Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Pantos and Christmas shows in Edinburgh and Lothians
It’s panto time! Oh, no it isn’t? Well, if you don’t like panto there are plenty of other shows on this festive season. Here’s our guide
27 NOV – 16 JAN
SLEEPING BEAUTY
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven St, Edinburgh EH3 9LQ, capitaltheatres.com
Allan Stewart and Grant Stott return to their pantomime home as Queen May and Carabosse, accompanied by panto-favourite Jordan Young in the role of Muddles. Clare Gray plays Narcissa. Her presence in the cast is a very fitting tribute to her father Andy Gray who sadly passed away last year. This will be the last pantomime at the King’s Theatre before it closes for a £25million redevelopment next year, during which time the pantomime will transfer to the Festival Theatre before making a triumphant return to the King’s in 2024 when it reopens. Tickets from £19. Box office 0131 529 6000. Visit here for details
1 DEC – 31 DEC
THE NUTCRACKER
Festival Theatre, 13-29 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9FT, capitaltheatres.com
Follow Clara on a journey through the worlds of her imagination, meeting the dashing Nutcracker Prince, taking on the larger-than-life Rat King, and being whisked into the luscious land of sweets by the Sugar Plum Fairy! A magical family adventure with the Scottish Ballet. Tickets from £19.50. See here for details
Read our review here
9 – 31 DEC
HANSEL AND GRETEL
The Brunton Theatre, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh EH21 6AA, thebrunton.co.uk
The Brunton's fabulous traditional pantomime - fun for all ages! The traditional tale of Hansel and Gretel as they escape from the witch and realise the value of true friendship. Presented in full pantomime style with songs and slapstick and joining in! Evening performances 7pm, matinees 1pm/2pm. Tickets: peak £22 (£19), family £76; off peak £20 (£17), family £68. See here for details
6 DEC - 2 JAN
CHRISTMAS DINNER
The Royal Lyceum Theatre, 30b Grindlay St, Edinburgh EH3 9AX, lyceum.org,uk
After a horrible year, stage hand Lesley has decided that Christmas should be cancelled. So she is shutting down the theatre, turning off the lights, packing up the glitter curtains, the giant beanstalk, the fake snow and going home alone...But as the bells of St Cuthbert’s strike 12, from the back of the costume cupboard, a troupe of festive spirits emerge with a sack full of festive cheer. Can this strange Christmas gang and their stories help Lesley feel the magic of Christmas again? Evening performances 6pm/7pm, matinees 1.30pm/2.30pm. See here for details
Read our review here
17 DEC – 31 DEC
THE ENORMOUS CHRISTMAS TURNIP
The Studio, 22 Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 9BL, capitaltheatres.com
Rabbits get a bad rap. Everyone thinks they steal your carrots and poo everywhere. Well, these rabbits are growing their own delicious vegetables for a great big festive feast and there’ll be plenty for everyone! That’ll be a turn-ip for the books. Performances at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Twilight (6pm) performances on December 17 and 18 - come in your PJs and enjoy a warm mug of hot chocolate while watching the show. For ages 2-7. Tickets £12.50. See here for details
3 DEC – 28 DEC
BAIRNS IN THE WOOD
Howden Park Centre, Howden, Livingston EH54 6AE, howdenparkcentre.co.uk
If you go down to the woods today you're sure of big surprise! Introducing identical twins Brodie and Bryony! Brodie think he has the looks but Bryony is a totally fearty! Which isn’t ideal if you are lost in the deep dark scary woods. Can their Mammy, Dame Marge Meringue, find her poor wee lost bairns? What strange creatures will they meet on their adventure? And what is evil Rowan Reekie, Bake-Off Winner 2014, doing in town? Tickets £9.50-£18.50. Performances 7pm, matinees 2pm/2.30pm. See here for details
20-22 DEC
MACASTORY'S JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR, scottishstorytellingcentre.com
Climb the beanstalk in this fun-filled action-packed panto to the castle of the Giant and meet all the usual characters: hero Jack, his mother and the terrible Giant – and watch out for some other surprise characters along the way! Jack, of course, will need some help from the audience to outsmart the giant, get home again and make sure it’s not just beans for the Christmas dinner! Performances at 2pm, tickets £10, call 0131 556 9579. See here for details
23-24 DEC, 27 DEC and 8-9 JAN
FUNBOX PYJAMA PARTY
The Brunton (23,24 and 27 Dec) and Howden Park Centre (8-9 Jan)
Anya and Kevin are trying to plan the most perfect pyjama party but it's all going to pot. Can you help them to stay awake and get everything ready in time? But who keeps snoring so loudly? What is Bonzo's midnight feast? And what is in Kevin's 'special emergency kit'? Full to bursting with singalong favourites and new songs. Come dressed for a sleepover. For details at the Brunton see here and for the Howden Park Centre here
2 DEC
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
Usher Hall, Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EA, usherhall.co.uk
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol film with its musical score performed live by The Novello Orchestra conducted by David Mahoney. The Muppets perform the classic Charles Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge. See here for details.
5 DEC
SANTA’S POSTBOX
Usher Hall, Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EA, usherhall.co.uk
Delivery! Santa’s postbox is overflowing with Christmas wishes this year and he’s feeling a little snowed under. Not to worry! – he’s called on Chief Elf Owen and the miracle makers of the RSNO and RSNO Junior Chorus to help clear the backlog. Children’s Classic Concerts with the Royal National Scottish Orchestra. 3pm. Tickets: adults £16.50-£11; concs £10-£7; family (2+2) £35-£47; Under ones free. See here for details.
19 DEC
RSNO CHRISTMAS CONCERT FEATURING THE SNOWMAN
Usher Hall, Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EA, usherhall.co.uk
A family friendly event packed full of festive melodies and Raymond Brigg’s enchanting film The Snowman. Shown on the big screen and accompanied by the orchestra, the film will be narrated by special star guest, Hugh Dennis from Outnumbered, and will feature the wonderful Walking in the Air. 3pm. Tickets: £19-£39 (concs including children 50% off). See here for details.
20-21 DEC
A CHRISTMAS WISH
Usher Hall, Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EA, usherhall.co.uk
Featuring over 200 students from The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, this extravaganza of song, dance and festive cheer promises to be a very special event, after a two-year hiatus. A Christmas Wish has been produced in aid of the Scottish Association for Mental Health. Tickets £19.25 and £16.50. 7.30pm. See here for details.
17 DEC
HANDEL - CHILDREN'S MESSIAH
Queen’s Hall, Clerk St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9JG, thequeenshall.net
Fun for all the family in this interactive 45-minute concert specifically devised for children which will include all the best tunes from Handel’s 'Messiah'. You can even expect an appearance from Handel himself to introduce his most famous melodies…! No age restriction. Adults with tickets to the evening performance of Handel’s 'Messiah' go free to this event. 4pm. £5. See here for details.
17 DEC – 30 DEC
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL MAGIC FESTIVAL
North Edinburgh Arts/Scottish Storytelling Centre/the Royal Scots Club, magicfest.co.uk
The Magic Festival is back! Kids’ events include a magic school workshop with Gary James (North Edinburgh Arts, Dec 17, 2pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 28-29 Dec, 1pm for ages 7-10); The Magic of Christmas at North Edinburgh Arts on Dec 17 at 5pm for ages 4+; Tricky Ricky's Christmas Cracker for 3+ on Dec 28 and 29; Magic in a Jiffy on Dec 29 and 30 for 8+; and Magic Gareth on Dec 30 for 5+, all at the Scottish Storytelling Centre; and Hogmany House at the Royal Scots Club on Dec 30 for 7+. See here for details