Family Events near YOU from 28 November, 2008
28 Nov-3 Jan: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street, EH3 9AX. 0131 248 4848
£8-22
www.lyceum.org.uk/lion
CS Lewis's classic tale adapted to enchant young and old.
The combination of a much-loved children's story, set in a strange and beautiful
snowy landscape, and brought to the stage with all the Lyceum's skill and
attention-to-detail is a recipe for a sure-fire Christmas hit.
To 3 Dec: St Andrews FestivalSt Andrews, Fife
www.standrewsfestival.co.ukThe festival, now in its 13th year, features concerts of traditional and classical music;
exhibitions of arts and crafts; dance and drama.
29 and 30 Nov: Son et lumiere - Scotland the Highlights in St Mary's Quad will feature
music from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Phil Cunningham. A series of snapshots will
illuminate Scotland's epic past and celebrate heroes from Wallace to Hoy.
30 Nov: Following the Beating Retreat, the St Andrews Day procession will stop first in
St Mary's Quad for a short play, performed by the Madras College Players and set
against the Son et Lumiere. The procession will the be led down to the castle for the
St Andrews day Oration.
30 Nov: St Andrews Kite Festival on the West Sands 10am-3pm.
29 Nov: Christmas Fair
Eric Liddell Centre, Morningside Road, EH10 4DP. 0131 447 4520
Stalls include tombola and baking. Plus a jazz choir, free crafts for the children to take
part in and Santa Clause will also be making an appearance with free gifts for all children.
10am-1pm. Adults 1.50 with tea/coffee and mince pie and Children 50p with free face painting.
Further info on 0131 447 4520 or
frontdesk@ericliddell.org 29 Nov: Dinosaur DayEdinburgh Zoo, Corstorphine Road, EH12 6TS. 0131 314 0324
£8-11.50.
www.edinburghzoo.org.ukStory time session with puppets and toys, followed by a short walkabout to see our
dinosaur relatives, from the birds to some of our prehistoric-looking animals.
Suitable for under 5s with their accompanying adults. 10.30, 11.30am, 12.30, 2.20pm.
Booking is essential.
29 Nov: Polwarth Polwarth Christmas Fair
Polwarth Church, Polwarth Terrace, EH11 1LU
Christmas fair 10am-12pm plus Teddy Bear Exhibition.
29 Nov: Scotland for the World Charity Event
St George's West Church, Shandwick Place, EH2 4RT. 0131 225 7001
Sudanese and Japanese food, henna hand painting, face painting, craft from different
countries, christmas cards, gifts, sweets, baking, tea, coffee and more - all in aid of
activities.
Sat, 10.45am: Happy march of children on Princes Street; Sat, 11am-5pm,
Sun 11am-3.30pm: kids' ceilidh (Sun only), balloon modellers, storytelling,
face painting, art workshops, giant games.
Sun, 4.30pm Burns the musical - "Clarinda" by Mike Gibbs.
Evening entertainment from Hip Hop Scotch, Sandi Thom (Sat only), Salsa Celtica
29-30 Nov: Puffin Club: Fly the Flag
Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, EH39 4SS. 01620 890 202
www.seabird.orgCelebrating the Saltire for St Andrews Day, make your own flag. 2-3pm
29 Nov-18 Jan: Aladdin King's Theatre, Leven Street, EH3 9LQ. 0131 228 1404.
29 Nov-18 Jan: Aladdin at the King's Theatre
£7-21
http://www.eft.co.uk/kings_theatre/event.aspx?evtid=128Allan Stewart (Widow Twankey) and Grant Stott (Abanazar) star in the annual
pantomime. And this year they will share the stage with a special co-star -
Edinburgh's first ever 3D Genie.
30 Nov: St Andrew's Day
Free entry to Historic Scotland properties - right across Scotland - plus Edinburgh Zoo
and "child goes free with adult" offers at Camera Obscura, Scottish Mining Museum,
Mercat Tours, and Real Mary King Close
30 Nov: Christmas Fete
Maggie's Centre, Western General Hospital, EH4 2XU. Tel 0131 537 3131
www.maggiescentres.orgHome baking, bottle stall and hand-made crafts raising money for the centre which
offers support for those affected by cancer. 11am to 3pm
30 Nov: Folklore of the Forest
Craigmillar Castle Park, Bridgend Farm entrance, off Old Dalkeith Road, EH16 4TE.
Join the Countryside Ranger on a guided walk to discover the woodlands around
Craigmillar Castle Park, their history and folklore. Finish with a cup of spiced apple
juice to toast National Tree Week. 10.30am-12.30pm Under 16s must be with an adult.
Take sturdy footwear, warm clothes and waterproofs.
Some animals hibernate, some store food, some migrate and some change colour.
Return to the old Castle kitchen for a hot drink and make Christmas cards based on the
animals you have learned about. Use lots of furry materials, googly eyes and frosty
metallic paints. Over 5s. 10:30am-1pm
30 Nov: Preparing For WinterRoyal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
http://www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/event-details/524With winter almost upon us it is time to consider how animals and plants we find in
and around the Garden are preparing to cope with the cold weather.
With the Garden Rangers. Over 5s. 2-3pm.
30 Nov: Discover Edinburgh by BicycleAinslie Park Leisure Centre, Pilton Drive, EH5 2HF. 0131 332 3442
Free
http://www.trycyclinginedinburgh.org.uk/ride12.htmlA gentle 3½ hour ride designed to introduce you to cycling in north Edinburgh.
A leisurely cycle ride from the Water of Leith Visitor Centre to Hermiston and back,
exploring quiet routes and cycle paths. Plenty of rest and chat stops.
Experienced cyclists on hand for advice. 10am
30 Nov: Christmas Fair at Kellie Castle
Kellie Castle, Pittenweem, KY10 2RF
Free
www.nts.org.ukBooks, children's toys and games, craft stalls, cards, hand made Christmas cakes,
seasonal preserves and lots more. Children can visit Father Christmas in his grotto.
Tour the castle and see a Victorian family and their household of servants preparing
hilarious gags and stunning effects combine to give the best show yet.
1 Dec: Light a Light ceremonyCharlotte Square Gardens.
www.stcolumbashospice.org.ukThe lights on the St Columba's Hospice tree of remembrance will be switched on at
6.30pm.
1 Dec: For Crying Out Loud: Conversations With My Gardener Filmhouse, Lothian Road, EH3 9BZ. 0131 226 2688
£3/2
www.filmhousecinema.comveterans of French cinema at work in this intimate, moving and warmly funny portrait
of an unexpected friendship. Screenings for carers and their babies, on Monday
mornings at 10.30am. Baby changing, bottle warming and buggy parking facilities are
available. Screenings limited to babies under 12 months accompanied by no more than
two adults.
3 Dec: Starcatchers - Little Light
Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate, EH48 4PS. 01506 433 634
£4-6
http://www.bathgateregal.org.uk/listings/family/Explore the world of Little Light in this highly interactive and visual performance which
has been specially created for children aged 0-3 and their parents or carers.
Presented by the Byre Theatre and Starcatchers. 10.30am and 1.30pm
3-6 Dec: CinderellaSt Serf's Church Halls, Ferry Road, EH5 3NP
£6 (£3)
www.stserfsplayers.org.ukThe greatest fairytale of all. 7.30pm and Sat 2.30pm
3-27 Dec: CinderellaByre Theatre, St Andrews, KY16 9LA. 01334 475000
£6-13
www.byretheatre.comChristmas pantomime. Ella wants to dance at the ball,
but her ugly sisters stand in the way
5 Dec: Talking Trees - Grotto Tales
Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
Free
www.rbge.org.uk The Forest Room is transformed into a magical grotto
a perfect setting for tales of deepest winter and Christmas for over 7s and adults.
the highs and lows of Ally and Dave as they return home to Leith and civilian life after
leaving the army.
5-27 Dec: Sleeping BeautyCarnegie Hall, East Port, Dunfermline KY12 7JA. 01383 602302
£7.50-11
www.attfife.org.ukSleeping Beauty is a magical telling of the timeless fable with all the jokes,
fun and excitement, the songs and spectacle of a family Christmas show.
