17 November 2017 – 6 January 2018
WELCOME FROM THE LORD PROVOST
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Welcome to Edinburgh’s Christmas, where Scotland’s Capital city transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
FROM 17 NOVEMBER ST ANDREW SQUARE ICE RINK (p22) GEORGE STREET ATTRACTIONS (p14) LA CLIQUE NOËL (p6)
Over six weeks, we offer no shortage of things to see, do and enjoy with a programme designed to get you into the Scottish festive spirit.
FROM 18 NOVEMBER EAST PRINCES ST GARDENS ATTRACTIONS (p20)
Breathe in the scent of Christmas with a stroll through the city’s cinnamon-fuelled markets, a mug of glühwein or hot chocolate in hand. Marvel at twinkling ice sculptures celebrating some of Scotland’s most famous citizens in the Ice Adventure, visit our Giant Advent Calendar, or treat yourself to a spectacular show at the Festival Square Spiegeltent. For festive thrill seekers young and old, discover the Star Flyer and the Yeti, take a spin on our Big Wheel and Carousel, and don your skates on our famous oval Ice Rink. The celebrations launch with Light Night, when our city’s Christmas tree - a civic gift from Norway - lights up on The Mound against a sky full of fireworks. Whether you are a citizen or a visitor, on behalf of the city, I’d like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy all that we have on offer. Frank Ross The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh
19 NOVEMBER LIGHT NIGHT (p12) FROM 1 DECEMBER SHARK IN THE PARK (p10) FROM 1 DECEMBER EDINBURGH’S GIANT ADVENT CALENDAR AT GENERAL REGISTER HOUSE (p16)
Castle St
Charlotte St
ST ANDREW SQUARE Ice Rink Monument Bar
SANTA’S GROTTO
17 November from 12pm 18 November - 7 January 10am - 10pm
18 November - 24 December
George St
PRINCES STREET GARDENS
LIGHT NIGHT ICE ADVENTURE
19 November 3-5pm
Christmas Market & Attractions
GEORGE STREET
Christmas Market & Attractions 17 November from 6pm 18 November - 24 December 10am-10pm
17 November - 24 December
18 November from 1pm 19 November - 6 January 10am - 10pm
The Mound
West Princes St Gardens
Lothian Roa
Open daily 10am - 5pm Thursdays until 7pm
Shark in the Park 1 December - 6 January
1 December - 25 December 5.30pm - 10pm
Waverley Station SANTA LAND 18 November from 1pm 19 November - 6 January Sun - Wed 10am - 8pm Thu - Fri 10am - 9pm Sat 10am - 10pm
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Baby Loves Disco 10-31 December
East Princes St Gardens
Scottish National Gallery and Royal Scottish Academy
FESTIVAL SQUARE SPIEGELTENT La Clique Nöel 17 November - 6 January
EDINBURGH’S GIANT ADVENT CALENDAR General Register House
PRINCES ST
Edinburgh Castle The Lyceum Traverse Theatre Usher Hall
EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS 17 NOVEMBER - 6 JANUARY
High St
WINTER WINDOWS
WEST PARLIAMENT SQUARE
18 November - 26 December
25 DECEMBER ALL ATTRACTIONS CLOSED BOXING DAY & NY DAY SITES OPEN 12PM ALL TIMINGS ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT
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Edinburgh’s Christmas
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La Clique returns home to Edinburgh with a special seasonal edition this Christmas! Born at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004, the multi-award winning La Clique has since toured the globe to international acclaim. Now the show returns home to Edinburgh with La Clique Noël for its first Christmas run. Along with its dysfunctional collection of extraordinary new artists and firm favourites including Scotty The Blue Bunny, Leah Shelton, Heather Holliday, Bernadette Byrne, Craig Reid, Tim Kriegler and Vicki Butterfly, the show will feature a scintillating live band and the best of the best in adult, genre-bending, new variety – in a night you won’t forget!
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A programme worth £10 is included with every ticket. Running time: 120 mins including interval 20% off for EH Postcode Holders 17 November - 6 January 2018 Festival Square Spielgeltent Mon – Thu 8pm Sat 6pm & 9pm Sun 5pm & 8pm A Private Booth £160 - £240 Ringside £39.50 - £49.50 Posh Seats £32.50 - £39.50 Stalls £24.50 - £34.50 Rear Stalls £14.50 - £24.50
PRE-SHOW DINING & FREE CAR PARKING PACKAGE AT ONE SQUARE RESTAURANT In the heart of Edinburgh’s Cultural Quarter, One Square Restaurant overlooks the Festival Square Spiegeltent, bursting with music, magic and fun throughout the Edinburgh’s Christmas season. Indulge in an elegant two-course dinner, without having to worry about being late to your show! With a seasonal selection of the finest locally sourced ingredients, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, treating a loved one or need a night of luxury, we will ensure you’ll have a fabulous night to remember.
