Discover some of the shows coming to Edinburgh’s theatres and venues this festive season.
From laugh-out-loud panto to festive music and fantasy tales, 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.
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 the exquisite Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite at Christmas, don’t miss the chance to enjoy magical music in a sensational setting.
Concerts run on selected dates from 21 November to 20 December 2025.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Christmas Eve, 1946, Bedford Falls. Down-on-his-luck banker George Bailey feels life has passed him by, and he’s at the end of his rope. But when George’s guardian angel pays him a visit, he’s amazed to discover what life in his beloved town would be like without him. Maybe it’s a wonderful life, after all?
Join amateur theatre group Leitheatre for It’s a Wonderful Life and enjoy a story of love, hope and community.
It’s a Wonderful Life is at Church Hill Theatre from 26 to 29 November 2025.
The Snow Queen
Meet a sparkling cast of characters in Scottish Ballet’s glittering Christmas production, The Snow Queen.
From young lovers parted by a spell to a circus ringmaster with more than a few tricks up his sleeve, this glittering production is sure to leave you spellbound. An Audio described performance and Touch tours take place on 06 December.
The Snow Queen is at Festival Theatre from 27 November to 07 December 2025.
Together in song – A celebration of Musicals
Join the Chapter House Singers for a sparkling evening of songs from the world’s best-loved musicals.
Together in song – A celebration of Musicals will include classics such as Les Misérables, Wicked, The Sound of Music, Carousel and My Fair Lady. Plus, they’ll be a special guest performance by Ben Shankland, BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Jazz Musician of the Year, and singer Sam Hancock.
Together in song – A celebration of Musicals takes place on 29 November 2025 at St Vincent’s Chapel.
Swing Into Christmas
Down for the Count Swing Orchestra will be warming up the winter nights with their much-loved annual show, Swing Into Christmas.
Be captivated by vibrant takes of iconic songs, including Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and New York, New York, alongside new song selections for the 2025 show – all performed in authentic big-band-with-strings style.
See Swing Into Christmas at The Queen’s Hall on 30 November 2025.
A Christmas Carol
Combining the much-loved Christmas story with traditional carols performed cappella style, don’t miss 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.
A Christmas Carol runs from 04 to 06 December 2025.
A Fairytale for Christmas
From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners, immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas at A Fairytale for Christmas.
See talented singers, musicians and dancers perform dashing renditions of Yuletide favourites including Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town, Step into Christmas, O Holy Night and The Fairytale of New York.
A Fairytale for Christmas appears at Edinburgh Playhouse on 06 December 2025.
MAMMA MIA!
Told through the timeless songs of ABBA, have the time of your life at the feel-good, smash-hit musical, MAMMA MIA!
Having thrilled audiences all around the world, this timeless story of story of love, friendship and identity will be at Edinburgh Playhouse for a four-week run.
MAMMA MIA! is at Edinburgh Playhouse from 09 December 2025 to 04 January 2026.
Sinbad the Sailor Pantomime
Edinburgh People’s Theatre present Sinbad the Sailor Pantomime.
After adventures aplenty on his previous 7 voyages, Sinbad returns home for good. But, when the Persian Pearl of Peace mysteriously disappears, Sinbad must set out on an epic adventure to clear his name and rescue the Caliph’s beautiful daughter – Princess Miranda. Will the baddies win the day? Or will the goodies show Sinbad the way?
Sinbad the Sailor Pantomime will be at Church Hill from 12 to 21 December 2025.
Panto: Jack And The Beanstalk
This Christmas, returning panto favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young will be entertaining Edinburgh audiences with the magical tale of Jack And The Beanstalk.
A relaxed performance takes place on 09 January. Touch tours and audio described performances run on 19 and 20 December. There will be BSL sign language performances on 19, 20 and 31 December.
Panto: Jack And The Beanstalk is at the Festival Theatre from 13 December 2025 to 11 January 2026.
The Spirit of Christmas – A New Beginning
Featuring the extraordinary talent of Scotland’s most promising young artists, The Spirit of Christmas – A New Beginning will be packed with Christmas cheer.
Audiences will be treated to dazzling dance routines and soaring vocal performances, filling the Usher Hall with festive magic and a Christmas musical setlist that includes all the favourites.
The Spirit of Christmas – A New Beginning takes place at the Usher Hall on 15 and 16 December 2025.
Snowy
Can one little dog really save Christmas? Snowy is a brand new show filled with fun, friendship and a whole lot of snow! A perfect Christmas outing with your little pups.
Relaxed performances run on 21 and 28 December, and a British Sign Language performance on 27 December.
Snowy takes place at Studio Theatre from 17 to 31 December 2025.
Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook
Featuring stories and a feast of both modern and traditional Christmas music, Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook will be back to delight and entertain this Christmas.
With some of the country’s finest folk musicians, along with special guest Brass Band, this is a special performance that should not be missed.
Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook will be at the Queen’s Hall between 19 and 22 December 2025.
RSNO Season 25-26: Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman
For one night only, see Raymond Brigg’s enchanting Christmas favourite story, The Snowman on the big screen, accompanied by The Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Narrated by comedian Josie Long, RSNO Season 25-26: Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman is sure to be a family classic that’ll melt your heart.
RSNO Season 25-26: Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman comes to the Usher Hall on 19 December 2025.
Cool Yule Christmas Show
La Dolce Vita Swing Collective returns to Edinburgh with their Cool Yule Christmas Show.
Expect an evening of smooth vocals, swinging rhythms and cosy festive nostalgia featuring the best from the golden age of Las Vegas. Get ready to be whisked away to a winter wonderland as the band jingle all the way with a host of Christmas crackers.
Cool Yule Christmas Show is at Voodoo Rooms on 21 December 2025.
What’s on in Edinburgh
From music to exhibitions, festivals to tours, discover more events coming to Edinburgh this December.
