What's On in Edinburgh & The Lothians

Bikeability Scotland

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.cycling.scot/bikeability-scotland

Free, in-school programme that is supported by a network of qualified instructors, who are often teachers, parents, and members of the local community. You can check to see if your child’s school currently...

Bothwell Junior Chess Club

Venue: Bothwell Community Hub

Website: www.thebothwellhub.co.uk

This group is proudly sponsored by Your Move McLaughlin and is held every Thursday, £1.50 entry. To apply, contact Michael hamiltonchesstuition@virginmedia.com, 07942876090.

Code Ninjas

Venue: Code Ninjas Edinburgh

Website: www.codeninjas.co.uk/edinburgh-mln-uk

Code Ninjas' innovative programme enables young minds to develop crucial skills in coding, problem-solving, and critical thinking through a fun, game-based curriculum. Engaging in such dynamic learning...

Dino's Science Club

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk/dinos-science-sessions

At the science centre in Edinburgh, your child will learn a range of fun activities exploring topics like dinosaurs, life on our planet, outer space, planet protection, and much more.Dino's runs every...

Doodles Ceramics Workshop

Venue: Doodles Ceramics

Website: www.doodlesscotland.co.uk

Two hour Ceramic painting sessions for all ages including Clay baby Imprints, Baby and Child Hand and Foot prints, Pet paw prints, Birthday parties for children (age 8+) and adults Team building events,...

Eye Spy Edinburgh

Venue: Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Website: www.camera-obscura.co.uk

With five floors and over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits there's something fun to entertain all ages. Tour Edinburgh’s streets without moving. Test your brain against mind-bending illusions. Take...

Family Activity Area in Museum of Edinburgh

Venue: Museum of Edinburgh

Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

The activity area is packed full of art materials and worksheets and amazing objects relating to the history of Edinburgh. The Museum offers a warm and welcoming space for family groups to work creatively...

First Class Learning

Venue: Various venues in Edinburgh

Website: www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

FCL supports learners of all ages and abilities, providing personalised study plans to address individual needs and boost confidence. Each child’s progress is closely monitored, ensuring they build a...

Go Quest Adventures

Venue: Edinburgh Castle

Website: www.whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk

During your Quest, unlock a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles and completing team challenges, all self-guided through the Go Quest Adventures app on your mobile device. See the city's highlights,...

Highland Wildlife Park

Venue: Highland Wildlife Park

Address: Kincraig

Website: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Only seven miles from Aviemore, the park is open seven days a week and offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands. From cheeky monkeys and elusive wildcats to Scotland’s only polar bears –...

Inverleith Junior Parkrun

Venue: Inverleith Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/inverleith-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9.30am. Free to join but register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun. Go along and join in...

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Venue: Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Website: www.landmarkpark.co.uk

Plunge down one of three water coasters, walk through an amazing tropical hot-house with hundreds of butterflies, meet dinosaurs and try out Scotland’s first-ever aerial net challenge! Plus explore...

LS Tuition Holiday Clubs

Venue: 11 Harewood Road

Website: www.lydias-tuition.co.uk

LS Tuition provides fun and engaging holiday club experiences for children, during the School Holidays. Their club theme/focus changes each time, so keep a look out on the website to see what exciting...

Play Rangers

Venue: West Pilton Park and Muirhouse Park

Website: www.northedinburgharts.co.uk/whats-on/play-rangers

Free creative outdoor play in local parks on Friday afternoons. The sessions are free for local children ages 5+. No booking is required, simply drop in. 12.30pm-2.15pm in West Pilton Park and 3.15pm-5pm...

Portobello Music School

Venue: Portobello Music School @ CRE:8

Address: Edinburgh College, Milton Road East

Website: www.portobellomusicschool.com

Portobello Music School provide Musical Pathways to ensure progression for children at the various stages of their musical development. Children can join the Creative Music Classes at any time from birth...

Sheena Ferguson Violin Lessons

Venue: Bruntsfield

Website: www.bruntsfieldviolinlessons.wordpress.com

Sheena teaches a range of ages from children as young as four to adults, and from total beginners up to Grade 6 standard. Sheena is an accredited Stringbabies teacher, a method specifically designed for...

