, shop.lastnightfromglasgow.com
Home comforts
CRAFTY DEVILS
Get creative and make your very own glassware at one of Kiln Time’s 90-minute sessions. This beginner-friendly class will guide your loved one through the steps in a relaxed environment as they create their own glass tile decoration. Once fired in the kiln, they’ll take it home to use as a coaster, ornament or talking point for your next visit.
n Kiln Time glass-making session, £30, kilntime.org.uk
MOVIE MAGIC
The Scotsman Picturehouse invites you to experience a visit to the cinema as you’ve never experienced it before, with Fizz ‘N’ Flick. Beginning with brunch in the Grand Café (accompanied with a glass of fizz), followed by a film screening in the iconic (and very comfy) art deco cinema, this is a treat for all film buffs. Buy early for Christmas films like The Holiday, Love Actually, and Miracle On 34th Street, or wait and see what 2026 has in store.
n Scotsman Picturehouse Fizz ‘N’ Flick voucher, £40, scotsmanpicturehouse.co.uk
STEPPING OUT
Introduce some colour into the long winter months with Sparks & Daughters’ colourful socks subscription for women. For six months, your cosy-toed receiver will get a brand new pair of socks delivered to their door, featuring bright florals and fun fruity patterns. Socks are suitable for shoe sizes 4–8.
n Sparks & Daughters sock subscription, from £45, sparksanddaughters.com
LOVELY BUBBLY
Dine in style at one of Edinburgh’s prestigious hotels with a champagne afternoon tea for up to ten people in the luxuriously OTT surroundings of Prestonfield House. Enjoy traditional sandwiches, scones, and pastries; guests who wait until summer to redeem their voucher can choose between tea on the terrace or in the rose-filled gothic tea pavilion.
n Prestonfield House afternoon tea voucher, from £150 for two guests, prestonfield.giftvoucherbrilliance.co.uk
