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.
Panto 2024: Cinderella
With spectacular sets, stunning costumes and barrel-loads of laughs, get your festive season off to a jolly start with a visit to Panto 2024: Cinderella.
A relaxed performance, takes place on 29 November, audio description shows on 28 November, and 07 and 13 December, and a BSL sign language Interpreted performance on 07 and 13 December.
Panto 2024: Cinderella will be at Festival Theatre from 23 November to 31 December 2024.
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 Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight, don’t miss the chance to enjoy magical music in a sensational setting.
Concerts run on selected dates from 23 November to 22 December 2024.
Treasure Island
Set sail for a swashbuckling adventure with a festive twist at The Lyceum’s Treasure Island. Expect sea shanties and family fun at this reimaged classic, which is suitable for ages 5+.
There will be a relaxed performance on 18 December, captioned shows on 13 and 30 December, signed shows on 20 and 28 December and audio described/touch tours on 22 December and 03 January.
Treasure Island runs from 28 November 2024 to 04 January 2025.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Staring Donny Osmond as the Pharaoh, the multi award-winning Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns to Edinburgh Playhouse this Christmas.
With classic songs such as Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph, this popular family musical is sure to be a favourite this festive season.
See Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat between 03 and 29 December 2024.
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 03 to 07 December 2024.
Swamplesque
Having entertained audiences at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the ogre-inspired burlesque and drag parody, Swamplesque returns with its award-winning show.
The show, which is suitable for ages 16+ contains nudity, strobe lighting, scenes of sexual nature and haze.
Swamplesque will be performing at Assembly Hall between 05 December 2024 and 04 January 2025.
Swing Into Christmas
Get into the party season spirit with an evening of big band music as Down for the Count Swing Orchestra return to Queen’s Hall for their much-loved annual show, Swing Into Christmas.
Featuring favourites such as I’ve Got You Under My Skin and New York, New York, as well as festive classics, it’s a great way to swing into the festive season.
Swing Into Christmas takes place on 07 December 2024.
The Gift
Returning to The Studio by popular demand, The Gift celebrates the art of play, taking ordinary objects making them extraordinary and magical.
Suitable for children aged 18 months to 5 years, come along for either a morning or afternoon of family entertainment.
Catch The Gift at The Studio from 14 to 31 December 2024.
Christmas Concert: With Gordon Cree
The Corstorphine Trust will be hosting a Christmas Concert: With Gordon Cree, performing live on the stunning 2/4 Ingram Cinema Organ. Enjoy all your Christmas favourite toe tappers with family and friends.
Taking place at the Corstorphine Astoria Centre, this musical evening takes place on 14 December 2024.
Cool Yule Christmas Show
Edinburgh-based swing band La Dolce Vita Swing Collective return to Edinburgh this December with the Cool Yule Christmas Show.
Taking place at The Voodoo Rooms, audiences will be treated to a festive cabaret show packed full of Rat Pack Christmas crackers.
See Cool Yule Christmas Show on 16 December 2024.
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 2024.
Mary: A Gig Theatre Show
Combining music and storytelling, Mary: A Gig Theatre Show is a reimagined tale of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Performed by Knot Tied Theatre, this fresh and bold piece of work can be seen Traverse Theatre from 19 to 21 December 2024.
RSNO Season 24-25: Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman
Narrated by Sanjeev Kohli (Still Game), 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 24-25: Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman comes to the Usher Hall on 22 December 2024.
What’s on in Edinburgh
From music to exhibitions, festivals to tours, discover more events coming to Edinburgh this December.
