Edinburgh's Christmas 2015/16

Underbelly and Unique Events, on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, present

20 November 2015 - 4 January 2016

HOW TO BOOK ONLINE

edinburghschristmas.com £1 per ticket fee, up to a maximum of £5, when you book for a show.

No transaction fees apply to rides and other events.

BY PHONE

0844 545 8252 £1 per ticket fee, up to a maximum of £5, when you book for a show.

No transaction fee applies to rides and other events.

IN PERSON Box offices are situated on the west side of St Andrew Square, next to the ice rink in East Princes Street Gardens and in Santa Land. No transaction fee.

This year, Edinburgh’s Christmas is proud to be partnering with Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens, a campaign to raise money for research into cancers affecting children, teens and young adults. By making a donation when you book tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas, you are helping to fund research into cures and kinder treatments for young people facing cancer. Let’s beat childhood cancers sooner. Find out more at cruk.org/kidsandteens All listings are correct at the time of going to press. Listings may be subject to change at short notice. Check the website for more information.

CONCESSIONS Concession ticket prices are available to concession card holders and under 16s.

Registered charity in England & wales (1089464), Scotland (SCO14666) & the Isle of Man (1103)

We’re delighted to welcome you to Edinburgh’s Christmas 2015/16.

This year, we will be lighting up the Royal Mile with our exciting new attraction, Virgin Money’s Street of Light, a free (ticketed), beautiful light installation set to music.

Our spectacular Spiegeltent returns to St Andrew Square with a jampacked line-up of shows, including internationally acclaimed circus company Circa’s Beyond, and the return of Julia Donaldson’s Stick Man, a firm family favourite.

A host of festive attractions will once again fill the city: ride on the Star Flyer and Big Wheel for unrivalled views of Edinburgh; don your skates and enjoy our two ice rinks; and entertain the kids in Santa Land with the Santa Train and other attractions and a chance to meet the man himself.

The celebrations are launched with a bang at our free Light Night event on 22 November and, once again, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy a 20% discount.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

HOW TO GET HERE Edinburgh’s Christmas is based at three sites: East Princes Street Gardens; High Street, Royal Mile; and St Andrew Square.

For a map and details of what’s on at each site, turn to page 4.

Parking: NCP parking at Castle Terrace and St Johns available at special rates for Edinburgh’s Christmas visitors. Evenings: £7 (5pm - Midnight) Weekends: £7 (4 hours). See website for more details.

Train: Edinburgh Waverley station Bus: Sites are easily accessible from stops on Princes Street, George Street and South St David Street. Lothian Buses operates 24/7 ( runs through the night).

Tram: St Andrew Square tram stop Plan your journey by bus and tram at LothianBuses.com/plan-your-journey For information about tickets and Park & Ride facilities, visit lothianbuses.com

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS PAGE PAGE PAGE PAGE PAGE PAGE

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Edinburgh’s Christmas takes place across three central locations, up to 10 minutes’ walk from each other: East Princes Street Gardens; High Street, Royal Mile for the Virgin Money Street of Light; and St Andrew Square.

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Princes Street is a main interchange point for various services to and from the wider Edinburgh area A. Waverley Bridge 67 to and from Straiton Park and Ride 100 to and from Airport B. South St David Street (PL) 26, 44 From Corstorphine, Slateford, Currie, Balerno To London Road, Portobello and East Lothian C. George Street (GL) 10 11 12 16 From Morningside, Polwarth, Oxgangs, Corstorphine To Leith D. North St David Street (YC) 10 11 12 16 26 44 From Leith, London Road, Portobello and East Lothian E. St Andrew Square for Edinburgh Trams

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The Carousel Bar Star Flyer Scott Monument East Princes Street Gardens Ice Rink European Christmas Market Winter Windows Box Office Baileys Hot Toddy Bar Big Wheel Santa Land Christmas Tree Maze Children’s Market Santa’s Grotto Shows in the Spiegeltent Christmas Tree Slide Double-decker carousel The Scottish Market Monument Bar St Andrew Square Ice Rink Virgin Money Street of Light, High Street, Royal Mile

21. Scottish National Gallery Open daily, 10am-5pm, Thursdays until 7pm.

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For more travel information please visit lothianbuses.com 15 18

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illustration by nuffsed.co.uk

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Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Circa: Beyond Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Circa: Beyond Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Light Night Stick Man Live on Stage!

Circa: Beyond Royal Norwegian Advent Concert Stick Man Live on Stage!

Circa: Beyond Stick Man Live on Stage!

Circa: Beyond Stick Man Live on Stage!