The Meadows Junior Parkrun

Venue: The Meadows

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/themeadows-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9.30am. Free to join but register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun. Go along and join in...

Find Out Fridays

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Website: www.nms.ac.uk/events/find-out-fridays

Taking a different theme and activity each week, the engagement team will be on hand to share some of the fascinating facts and surprising stories behind the collections, through object handling, practical...

Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight

Venue: National Museum of Flight

Website: www.nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children, neurodivergent young people and adults, adults living with dementia, adults and children with mental health problems,...

Big Wheel

Venue: East Princes Street Gardens

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas

With incredible views of the historic Old Town, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, as well as sparkling evening views of Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions, one ride on the Big Wheel won’t be enough!...

Edinburgh's Winter Festival

Venue: Edinburgh Town Centre

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/home

With a newly expanded programme of events and attractions including Christmas Markets, Ice Skating, fairground rides, Christmas Tree maze, community events and more, Edinburgh's Christmas is the best way...

Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations

Venue: Five Sisters Zoo

Website: www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk/zoo-illuminations-2024

By popular demand, FSZ Illuminations are back this winter with a mesmerizing display of colour and light. FSZ have teamed up with lighting experts Blachere and promise this will be their best display...

101 Dalmatians

Venue: Edinburgh Playhouse

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat. This classic is brought to life with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography and irresistible...

Christmas at the Botanics

Venue: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Website: www.rbge.org.uk

Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers. Christmas at the Botanics has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse...

Castle of Light

Venue: Edinburgh Castle

Website: www.edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/castle-of-light

Discover the iconic site after-dark and enjoy immersive displays, interactive installations, music and wonder. See Edinburgh’s stories brought to life on the castle walls, meet Rex the loveable lion...

Ice Skating

Venue: West George St between Castle Street and Charlotte Square

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas

Get your skates on and glide all the way up and down Edinburgh’s famous George St on the magnificent alpine ice rink. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult (18+), no babes...

Peter Pan - 2024 Panto

Venue: Howden Park Centre

Website: www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk

When Wendy and her two brothers are visited one night by a magical being known as ‘Peter Pan’, they’re taken on a magical trip to Neverland. However, it’s not all adventures and fun as they’re...

Christmas Family Cruise

Venue: Maid of the Forth

Website: www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/Christmas-family-cruise

Get ready for a magical holiday experience on our Christmas Family Cruise with Santa! Take a festive trip along the scenic Forth, where you'll enjoy stunning views, seasonal refreshments, and an unforgettable...

Christmas Tree Maze

Venue: St Andrew Square

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas

St Andrew Square holds one of the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas Tree trails, providing families with a much loved festive attraction and Christmas photo opportunities in the heart of the city. Go...

Cinderella

Venue: Festival Theatre

Website: www.capitaltheatres.com

Join returning panto favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young with a new magical pantomime for all the family. Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes...

Curiosity Club

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Address: Level 4, Learning Centre

Website: www.nms.ac.uk/events/curiosity-club

Leave your grown-ups at the door and get inspired with Curiosity Club sessions. Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum...

Panto 2024: Cinderella

Venue: Festival Theatre

Website: www.capitaltheatres.com

Join returning panto favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young with a new magical pantomime for all the family. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Cinderella features...

Peter Pan

Venue: Reconnect Hoden Park Centre

Website: www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk

When Wendy and her two brothers are visited one night by a magical being known as ‘Peter Pan’, they’re taken on a magical trip to Neverland. However, it’s not all adventures and fun as they’re...

Polwarth Pre-Loved Sale

Venue: Polwarth Parish Church

Polwarth Pre-Loved Sale is an entirely volunteer-run sale offering 5000+ pre-loved items for children and babies, including clothing, toys and equipment. It provides a great way to reduce waste and beat...

Santa's Stories

Venue: St Andrew Square

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas

Santa and some very helpful elves will be tucked away in St Andrew Square ready to welcome children and families and provide a magical Christmas experience.Santa's Stories are group sessions for up to...