Festive entertainment in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End
Our pre-theatre dining package includes a two-course menu complete with a glass of prosecco at One Square Restaurant, a ticket to the new production of La Clique Noël, plus car parking for up to 6 hours whilst you enjoy the evening. With tiered packages to suit every budget, including reduced weeknight rates, book yourself in for a Christmas treat!
Book tickets at edinburghschristmas.com for La Clique Noël, Shark in the Park and Baby Loves Disco at the Festival Square Spiegeltent, Cinderella and How To Disappear at the Traverse Theatre and The Arabian Nights at The Lyceum. Book for Carols by Candlelight and the Glenn Miller Orchestra at usherhall.co.uk
To book a dining package, please call us on 0131 510 0395 Ringside package: £65.45 / £70.45 / £75.45 (previews / Mon - Thu / Fri - Sun) Posh package: £58.45 / £60.45 / £65.45 Stalls package: £50.45 / £55.45 / £60.45 Parking and One Square Restaurant is located at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
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Edinburgh’s Christmas
Baby Loves Disco’s Christmas Cheer
10 Dec - 1pm & 3.30pm, 17 Dec 12pm, 24 Dec 1pm For ages 0-6 years The legendary unique dayclubbing experience for parents with babies, toddlers and young children with the resident club DJ spinning nostalgic party floor fillers, a licensed bar for parents plus facepainting, crafts zone, toddler play equipment, dress-up and a selfie booth with props for all ages!
Baby Loves Pop Bingo Disco Sat 23 Dec, 1pm For ages 3-10 years This is bingo whilst dancing!
Baby Loves Silent Disco
Sat 16 Dec, 1pm For ages 3-10 years Two DJs live on stage, two channel headsets, parents vs kids!
‘Another foot tapping musical delight of show.’ Edinburgh FestivalForKids
Timothy Pope is looking through his telescope but wait, is that a Shark in the Park!?
Fri 1 December - Sat 6 January. Times vary, check website for details
Tue - Thu £12 (£10 concession, £40 family ticket) From the creative team behind The Hairy Fri - Sun £15 Maclary show - see all three of Nick Sharratt’s (£12 concession, £46 family ticket) Shark in the Park books live on stage! Featuring Shark in the Park, Shark in the Dark Duration: 60 minutes and Shark in the Park on a Windy Day – this For ages 2 - 7 fin-tastic, family musical follows Timothy Pope (and his telescope!) on three exciting 20% off for EH postcode holders adventures… 0131 510 0395 | edinburghschristmas.com 10
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Edinburgh’s Christmas
GEORGE
ST
NIGHT
We celebrate the official opening of Edinburgh’s Christmas and the switch on of the city’s Christmas Lights! In this fantastic free event, the local community comes together to showcase the very best choirs and dancers from Edinburgh and across Scotland, as we light up George Street with fireworks. Hosted by Forth Radio’s Arlene Stuart, against the backdrop of a stunning new light feature at our festive George Street location. 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 19 November George Street 3pm - 5pm Free entry
We are delighted to welcome special guests Laura Main and members of the cast of Shrek the Musical to switch on the city’s Christmas Lights. Shrek the Musical will be playing at Edinburgh Playhouse from 12 December 2017 - 7 January 2018.
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The traditional Christmas market spreads to George Street offering a unique, festive shopping experience for every visitor with its array of crafters, artists, gifts and tasty delights. Get into the Christmas spirit!
Santa’s Grotto Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to Santa... A chance for children to meet Father Christmas, hear a festive fairytale, and receive a wee gift. Sessions are in groups and begin every 30 minutes. You must buy a ticket for a specific time slot before entering Santa’s Grotto. £8 (includes up to 2 accompanying adults)
Ice Adventure: A journey through Frozen Scotland.
