Where we’ll be frolicking over the festive period
Lead image: An Edinburgh Christmas Carol. Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
An Edinburgh Christmas Carol
Who can resist the tale that’s as moving as it is life-affirming? We like to get our annual dose of Ebenezer Scrooge and his resistance to generosity and any form of good cheer – and this year’s Christmas Carol production at the Lyceum has been given an Auld Reekie slant, with the story set within Victorian Edinburgh. Dickens’ most famous character was apparently inspired by a visit to an Edinburgh kirkyard, and a tombstone he spied inscribed with ‘Ebenezer Scroggie’.
Written and directed by the award-winning Tony Cownie and featuring a stellar cast, this adaptation of the Christmas classic will include the ominous trio of ghostly visitors – appearing in the Old Town with the names Lang Syne, Nouadays and Ayont – and a special guest appearance from our fluffy pal, Greyfriars Bobby.
24th November – 31st December, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh. Tickets here
Afternoon tea at The Caledonian
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian are known for their delectable afternoon teas, and this festive-themed treat sounds like it’ll be no exception. The ‘Christmas at the Caledonian’ Afternoon Tea – served in the magically-bedecked Peacock Alley – includes a Christmas turkey, stuffing and cranberry-filled sandwich and stilton and leek tart, along with a delicious pastry selection.
The sweet selection features ‘The Winter Castle’ – a vanilla and tonka bean creme, apple tatin and pecan streusel crunch; and ‘The Scottish Delight’, a bergamot, toasted pumpkin seed praline and milk chocolate financier.
Available from 1st December – 4th January. Priced at £65 per adult including a festive welcome cocktail, or £30 per child.
Edinburgh Santa fun run and walk
It’s back! Don’t miss the eye-boggling and undoubtedly cheering sight of hundreds of santas bolting it through the capital for charity. We’ll be cheering the red-suited runners on next month – come and join us. All money raised will be used to help create special memories for children in Scotland aged 4-16 and living with a life-threatening illness, through charity When you Wish Upon a Star.
4th December, 11am. West Princes Street Gardens. Head to thesantarun.org.uk for info.
Harvey Nichols winter emporium
Heads up for some unique Christmas gifting opportunities. The luxury department store’s Christmas pop-up will showcase a range of Scottish talent – all small businesses – that will keep changing in the run-up to Christmas. In partnership with The Great Brand Exchange, expect premium, locally-sourced products and some very cool brands.
Castle of Light
We’re a sucker for a festive light extravaganza, particularly when the backdrop is the endlessly spectacular Edinburgh Castle. This year’s Castle of Light trail is themed around ‘Kingdom of colours’, and features a mix of kaleidoscope projections depicting stories from Scotland’s past.
On select dates until 30th December. Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm. Visit www.CastleofLight.scot