The Santa Experience

Venue: Archerfield Walled Garden

Website: www.archerfieldwalledgarden.com/events/the-santa-experience-2024

Expect a few exciting additions to this year's group show where children meet elves Dooley and Dudley, wish away their Santa letters at our magical well, and then follow them on their journey to Santa’s...

Edinburgh's Magical Christmas

Venue: Lauriston Castle

Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Witness startling magic and uplifting mystery, inspired by history and legends of the city of Edinburgh, in a lavish, historic setting. This show has sold out in previous years, so book early to avoid...

Paddington at Edinburgh Zoo

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Get ready for an unforgettable day with the chance to meet the lovable, marmalade-loving bear straight from Peru! Sheltered from the elements, Paddington can be found in Lemur Lodge at intervals throughout...

Elf: The Musical

Venue: Church Hill Theatre

Website: www.churchhilltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/elf-musical

Waiting for details....

Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies Edinburgh

Venue: Dobbies Edinburgh

Website: www.events.dobbies.com

Take in the atmosphere as you arrive at the enchanting forest, and after a warm welcome from the elves at Sleighbell Station, children will get to experience snowy scenes, spot woodland characters, find...

Treasure Island

Venue: The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh

Website: www.lyceum.org.uk

It’s Christmas Eve and young Jim Hawkins works at North Edinburgh’s finest accommodation for reformed pirates and past-it privateers. Talk of cutlasses, ships and gold can be dangerous in such company....

Christmas Shopping Fair

Venue: Hopetoun House

Website: www.hopetoun.co.uk

Enjoy a wonderful festive shopping experience, featuring over 50 exhibitors offering a wide range of artisan and unique gifts for Christmas.Soak in the wonderful festive atmosphere and enjoy some Christmas...

Oor Aladdin

Venue: Reconnect Regal Theatre

Website: www.reconnectregal.com/show

In this Scottish adaption of an old favourite Aladdin and the MacTwankey family are living in Bathgate with not a penny to their name. The evil Narcissis and his twisted bird sidekick Iago are looking...

The Polar Express Train Ride

Venue: Waverley Station

Website: https://edinburghthepolarexpressride.com

This November and December experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh. The fully immersive theatrical event lets you and your family, from little ones to Granny and Grandpa, experience what...

Winterfest at Dalkeith Country Park

Venue: Dalkeith Country

Website: www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/event/winterfest_2024

Glide across the new outdoor Ice Rink under twinkling lights, or join Santa for a special group session at ‘A Tale with Santa’ in The Christmas Cabin. Plus enjoy Elf Storytelling, race through the...

A World of Winter Wonder

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

Step into a world of winter wonder this Christmas at Dynamic Earth. Discover more about the polar regions and the amazing creatures that live there. Feel the festive magic with Dynamic Earth’s Winter...

Abbey Strand Art Club

Venue: Palace of Holyroodhouse

Website: www.rct.uk

Take inspiration from Queen Alexandra’s collages and make your own collage picture to take home. Get ready for 2025 by making your collage into a calendar and you will be able to enjoy looking at your...

ASN Friendly Santa Visit

Venue: Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Website: www.almondvalley.co.uk

A relaxed and distraction-free meeting with Santa in his cosy cottage, especially designed for those with additional support needs. Capacity is reduced and each session is longer. Music levels are low...

Christmas During the Day

Venue: Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Website: www.almondvalley.co.uk

During the daylight hours Christmas comes to life with a range of magical activities for the whole family to enjoy. Includes Santa's postbox, Wish Tree, Photo opportunities, Tractor rides, Animal encounters,...

Christmas Experience

Venue: Conifox Adventure Park

Website: www.conifox.co.uk

Step into Santa’s Living Room to meet the big man himself and snap a family photo. Each child also receives a Golden Christmas Coin to exchange for a gift or a teddy at the Make-a-Teddy Factory. Plus...

What's Up? Winter Wonderland

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

Explore the wonderful winter constellations, some of the best that our skies have to offer all year. Watch this Planetarium show as part of the daily schedule this October. A Planetarium show is included...