N YOU CAN R A E Y THIS D SANTA O T! FIN E STREE GEORG
Explore our immersive walk-through experience and travel through Scotland’s rich and magical history, filled to the brim with ice and snow sculptures to make you wonder. From mythical creatures to historical figures, and of course with a whisky barrel or two along the way, you’ll be astounded by the lifelike ice sculptures in our Ice Adventure. With a setting of -10 C, be sure to wrap up and treat yourself to a drink from our Ice Bar! Tickets: £10 (£7)
The Drop Tower Get an unbeatable view over all of Edinburgh at the top of the Drop Tower, but don’t relax too much – you’ll be plunged back down to earth before you know it! £7.50 20% off for EH postcode holders 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. You must be at least 1.4m tall to ride the Drop Tower
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Edinburgh’s Giant Advent Calendar
An exciting new free spectacle for this year, Edinburgh’s very own, free to access giant Advent Calendar will be projected onto General Register House with 25 glimpses of Edinburgh winters from years gone-by, one revealed each day.
1 - 25 December General Register House Between 5.30pm - 10pm
Edinburgh’s Giant Advent Calendar will be projected on General Register House at varying times between 5.30pm and 10pm every day, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled when you’re passing! Archive of the city dating back to the 1700s is generously supplied by partners including Historic Environment Scotland, National Records of Scotland and National Museums of Scotland.
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Star Flyer
The Forth 1 Big Wheel
EAST P STREET GRINCES ARDENS
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, or maybe with your eyes firmly shut!
Our observational Forth 1 Big Wheel has 26 enclosed, weatherproof pods, each seating six people, and showing unrivalled views of Edinburgh. One ride on the Big Wheel won’t be enough! Sat 18 November – Sat 6 January 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.
Sat 18 November – Sat 6 January 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.
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Edinburgh’s Christmas
Christmas Markets
Christmas Tree Maze
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. For a full list of all the rides in Santa Land, please visit edinburghschristmas.com
18 November - 6 January Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 10am - 8pm Thu - Fri: 10am - 9pm Sat: 10am - 10pm *These vary on occasional days, check the website for up to date info.
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. £3.50 (under 13s must be accompanied by a paying adult)
For over 20 years in the heart of Edinburgh, the popular European Market has been held in the picturesque setting of East Princes Street Gardens. The market stretches from The Mound, along the Gardens and around the Scott Monument to Waverley Bridge. The traditional Christmas market offers a unique, festive shopping experience for every visitor with a whole host of bespoke and traditional Christmas items. Mon - Sun: 10am - 10pm
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 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, who may ride for free. All other adults pay full price.)
THI FIND SS YEAR YOU ON GE ANTA’S GR CAN O ORGE STREE TTO T!
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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 elliptical ice rink. Fri 17 November – Sat 6 January Day slots start every 45 minutes from 10.15am to 11.45am, and then every 30 minutes until 9:30pm. The ice rink is cleared completely up to twice a day for cleaning so please check the website or at the box office for up-todate timings. 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 the scheduled start time to collect your skates. Skating aids are available.
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Edinburgh’s Christmas
The Edinburgh Santa Fun Run and Walk
Winter Windows In 2017 our Winter Windows are spread out over the city in five new locations: in the shadow of St Giles’, West Parliament Square hosts 25 Windows, with others in Leith’s Kirkgate Plaza, Craigmillar Library Plaza, Drumbrae Plaza and Westerhailes Plaza. Each window is designed by a budding young artist from Edinburgh’s schools to the theme of the 2050 Edinburgh City Vision.
WEST P STREET G RINCES ARDENS
Scotland’s fundraising Santas will run, walk and stroll a two lap course around West Princes Street Gardens. Great fun for all ages raising money for When You Wish Upon A Star. For more information or to register, please visit thesantarun.org.uk or call 0131 273 4344.
Sunday 10 December 11am West Princes Street Gardens, starts at the Ross Bandstand
18 November – 26 December Free entry For more information on how to travel to the localities please visit our website.
Entry Adults £10 Children (5 – 11) £5 Under 2s Free
24 Doors of Advent Discover an exciting new place each day, as this real-life advent calendar takes you through a different door throughout December, as Edinburgh opens its doors to showcase the unique buildings in the city. This year’s doors include John Sinclair House, Victorian School Room, McEwan Hall, Trinity House, Burns Monument, Mansfield Traquair, BT Murrayfield and Lauriston Castle. Check our website for the full programme. *Guided tours available at some locations
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31.12.17
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.
Decades of Detection across the North Sea
SAY TO THE WORLD... I WAS THERE
BAIRNS AFORE CELEBRATE WITH THE KIDS, AND ALL AFORE BEDTIME!