Circa: Beyond Jamie MacDowell & Tom Thum Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Circa: Beyond Austentatious Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Circa: Beyond Scottish Comedian of the Year St Andrew’s Day Stick Man Live on Stage!

Nativity Carol Concert Virgin Money Street of Light Virgin Money Street of Light

p10 p10 p8 p10 p10 p10 p8 p10 p10 p28 p10 p8 p34 p10 p8 p10 p8 p10 p8 p12 p10 p10 p8 p13 p10 p10 p10 p8 p16 p31 p10 p34 p20 p20

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Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Camille O’Sullivan: Changeling Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light

p10 p20 p8 p20 p10 p20 p8 p20 p10 p20 p8 p20 p12 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20

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0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

Camille O’Sullivan: Changeling Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Camille O’Sullivan: Changeling Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Camille O’Sullivan: Changeling Virgin Money Street of Light Virgin Money Street of Light Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light S**t Faced Shakespeare Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light S**t Faced Shakespeare Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light S**t Faced Shakespeare Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light S**t Faced Shakespeare The Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light S**t Faced Shakespeare Virgin Money Street of Light Virgin Money Street of Light Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond

p12 p10 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p12 p10 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p12 p20 p20 p10 p20 p8 p20 p10 p20 p8 p20 p13 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p13 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p13 p10 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p13

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p33 p10 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p13 p20 p20 p10 p20 p8 p20 p10 p20 p8

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Virgin Money Street of Light Scottee: Camp (as Christmas) Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Scottee: Camp (as Christmas) Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Puddles Pity Party Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Puddles Pity Party Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Puddles Pity Party Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Puddles Pity Party Virgin Money Street of Light Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Frisky & Mannish Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light Frisky & Mannish Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Virgin Money Street of Light Circa: Beyond Virgin Money Street of Light CHRISTMAS DAY Circa: Beyond Circa: Beyond Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Circa: Beyond Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

p20 p16 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p16 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p14 p10 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p14 p10 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p14 p10 p10 p10 p20 p14 p20 p10 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p16 p10 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20 p16 p10 p10 p10 p20 p8 p20

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edxmas

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Stick Man Live on Stage!

Circa: Beyond Abandoman: Hot Desk Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Stick Man Live on Stage!

Circa: Beyond Abandoman: Hot Desk Baby Loves Disco Circa: Beyond Abandoman: Hot Desk Baby Loves Disco Circa: Beyond Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Concert in the Gardens Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Keilidh Abandoman’s Bass Drop Ceilidh

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NEW YEAR’S DAY Baby Loves Disco Circa: Beyond Circa: Beyond Circa: Beyond Circa: Beyond

EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS DAILY OPENING TIMES East Princes Street Gardens Ice Rink: 10am – 10pm Star Flyer: 10am – 10pm Big Wheel: 10am – 10pm Santa Land:

St Andrew Square Ice Rink: Helter Skelter: Carousel: Spiegeltent:

Sun - Wed: 10am - 8pm Thu - Fri: 10am - 9pm Sat: 10am - 10pm

10am – 10pm 10am – 10pm 10am – 10pm Closes 12am

20 November sites open 5pm (Spiegeltent opens 11am) 24 December sites close 8pm 25 December all attractions closed 26 December & 1 January sites open 11am All timings are weather dependent

Edinburgh’s Christmas 7

20 NOVEMBER - 3 JANUARY

‘CIRCA’S PERFORMERS ARE THE ROCK STARS OF THE CIRCUS WORLD’ THE LIST

Acclaimed international circus company Circa make their Edinburgh’s Christmas debut, having wowed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Wunderkammer, Close Up and Beyond.

BY

SHOWS

★★★★★

Get up close and personal in our magical 1920s Spiegeltent with extraordinary circus performers and enter a beautiful and bewitching world. This intimate, red-curtained realm draws us into a cabaret, a zoo, an asylum... and a stage.

Featuring dazzling feats of circus prowess, and an infectiously fun soundtrack, Beyond will get you in the Christmas spirit and set your pulse racing.

There is a line between human and animal, between madness and sanity, between logic and dream. We invite you to step over this line... and go Beyond.

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Posh seats (includes a free drink) £30, £27 (£25 previews) Booth seats £25, £23 (£20 previews) Private booth (seats up to 10 people) £225, £207 (£180 previews) Cheap seats £20, £17 (£15 previews) - limited number only available in person from Box Office on day of performance.

Private champagne booth (seats up to 9 people, includes two bottles of Harvey Nichols champagne) £265, £247 (£220 previews)

★★★★★

All tickets include a complimentary programme worth £10.