Sensory Sunday - Festival of Light

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Address: Level 4, Studio 2, Learning Centre

Website: www.nms.ac.uk/events/sensory-sunday

Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join this programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families....

Sleeping Beauty

Venue: National Mining Museum

Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com

Sleeping Beauty will have everything you have come to expect from a Geez a Break Panto with a hilarious comic, an outrageous dame, a delightfully wicked baddie, songs a plenty and tons of slapstick fun....

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Venue: Edinburgh Playhouse

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Starring the legendary Donny Osmond as the roof-raising Pharaoh, this smash-hit London Palladium production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns...

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Venue: Church Hill Theatre

Website: www.churchhilltheatre.co.uk/whats-on

Based on the iconic story of Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka, this spectacular stage show combines memorable songs from the original 1970’s motion picture (‘The Candy Man’ and ‘Pure Imagination’)...

A Christmas Carol - panto in Haddington

Venue: Corn Exchange, Haddington

Website: www.thebrunton.co.uk

The Brunton and Wonder Fools present this exciting new pantomime set in East Lothian, inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story. An entertaining, warm-hearted show filled with laughter, original...

Christmas Relaxed Access Evening

Venue: Palace of Holyroodhouse

Website: www.rct.uk

Relaxed Opening offers a chance to explore the Palace in a calm, tranquil atmosphere. This event is open to all, including those with autism and other neurodiverse needs, with their siblings, families,...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Portobello Town Hall

Website: www.stagedoorentertainment.co.uk

There is a giant in the sky over Porty! With Giant Grotty’s hideous henchman, Fleshcreep, taking all that the townsfolk hold dear, can Jack McTrott take the ultimate leap to save his family and his town?...

Meet Santa in his Cosy Cottage

Venue: Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Website: www.almondvalley.co.uk

Visit Santa in his cosy cottage and receive an early Christmas present. Includes a private visit to see Santa in his cosy cottage and an age-appropriate gift for every child ticket.

Starry Nights at Beecraigs Country Park

Venue: Beecraigs Country Park

Website: www.starry-night.co.uk/beecraigs-country-park

The spectacular Starry Nights experience will transform Beecraigs Country Park into a glittering Christmas wonderland, this December 6-23. There's lots to see and do with Singing Trees, a Fairy Den, Candy...

Santa's Grotto

Venue: National Mining Museum

Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com

Add a little magic to the festive season with a visit to Santa in his Grotto at National Mining Museum Scotland. Enjoy craft activities, write a letter to Santa and post it in the special post box, then...

A Christmas Carol

Venue: Usher Hall

Website: www.childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk

Tis the season to be jolly! CCC needs your help to save Scrooge from his surly ways (what the Dickens is that all about?). Can the magic of the festive season take away those bah humbugs and fill him with...

Planetarium: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Venue: Dynamic Earth Planetarium

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

A musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, where the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, with the beloved Muppets adding humour and heart...

Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight

Venue: National Museum of Flight

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children, neurodivergent young people and adults, adults living with dementia, adults and children with mental health problems,...

Christmas Jumper Day 2024

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

It’s super-simple to take part on Christmas Jumper Day. All you have to do is sign up, put the date in your calendar then on Thursday 12 December, put on your favourite Christmas jumper, donate £2 to...

The Sleeping Beauty

Venue: Church Hill Theatre

Website: www.churchhilltheatre.co.uk/whats-on

King Nolly and Queen Dottie of Woollyglen, the land of sheep and spinning wheels, are excited for the Royal Christening of their beautiful daughter, Princess Aurora.

Breakfast with the Clauses

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

On selected dates during December take the family and enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs Claus. Dining in the restaurant, you’ll tuck into festive snowman pancakes, participate in craft activities and...

Christmas Activity Day

Venue: Palace of Holyroodhouse

Website: www.rct.uk

Take in the Palace’s festive decorations and make some of your own with ribbon wreath making in the Great Gallery. In the Family Room, discover how the tradition of Christmas cards began and design your...