30 years of Rebus: 40 years of Varg Veum International bestselling authors Ian Rankin and Gunnar Staalesen in conversation Sunday 19 November, 6pm Free but ticketed Festival Square Spiegeltent
Scottish Norwegian Advent Concert This year the Norwegian trio Mediæval comprising Anna Maria Friman, Linn Andrea Fuglseth and Berit Opheim will perform with the Schola Cantorum of Edinburgh under its conductor Eric von Ibler. Monday 20 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 3 December, 3pm Free entry St Andrew Square 0131 510 0395 | edinburghschristmas.com 26
LOCAL MUSIC, FOOD AND DRINK WILL KEEP YOU DANCING ALL NIGHT UNDER THE CASTLE.
CEILIDH UNDER THE CASTLE
STREET PARTY LIVE MUSIC, DJS AND STREET ENTERTAINMENT.
HOSTED BY SANJEEV KOHLI (STILL GAME, BBC)
SCOTLAND’S NEW YEAR FESTIVAL #EDHOGMANAY ON SALE NOW EDINBURGHSHOGMANAY.COM THE FIRST 5,000 EH POSTCODE HOLDERS TO BOOK STREET PARTY TICKETS GET 25% OFF
GILDED BALLOON present
by arrangement with the ORAN MOR
A BOTTLE OF WINE AND
Her Amazing Life Story & Songs That Made Her a Legend
PATSY CLINE
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?
GAIL WATSON is PATSY CLINE
«««««
Leave the car and take the tram!
“Never mind the wine, this show is better than a crate of champagne…!”
««««
“Gail Watson is breathtaking...” The Scotsman
Written by
MORAG FULLARTON
Musical arrangements by HILARY Directed by RYAN
8.00pm Sundays 3, 10, 17 - 5.30pm
BROOKS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ALEXANDER DEWAR
30 Nov - 30 Dec
(Not 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 21, 25 & 26)
GILDED BALLOON IS PROUD TO PRESENT A BRAND NEW HOME FOR COMEDY, CABARET AND THEATRE IN THE HEART OF EDINBURGH’S WEST END. LAUNCHING AT THE END OF NOVEMBER, HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE…
FOR BOOKING DETAILS
0131 622 6552 GILDEDBALLOON.CO.UK
BASEMENT THEATRE & ROSE THEATRE, 204 ROSE STREET, EDINBURGH, 28 EH2 4AZ
0131 510 0395 | edinburghschristmas.com
SCOTT GIBSON
FRED MACAULAY
GEORGE EGG
GARY LAMONT
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THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
HOW TO GET HERE Edinburgh’s Christmas is based at four sites: East Princes Street Gardens, Festival Square, St Andrew Square and the west end of George Street.
Edinburgh’s Christmas is supported by
For a map and details of what’s on at each site, turn to page 4. Train: Edinburgh Waverley station, Haymarket station Bus: Sites are easily accessible from stops on Princes Street, George Street, Lothian Road and South St David Street. Lothian Buses operates 24/7 runs through the night). Plan your journey by bus ( at lothianbuses.com Trams: Sites are easily accessible from the West End - Princes Street, Princes Street and St Andrew Square stops. You can plan your journey at edinburghtrams.com
Event Sponsors
Event Partners
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 0131 510 0395 £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, in East Princes Street Gardens, on George Street and in Santa Land. For shows in Festival Square there is a box office inside the venue that will be open one hour before showtime.
20% OFF FOR EH POSTCODE HOLDERS Available on all rides, selected shows, Ice Adventure, ice rink 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.
SKIP THE QUEUE 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. Not available for ice skating.
Media Partners
The Lord Provost and all at the City of Edinburgh Council; Laura Main and the cast of Shrek the Musical and all of our Light Night participants; Arlene Stuart; our Christmas on Stage partners; all at Hamilton Ice Sculptors; Double Take Projections; Keith Livingstone and all at Waverley Gate; the 24 Doors of Advent participants; David Bates and the cast of La Clique Noel; Nonsense Room Productions and the cast of Shark in the Park; Baby Loves Disco; Neil Gregory and all at Historic Environment Scotland; National Records of Scotland; National Museums of Scotland; Police Scotland; Scottish Ambulance Service; Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; Ivo Mulder at IM-STEE and Chris Milne at Will Rudd Davidson; Essential Edinburgh and Marketing Edinburgh; all our colleagues at the Edinburgh festivals; and, last but not least, all of Underbelly’s Edinburgh Christmas staff.
CONCESSIONS Concession ticket prices are available to concession card holders and under 16s. 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.
Charity Partner
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La Clique returns home to Edinburgh with a special seasonal edition this Christmas!
Preview prices, Premium seats & dining packages available 17 November - 6 January edinburghschristmas.com