‘WHEN CIRCA INVITES YOU TO GO BEYOND,

20 November - 3 January, 7.30pm (Reduced price previews 20 - 25 November)

YOU SHOULD JUMP AT THE CHANCE’ THE HERALD

★★★★★

‘PHENOMENAL’ 8

0844 545 8252

THE SCOTSMAN

edinburghschristmas.com

CREATED BY YARON LIFSCHITZ WITH THE CIRCA ENSEMBLE

PRE AND POST PERFORMANCE DINING AT

See p. 17

Matinees 26 December, 2 & 3 January, 4.15pm No performances on 23, 29, 30 November, 7, 14, 21 & 25 December & 1 January Running time: 60 mins Suitability: PG 20% off for EH postcode holders

edxmas

Edinburgh’s Christmas 9

Images: Andy Phillipson, Richard Davenport

THE FANTASTICK SHOW RETURNS TO EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS!

FAMILY SHOW

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Scamp Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s hugely popular children’s book Stick Man is back in Edinburgh for Christmas!

Touching, funny and utterly original, this award-winning production is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

‘Stick Man lives in the family tree With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three...’

But the world outside the family tree is a dangerous place for Stick Man. A dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him and he even ends up on a fire!

How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?

Tue - Thu 11am (Plus 1.15pm 10 & 17 Dec) Fri 11am & 1.15pm Sat & Sun 11am, 1.15pm & 3pm Extra Christmas performances 21 - 29 Dec 11am, 1.15pm & 3pm No performances on 23 & 30 November or 7, 14, 25 & 26 December.

Tickets £18.50 (£14.50 concession) Family ticket (Admits 4, with a maximum of 2 adults) £60 20% off for EH postcode holders Running time: 60 mins Most suitable for children aged 3+ with their friends and families.

FAMILY SHOWS

20 November 29 December

★★★★★ ‘WONDERFULLY

EXUBERANT AND IMAGINATIVE! OUR 3 YEAR OLD WAS ENGROSSED FROM START TO FINISH’ Time Out Critics’ Choice

Guarantees more fun than you can shake a stick at!

Images reproduced by permission of Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Ltd Text © 2008 Julia Donaldson.

Illustration © 2008 Axel Scheffler

FAMILY SHOW

★★★★★ ‘THIS SUPERB CAST BRING

THE STORY TO LIFE WITH GREAT VERVE, TERRIFIC MUSICIANSHIP AND NON-STOP CHOREOGRAPHY. A TRIUMPH’ Edinburgh Evening News Photos feature previous cast

BABY LOVES DISCO

Kilts & Christmas Jumpers Midday is the new midnight! Grab your tiny dancers, get dressed up and join us for some Hogmanay dayclubbing as we countdown to midnight in Australia! Our resident club DJ spins past and present pop floor-fillers for all generations, plus face painting, dress-up, bubbles, balloons, dancefloor games, a chill-out area and crafts. With a short family ceilidh dance and licensed bar, it’s ‘the most fun you’ll ever have at a kids’ event!’ ★★★★★ (Broadway Baby).

Wed 30 Dec 3pm, Thu 31 Dec & Sat 2 Jan 12.30pm £9 | 120 mins | 0-6 years | 20% off for EH postcode holders Non walking babies free, everyone else needs a ticket.

Changeling

‘Queen of the Edinburgh Festival’ (BBC), Camille O’Sullivan enjoys a formidable international reputation for her intensely dramatic interpretations of the songs of Brel, Cave, Waits, Bowie and more. The multi-award-winning singer has stunned audiences around the world with her five-star sell-out performances. Dark, sexy, fierce, amusing and mesmerising, Camille transforms each song she performs into an intense, emotional and theatrical experience. Expect joy and pure passion.

S**T-FACED SHAKESPEARE

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The legendary show returns to Edinburgh this Christmas with the perfect winter tale for the festive season... set in the middle of summer. S**t-Faced Shakespeare by the legendary Magnificent Bastard Productions is the hilarious combination of an entirely serious Shakespeare play with an entirely inebriated cast member. Side-splitting, raucous and completely interactive, the show has already entertained over 50,000 eager theatregoers across the UK and America.

‘Genuinely hilarious’ The Guardian Wed 9 - Sun 13 Dec, 9.30pm £15.50 (£14) | 60 mins | 16+ 20% off for EH postcode holders

★★★★★ ‘A cross between Sally Bowles, Patti Smith and PJ Harvey… a major star’ Scotsman Thu 3 - Sun 6 Dec, 9.30pm £17.50 (£15) | 90 mins 20% off for EH postcode holders

JAMIE MACDOWELL & TOM THUM ‘The Some Of It’ Tour

AUSTENTATIOUS

World class beat-boxing meets beautiful song-writing.

Armed only with a guitar, a distinctive singing voice and a versatile voice-box able to convey any instrument from a trumpet to drums, this duo is unique: Tom is a one-man orchestra, accompanying his lyrical counterpart Jamie’s beautiful melodies and words. Playing off each other’s talents, they are the perfect musical match - genuinely passionate and insanely talented human beings.

An all-star cast conjure up an entire Jane Austen novel based on nothing more than an audience suggestion.

Whether it’s Pride and Predator, Mansfield Shark, Northanger Rabbi or Double 0 Darcy, no two shows are ever the same and the results are always hilarious. Fresh from two sell-out UK tours, four sell-out Fringe runs and appearances on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4 Extra, this show is not to be missed. Swooning guaranteed.

Thu 26 Nov, 9.30pm £12.50 (£11) | 60 mins | 20% off for EH postcode holders

Fri 27 Nov, 9.30pm £18.50 (£17) | 60 mins | 20% off for EH postcode holders

12 0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

An Improvised Jane Austen Novel

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Edinburgh’s Christmas 13

SHOWS

CAMILLE O’SULLIVAN

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ABANDOMAN Hot Desk

PUDDLES PITY PARTY Singing his sad pop anthems for all the party people, from Abba to Tom Jones to Sia, Puddles Pity Party is a must-see for both his music and unique comedic hi-jinks. With more than 140k Facebook fans and over 30 million views on YouTube, Puddles has toured internationally, starred in La Soiree, and this year sold out his first run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Ireland’s top comedy hip-hop improv team return to Edinburgh for the greatest party in town. With audience interaction and razor-sharp improvisation, Abandoman transform the audience’s likes, loathes and daydreams into hit songs.

SHOWS

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★★★★★ ‘A proper party. Raucous, expansive and relentlessly hilarious’ The Times Mon 28 - Wed 30 Dec, 9.30pm £15.50 (£14) | 60 mins 20% off for EH postcode holders

★★★★★ ‘An utter treat...

A tremendous vocal showcase’ Scotsman ★★★★★ The List ★★★★ The Herald Fri 18 - Sun 20 Dec, 9.30pm Mon 21 Dec, 7.30pm £15.50 (£14) | 60 mins 20% off for EH postcode holders

HOGMANAY SPECIAL ABANDOMAN’S

Bass Drop Ceilidh

It’s New Year’s Eve… but not as you know it.

Let the bells ring, let the bass drop!

Authentic Ceilidh musicians meet Abandoman’s unique hip-hop sound to create a new kind of Ceilidh music – bassy, breathless and brilliant.

Enjoy some of Abandoman’s favourite songs, followed by a foot-stomping, ear-popping Ceilidh Rave.

Thu 31 Dec, 9.30pm £27.50 (£26) | 105 mins

20% off for EH postcode holders Abandoman photography: Idil Sukan

14 0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

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SCOTTISH COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR - GRAND FINAL

Who can fill the Big Yin’s boots? After a decade in Glasgow, the biggest and most talked about night on the Scottish Comedy calendar comes to Edinburgh for the first time.

Following a hilarious nationwide search, the final eight comedians compete to be crowned Scotland’s 10th SCOTY winner. ‘No-one can deny the sense of excitement and occasion that this annual event now generates’ Scotsman Sat 28 Nov, 9.30pm £15.50 (£14) | 135 mins | 16+ 20% off for EH postcode holders

PRE AND POST PERFORMANCE DINING

The pre- and post-theatre menu at Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie is quite a production itself.

And partnered with the thrilling performance of Circa: Beyond, it ensures a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes this festive season.

SCOTTEE: Camp (as Christmas)

Choose three delicious courses from the Forth Floor Brasserie Christmas menu to enjoy either before or after the show.

A special festive edition of award winning artist Scottee’s now infamous, sell out variety knees up! A mixed bill of camp clichés, limp wrists and naff catchphrases smashed together with some cheap tinsel, fizzy wine and lots of good old fashioned light entertainment. Suitable for mums, the gays and snowball drinkers. #campery ‘Cabaret hero Scottee has carved out a serious name for himself - he is in danger of becoming a full-on star… viva Camp!’ Time Out Wed 16 & Thu 17 Dec, 9.30pm £15.50 (£14) | 70 mins 16+ | 20% off for EH postcode holders

FRISKY & MANNISH

The leading comedy-pop-infotainment experts bring their epic Yuletide extravaganza to Edinburgh. Find out how the perfect Christmas song is created – political subtext, innuendo, BELLS etc. It’ll be camp as Christmas.