Christmas Bauble Workshop

Venue: National Mining Museum Scotland

Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com

Join the National Mining Museum Scotland in this creative Christmas workshop where you can decorate two baubles, painting a ceramic bauble with your own unique design and making a snow globe bauble. You...

The Gift

Venue: Festival Theatre

Website: www.capitaltheatres.com

Barrowland Ballet return to The Studio with their award-winning show! It’s often the cardboard boxes, not the gifts inside that are the most fun. This festive show will ignite a playfulness, inspiring...

A Christmas Carol

Venue: Loretto Theatre

Website: www.thebrunton.co.uk

The Brunton and Wonder Fools present this exciting new pantomime set in East Lothian, inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story. An entertaining, warm-hearted show filled with laughter, original...

A Christmas Carol - panto in Musselburgh

Venue: Loretto Theatre

Website: www.thebrunton.co.uk

The Brunton and Wonder Fools present this exciting new pantomime set in East Lothian, inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story. An entertaining, warm-hearted show filled with laughter, original...

Children’s Messiah

Venue: The Queen's Hall

Website: www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/childrens-messiah

Fun for all the family is guaranteed in Dunedin Consort’s interactive, 45-minute Children’s Messiah - specially crafted with young ears in mind! Guided by Mr Handel himself, they’ll be whizzing through...

Regal Mobile Cinema Presents - Elf

Venue: National Mining Museum

Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com

Buddy (Will Ferrell) is different from all of Santa’s other elves. For one thing, he’s “a cotton-headed ninny muggins” when it comes to making toys. For another, he’s 6’3″. And the real clincher:...

Regal Mobile Cinema Presents - The Muppet Christmas Carol

Venue: National Mining Museum

Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com

The Muppets bring the Charles Dickens novel to life in their Big Screen adaption of A Christmas Carol. Michael Caine plays Scrooge, with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and friends take leading roles...

Regal Mobile Cinema Presents - The Polar Express

Venue: National Mining Museum

Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com

Tom Hanks stars in this live action and animated movie. A disillusioned little boy, clad in his pyjamas, boards a magic train to the North Pole and has the adventure of a lifetime en route. On arrival,...

Regal Mobile Cinema Presents - The Snowman and The Snowdog

Venue: National Mining Museum

Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com

The timeless festive classic, The Snowman (1982) flies onto the big screen. Based on the book by Raymond Briggs, it tells the story of a young boy who builds a magical snowman who comes to life one special...

Bairns New Year Revels

Venue: 54 George Street

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/hogmanay/whats-on/bairns-new-year-revels

A special Bairn’s New Year Revels allows young party-goers a chance to join the celebrations with a huge family ceilidh, live music, dancing and Hogmanay fun for all. Don’t worry if you don’t know...

Sprogmanay

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Address: Grand Gallery, Level 1

Website: www.nms.ac.uk/events/sprogmanay

Shimmy, sparkle, and sing your way into the New Year as Sprogmanay returns for 2025. Join this afternoon of fun for children of all ages with a programme of live music, dancing, and performances. You...

Scottish Ballet: The Nutcracker

Venue: Festival Theatre

Website: www.capitaltheatres.com

Follow Clara on a journey through the worlds of her imagination, as she drifts off to sleep on Christmas Eve. She meets the dashing Nutcracker Prince, takes on the larger-than-life Rat King and is whisked...

Varna International Ballet - Romeo and Juliet

Venue: Edinburgh Playhouse

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Shakespeare’s tale of primal passion and timeless tragedy is brought to life by Prokofiev’s soaring score, set in bustling Renaissance Verona and with an emotionally charged choreography that befits...

Varna International Ballet - Swan Lake

Venue: Edinburgh Playhouse

Website: www.atgtickets.com

From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

Varna International Ballet - The Nutcracker

Venue: Edinburgh Playhouse

Website: www.atgtickets.com

When midnight strikes, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel...

Mary Poppins

Venue: Festival Theatre

Website: www.capitaltheatres.com

Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography,...

Curiosity Club

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Address: Level 4, Learning Centre

Website: www.nms.ac.uk/events/curiosity-club

Leave your grown-ups at the door and get inspired with Curiosity Club sessions. Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum...