Have a look at the top shows coming to Edinburgh's theatres this Christmas.
From the side-splitting comedy pantomime to festive music, there’s a dazzling line-up of shows to choose from in Edinburgh this holiday season.
We’ve rounded up a list of the some of these top shows – guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit!
Tip 1: Book early to guarantee your preferred seats.
Tip 2: Sign-up to receive your favourite theatre’s newsletter to be first to hear about upcoming shows.
Tip 3: Some shows offer discount for concessions (children, seniors and students) as well as large groups. See individual website for details.
The Snow Queen
For the ultimate Christmas treat, don’t miss Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh’s new adaptation of the classic wintery tale, The Snow Queen. Embark on a journey through a wintery fairy-tale forest to the Snow Queen’s palace. A magical story of love and friendship, you’ll meet some colourful characters along the way.
There is a captioned show on 02 December, an audio described and touch tour on 07 and 09 December, and signed performance on 13 December. A relaxed performance is available on 22 December.
The Snow Queen runs from 23 November to 31 December 2023.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will take the whole family on a swashbuckling trip to Neverland.
Audio description and BSL interpreted performances run on 09 and 15 December, and a relaxed performance on 01 December.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will be at Festival Theatre from 25 November to 31 December 2023.
Festive shows at Brewhemia
Edinburgh’s largest restaurant and bar, and Scotland’s only beer palace, Brewhemia is getting into the festive spirit with a variety of festive shows.
Available on selective dates throughout December 2023, expect dancing, lip-syncing and live vocals and more with Festive Frolics: Drag & Dining, dazzling festive live music entertainment with Musikhalle Mondays and much, much more. Discover more and book now for Christmas at Brewhemia
Festive concerts at St Giles’ Cathedral
The serene atmosphere and glorious acoustics of St Giles’ Cathedral are the perfect place to enjoy a variety of festive concerts. From Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight, featuring a selection of much-loved cinematic favourites to the exquisite Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas, don’t miss the chance to enjoy magical music in a sensational setting.
Concerts run on selected dates from 01 to 22 December 2023.
A Christmas Carol
Combining the much-loved Christmas story with traditional carols performed cappella style, don’t miss this new adaption of A Christmas Carol at Rosslyn Chapel. This historic chapel, which dates to the 15th century, is seven miles south of Edinburgh’s city centre and on Lothian Buses’ 37 route.
Performed by Captivate Theatre and Perfect Forth, A Christmas Carol takes place between 05 and 08 December 2023.
Wicked
The must-see musical phenomenon, Wicked has wowed audiences worldwide, and in December, the untold story of the witches of Oz come to the Edinburgh Playhouse.
Enjoy the magical friendship of Glinda and the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West in this captivating show.
There is an audio described show on 14 December, a captioned performance on 05 January and a signed show on 09 January.
Wicked runs from 07 December 2023 until 14 January 2024.
Unicorn Christmas Party
Find your inner unicorn and join glittering, magical unicorns Melody and Luna, as they bring a little winter sunshine into everyone’s lives. Suitable for children aged 4 to 7 years, enjoy easy-to-follow dance moves and a soundtrack of Christmas hits.
Relaxed performances take place on 14 and 17 December.
Catch Unicorn Christmas Party at The Studio from 08 to 24 December 2023.
Fairytale of New York
The magical Irish-inspired Christmas show, Fairytale of New York arrives in Edinburgh after two sell out tours.
Featuring an international cast of singers, musicians and dancers, expect festive favourite as well as classic Irish sing-along songs.
Fairytale of New York will be performing a matinee and evening show at the Usher Hall on 09 December 2023.
Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook
Featuring stories and a feast of both modern and traditional Christmas music, Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook returns this December.
With some of the country’s finest folk musicians, including Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr, Kevin McGuire and special guest, Brass Band, this is a special performance that should not be missed.
See Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook at the Queen’s Hall on 21 and 22 December 2023.
RSNO Season 2023-24 RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman
Narrated by Hugh Dennis, Raymond Brigg’s enchanting Christmas favourite story, The Snowman will be shown on the big screen and accompanied by The Royal Scottish National Orchestra. A family classic, it’ll melt your heart.
RSNO Season 2023-24 RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman comes to the Usher Hall on 22 December 2023.
What’s on in Edinburgh
From music to exhibitions, festivals to tours, discover more events coming to Edinburgh this December.