Obvs. ★★★★★ ‘Ain’t no party like an F&M party!’

Chortle Tue 22 & Wed 23 Dec, 9.30pm £15.50 (£14) | 60 mins 20% off for EH postcode holders

16 0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

BY

Then take your seats in the stunning Spiegeltent for headline circus show Circa’s Beyond. Tickets include a Posh seat, the best in the house, where you can see the action from up close, plus a complimentary drink and programme.

Diners can attend pre-show (5.30pm & 5.45pm) or post-show (9.15pm & 9.30pm, excludes Fridays and Saturdays) Preview performances: 20-21 November 3-course meal and show: £60 Tuesday - Thursday performances: 2-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-23, 29-30 Dec 3-course meal and show: £62.50 Friday - Sunday performances: 27-28 Nov, 4-5, 11-13, 18-20 Dec 3-course meal and show: £65

Limited availability book now! edinburghschristmas.com 0844 545 8252

For the past 20 years in the heart of Edinburgh, the popular Christmas market has been a favourite of Edinburgh’s Christmas in its picturesque setting below the Mound. The Christmas Market will once again stretch from outside the National Galleries along East Princes Street Gardens and around the Scott Monument.

The traditional and romantic Christmas Market in the heart of the City of Edinburgh offers a unique shopping experience for every visitor with its fair of crafters, artists, gift shops and gastronomic surprises. Get into the Christmas spirit!

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The Scottish Market Our Scottish Market in St Andrew Square is a winter showcase of some of the best craft, food and drink that Scotland has to offer. The treats available will include locally produced sausages, fresh seafood, unique chocolate, delightful cupcakes, locally brewed gin and craft beer, Scottish crafted jewellery and woodwork, the best Scottish accessories on offer and much, much more.

Free entry

OUR MARK ET ARE OPEN S …

10AM - 10P M

Free entry

18 0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

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Edinburgh’s Christmas 19

MARKETS

European Christmas Market

EAST P STREET GRINCES ARDENS

HIGH STR ROYAL M EET, ILE

Stretching from St Andrew’s Day to Christmas Eve The Virgin Money Street of Light is a breathtaking new event set to light up Edinburgh’s Old Town this Christmas.

Launching on St Andrew’s Day, an architectural installation of 26 arches of 60,000 lights will run along the Royal Mile, from City Chambers to the Tron Kirk.

Enter this stunning canopy of light, rising up to 19 metres high, and listen to music sung and played by choirs from across Edinburgh synchronised to the lights.

With music from the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, the Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus, the Edinburgh Police Choir and the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union.

The Virgin Money Street of Light is made possible with the support of Virgin Money, and is part of Edinburgh’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations.

The Virgin Money Street of Light is supported by the Royal Mile Business Association.

30 November - 24 December Monday - Saturday: 6.30pm & 8.15pm Sunday: 5.30pm & 7.30pm The event lasts for 20 minutes

Free event Reserve a ticket to ensure entry at virginmoneystreetoflight.com Maximum 6 tickets per order

20 0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

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Edinburgh’s Christmas 21

St Andrew Square Ice Rink Get your skates on and glide all the way round the Melville Monument in St Andrew Square on our beautiful elliptic ice rink.

20 November - 4 January Day slots start on the hour from 10am to 1pm and then every 45 minutes from 1.45pm to 9.15pm.

Adults £9 - £12.50 Children (4 - 15 years) £5 - £8 20% off for EH postcode holders Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled start time to collect your skates (5 minutes before, for 10am sessions).

East Princes Street Gardens Ice Rink

EAST P STREET GRINCES ARDENS

Don your skates and take a turn around the glittering ice rink on East Princes Street Gardens terrace, beneath the Big Wheel and against the unrivalled backdrop of Edinburgh’s famous skyline.

20 November - 4 January Day slots start on the hour 10am to 4pm.

Night slots start every 45 minutes from 5pm to 9.30pm.

Adults £9 - £12.50 Children (4 - 15 years) £5 - £8 Family ticket £20 - £35 (admits 4, maximum 2 adults) 20% off for EH postcode holders Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled start time to collect your skates (5 minutes before, for 10am sessions).

Skating aids for children (Penguins) are available at this ice rink only.

22 0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

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RIDES & ATTRACTIONS

ST. ANDR E SQUARE W

RIDES & ATTRACTIONS

Big Wheel

EAST P STREET GRINCES ARDENS

EAST P STREET GRINCES ARDENS

Star Flyer

Our observational Big Wheel has 36 enclosed, weather-proof pods, each seating six people, and showing unrivalled views of Edinburgh.

As the pod door closes, you’ll hear a short historical tour of the view and the City. One ride on the Big Wheel won’t be enough!

We dare you…! At nearly 60 metres high, the Star Flyer is truly awesome.

Take your seat and view Edinburgh like you’ve never seen it before… with 360 degree-views over the rooftops, and maybe with your eyes firmly shut!

20 November - 4 January 10am – 10pm (last admission 9.45pm)

20 November - 4 January 10am – 10pm (last admission 9.45pm)

Tickets are date-specific but there are no set time slots — admission is on a first come, first served basis. Please allow extra time if you plan to attend during busy periods.

Tickets are date-specific but there are no set time slots — admission is on a first come, first served basis. Please allow extra time if you plan to attend during busy periods.

£9 (£6 concessions) Family ticket £25 (admits 4, with a maximum of 2 adults) 20% off for EH postcode holders

£7.50 20% off for EH postcode holders You must be at least 1m tall to ride the Star Flyer

24 0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

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RIDES & ATTRACTIONS

EAST P STREET GRINCES ARDENS

Santa’s Grotto Until 24 December Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to Santa…

A chance for children to meet the man in red and tell him their dearest wish.

Come and hear a festive fairytale, sit on Father Christmas’s knee, meet his helpers and receive a wee gift.

Lower East Princes St Gardens is once again transformed into a magical festive place for all the family, with a host of rides and attractions to enjoy.

Take a trip on the Santa Train, find what’s hidden in the centre of the Maze, and visit the man himself in our magical Santa’s Grotto.

For a full list of all the rides in Santa Land, please visit edinburghschristmas.com Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 10am - 8pm Thu - Fri: 10am - 9pm Sat: 10am - 10pm

Sessions are group sessions and begin every 30 minutes. You must buy a ticket at the box office for a specific time slot before entering Santa’s Grotto. £8 (includes up to 2 accompanying adults)

Christmas Tree Maze Prepare to get lost in our magical Christmas Tree Maze! A joy for children and adults alike - can you make your way to the centre and back again?

Discover the Elves’ workshop, where Santa’s little helpers will be waiting for you with a treat. £3 (under 13’s must be accompanied by a paying adult)

20% off for EH postcode holders With the exception of Santa’s Grotto, tickets are date-specific but there are no set time slots - admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please allow extra time if you plan to attend during busy periods.

Last admission to rides is 15 minutes before closing time.

Santa Train Board the train at Santa’s train station, and then it’s all aboard for an exciting ride round Santa Land. Look up at the Castle, the tree on the Mound, the Big Wheel, the Market, and wave to the crowds as Santa sounds the bell. £4 (children under 1m tall may be accompanied for free)

26 0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

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This year’s theme for Light Night, the official opening of Edinburgh’s Christmas, is Light.

EVENTS

NIGHT

GEORGE

With a series of stages up and down George Street, this event is for the community and by the community. There will be over 60 schools and community groups, with an estimated total of 1,300 performers, each performing an act, a dance, a song or a piece of music to celebrate all things Light on one of the stages.

We are delighted to welcome the award-winning, global superstar Susan Boyle as our special guest, to switch on the Christmas lights.

‘I am thrilled to have been asked to switch on the Edinburgh Christmas lights this year. I travel to Edinburgh to see the lights every year so to be in charge of switching them on is a real honour and I’m very excited to be taking part.’

Susan Boyle

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Light Night promises to be an illuminating, sparkling and festive extravaganza that’s not to be missed. Hosting the event and introducing the George Street crowds to the fantastic performers will be one of Edinburgh’s most familiar voices, Arlene Stuart from Forth Radio.

Please note that we expect the event to be very busy, so please leave plenty of time to arrive, and travel by public transport if at all possible to avoid congestion in the city centre.

Sunday 22 November George St 1.30pm to 5pm (first performance 2pm) Fireworks at 4.50pm Free entry

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ST

EVENTS

Celebrate Scotland’s national day this year with Edinburgh’s Christmas.

Edinburgh’s Christmas arena St Andrew Square will host St Andrew’s Day, presenting a selection of free, fun and family friendly Scottish events including, in the Spiegeltent, Stick Man, Royal Scottish Country Dancing, Scottish Storytelling, Scots Makar Liz Lochhead and Dean Owens and the Whisky Hearts, and on the Main Stage, Pulse of Place, The Banana Sessions and Blazin’ Fiddles.

EAST P STREET GRINCES ARDENS

Winter Windows

Come and see Edinburgh’s Winter Windows.

Designed by schools from across Edinburgh, the windows form a magical pathway down to Santa Land. Each window is designed by a budding young artist from Edinburgh’s schools on the theme of LIGHT. East Princes Street Gardens 25 November - 4 January Free entry

Around the site, you will find face painting, a Haggis Hunt for the wee ones and the delights of the Scottish Market.

Sunday 29 November 10am – 10pm St Andrew Square Free entry for all events in the Spiegeltent and on the main stage. Spiegeltent events are ticketed.

Reserve a ticket to ensure entry.

SCOTTISH MARKET THE SPIEGELTENT STICK MAN MAIN STAGE

10am - 10pm 11am – 10pm 11am 12pm – 10pm

Supported by National Galleries of Scotland

0844 0844 545 545 8252 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com | edinburghschristmas.com 3030

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ST. ANDR E SQUARE W

Edinburgh’s Christmas 31

Santa Run 24 Doors of Advent This real-life advent calendar lets you open a door a day throughout December.

Each day from 1 – 24 December, a building around Edinburgh that’s usually closed to the public will open its doors.

This project is run in collaboration with the Cockburn Association.

Check edinburghschristmas.com for more information.

Tues 01 Dec Wed 02 Dec Thu 03 Dec Fri 04 Dec Sat 05 Dec Sat 05 Dec Sun 06 Dec Mon 07 Dec Tue 08 Dec Wed 09 Dec

Thu 10 Dec Fri 11 Dec Sat 12 Dec Sat 12 Dec Sun 13 Dec Mon 14 Dec Tue 15 Dec Wed 16 Dec Thu 17 Dec Fri 18 Dec Sat 19 Dec Sun 20 Dec Mon 21 Dec Tue 22 Dec Wed 23 Dec Thu 24 Dec Thu 24 Dec

Botanic Cottage Edinburgh Gin Distillery Gracemount Youth and Community Centre St Giles’ Cathedral The Victorian School Room National Museum of Scotland Coburg House Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory Leith Registrars Marriage Suite Scottish Tourist Guide Canongate door tour

11am - 4pm 11am - 11pm 10am - 4pm 8am - 7pm 11am - 4pm 10am - 5pm 11am - 4pm Tours at 9.30am & 10.30am 12pm - 4pm

10am - 11am & 2pm - 3pm Rock House 10am - 4pm Cockenzie House and Gardens 9am - 4pm Customs House 10am - 4pm The Playhouse 12pm - 5pm Mansfield Traquair Centre 9am - 7pm Assembly Rooms 12pm - 5pm Gilmerton Cove 11am - 3pm Forth Bridge 10am - 2pm New Register House 10.30am - 5.30pm The Biscuit Factory 11am - 6pm Talbot Rice Gallery 11am - 3pm The Glasite Meeting House 10am - 4pm Dovecot Gallery 10am - 3pm The Real Mary King’s Close 5pm - 9pm The City Chambers 10am - 2pm St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church 8am - 7pm Dalmeny Parish Church 10.30am - 3.30pm

32 32 0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

The Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk Once more, Scotland’s fundraising Santas will run, walk and stroll around West Prices Street Gardens, which is spread over a short 2.5km circuit raising money for When You Wish Upon A Star, as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary.

The Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk is a great way to enjoy time with family, friends and work colleagues to help us continue granting the very special Wishes for children who are living with a life threatening illness throughout Scotland.

A great Christmas event for everyone, the 2.5km event will start at 11am after a special Christmas warm up. The route is accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Children in pushchairs and dogs on leads are allowed, with prizes for the best dressed pushchair and best dressed dog.

For more information or to register, please visit www.thesantarun.org.uk or call 0115 979 1720 Sunday 13 December 11am West Princes Street Gardens, starts at the Ross Bandstand Entry Adults £10 (12yrs and over); includes Santa Suit to keep Juniors £5 (5yrs to 11yrs); includes Santa Suit to keep Children £2.50 (2yrs to 4yrs); includes an Elf Hat to keep Infants FREE Dogs FREE

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EVENTS

WEST P STREET G RINCES ARDENS

Norwegian Tree

The Christmas Tree in Edinburgh has been a gift from Hordaland County Council in Norway since 1986 to mark the close historic and cultural ties between Norway and Scotland. The tree this year will be lit by a visiting delegation from Hordaland including the County Convener of Hordaland.

Royal Norwegian Advent Concert

Meet and enjoy local beers and a specially commissioned Winter beer at

The Bothy on The Mound

Schola Cantorum of Edinburgh Conductor Eric von Ibler and the Brass Trio Vibrazzo consisting of Elise Minde Fagerli on Trumpet, Iselin Lande on Horn and Guro Strand on Tuba.

Monday 23 November, 7pm Free entry St. Giles Cathedral

Nativity Carol Concert Join us for traditional carols round the nativity scene, featuring the Exile Gospel Choir accompanied by musicians and The Edinburgh Signing Choir.

Sunday 29 November, 3pm Free entry St Andrew Square

34 0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

Baileys Hot Toddy Bar Enjoy a Baileys hot toddy in the beautiful surrounds of East Princes Street Gardens, with views over the Christmas ice rink and the Scott Monument.

Thursday 31 December - THE MUSIC & FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

CONCERT IN TH E

GARDENS

SOL

STREETD OUT! T I C K E T PA R T Y S ON-SALSTILL E!

ON LY UK SH OW

PLUS VERY SPECIAL GUESTS

WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER 2015 – FRIDAY 1 JANUARY 2016

AND

EH2016 Box Office: 0844 573 8455 / Fringe Office, 180 High Street, Edinburgh Tickets Scotland: 127 Rose Street, Edinburgh / 237 Argyle Street , Glasgow Ripping Records 91 South Bridge, Edinburgh

EDINBURGHSHOGMANAY.COM Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and Edinburgh’s Christmas are produced by Unique Events Ltd and Underbelly Ltd on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council

Principal funding partner

Major Funding Partners

Major Partners

Official Transport PartnER

Media Partners

GUIDES

Created and Produced by

Edinburgh’s Christmas is supported by

The City of Edinburgh Council; Pete Irvine, Penny Dougherty, Al Thomson and all at Unique Events; The 24 Doors of Advent participants; Susan Boyle, Andy Stephen’s and all at Andy’s Stephen’s Management; Bethany Christian Trust; Derek Marr, Graeme Arnott and all at Caledonian Heritable; Yaron Lifschitz and all at Circa; Marion Williams and all at The Cockburn Association; Coherent Bits; Jel at Dusted Design; Rob Lang at Edinburgh Airport; Lorna MacDonald at Arts and Creative Learning at the City of Edinburgh Council; Chris Smith and all at Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus; Christine Thomson and all at Edinburgh Police Choir; Michael Bawtree and all at Edinburgh Royal Choral Union; all our colleagues at the Edinburgh festivals; Christopher Bell, Roy Luxford, Helen MacLeod and all at Edinburgh Festival Chorus; Adam Wilkinson and all at the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust; all of our European and Scottish Market traders; Angels Event Experience; EventScotland; Sir Tom Farmer; George Street Association; Georgia Artus at the Grassmarket Association; Judith Dickinson at Insight GEO; all at The Leith Agency; Philip Hobbs and all at Linn Records; all at Marketing Edinburgh; Alistair Macdonald at Macdonald Licensing; the Norwegian Consulate; Andy at nuffsed.co.uk; Police Scotland; PWPFS; Tony Davey and all at Red61; Gail Raseli and all at Royal Mile Business Association; Louise Callow, Jennifer Sutherland and all at Scamp; all at Scottish Enterprise; Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; the residents and businesses of St Andrew Square; St Andrew’s and St George’s West; Arlene Stuart; Turley Associates; Rob, Bart and Daan at Van Rosmalen; VisitScotland; Chris Milne at Will Rudd Davidson; and, last but not least, all of Underbelly’s Edinburgh Christmas staff - those in the office and those on site at St Andrew Square, East Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile.

Event Sponsors

Event Media Partners

Edinburgh’s Christmas is also supported by

Event Partners

Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay are produced by Underbelly Ltd and Unique Events Ltd on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council

38 0844 545 8252 | edinburghschristmas.com

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Edinburgh’s Christmas 39

for EH Postcode Holders

Book online and go straight to the ride.

20% OFF

SKIP THE QUEUE

EH Postcode Holders are entitled to 20% off on all rides, shows, the ice rinks and Santa’s Grotto. The EH postcode offer requires residents to bring proof of address (eg. bank statement, driving licence, bus pass or utility bill) when purchasing tickets or collecting tickets booked online.

This year, if you book online, you can skip the queue and go straight to the ride or attraction, rather than queuing at the box office. Either print out your ticket at home, or bring the email with you on your smartphone, and it will be scanned for admission.