A tale full of magic and music that will be sure to leave you with a tear in your eye
and a song in your heart. Recommended age 3+
6 Dec: Hospice Christmas FairMarie Curie Hospice Frogston Road West, EH10 7DR. 0131 470 2290
www.mariecurie.org.ukSanta is coming to town, so go and make your Christmas wish and have your photo
taken with him in his grotto at the hospice. Home baking, plants, books,
Christmas stalls, tombola, raffle, teas, coffees, mince pies and music.
10am- 12 noon. £1 entry.
6 Dec: Let it Snow!
Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, EH1 1SR. 0131 556 9579
£4/£3 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
Shivery tales of snow and ice with storyteller Ruth Kirkpatrick. Afterwards,
make you own magical paper snowflakes to decorate the Storytelling Court.
Age 6+. 2.30pm
6-7 Dec: Christmas Festival Weekend
Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, EH39 4SS. Tel: 01620 890202.
www.seabird.orgEscape the cold in a special weekend of family fun activities, workshops,
tastings and special offers.
6 Dec: Advent Service
Polwarth Church, Polwarth Terrace, EH11 1LU
"Advent adventure" for children- preparing for Christmas in fun, story and song.
This production includes the best-loved songs from the film.
Audio Described on 29 Oct at 7.30pm; 15 Nov at 2.30pm;
Signed on 17 Oct at 7.30pm; 22 Nov at 2.30pm;
Captioned on 28 Nov at 7.30pm and 29 Nov at 2.30pm
6 Dec: Christmas Fair
4th Leith Scout Hall, South Trinity Road, EH5. 07870 275 957
Free
Art classes, family storytelling, church choir, chilsren's craft activities,
face painting, second hand children's goods, games, crafts, therapeutic massage,
cafe, mulled wine, home baking. Donation suggested for classes etc.
All NET proceeds to go to HOPE Worldwide to help fund a primary school in Bhuj,
India. 2-5pm
6-7 Dec: Scott's SelkirkSelkirk, Scottish Borders
www.scottsselkirk.co.ukThere are ceilidhs, ghost walk, concerts, theatrical performances and a costumed
cavalcade to choose from. In addition the town centre will be transformed into a
Georgian Christmas market, with stalls and street entertainment, including the town's very
own French prisoners. It all comes to an end with a grand fireworks finale.
6-7 Dec: Green ChristmasRoyal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
£3 to see Santa.
www.rbge.org.uk Visit Santa in his magical grotto, make beautiful cards and decorations,
and you may even be lucky enough to visit when our carol singers have popped in.
Enjoy the city in its festive splendour on either a 7 or 15 mile walk in aid of your
favourite charity. All walkers on finishing will receive a medal, completion certificate
and a Christmas goody bag. Free flights to the top three individual fundraisers.
There will also be musical entertainment en-route.
Starts in Melville Street at 9.30am and finishes on Castle Terrace.
7 Dec: The Art of Bell RingingNational Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, EH1 1JF. 0131 247 4422.
Free
www.nms.ac.ukJoin Heather McLean and her group of traditional bell ringers as they herald the
Christmas season with their joyous sound in the Hawthornden Court.
12:45 and 1:45pm
7 Dec: Edinburgh Early DancersNational Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, EH1 1JF. 0131 247 4422.
Free
www.nms.ac.ukTake in the colour and splendour of period costume as Edinburgh Early Dancers
perform elegant dances around the Christmas tree in the Hawthornden Court.
2:45 and 3:45pm
7 Dec: Kelso RacesKelso Racecourse, Kelso, TD5 7SX 01668 280800
www.kelso-races.co.ukScottish Borders National Winter Festival. First race 12.20pm.
7 Dec: Art-tastic - Green Christmas Crafts
Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
Free
www.rbge.org.uk Transform household materials into beautiful Christmas wreaths to hang on your door
or the mantlepiece. Combine urban waste with natural materials to create a
Christmas that is quirky, creative, thrifty and green. Drop in 12-3pm
7 Dec: Talking TreesRoyal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
Free
www.rbge.org.uk Come in from the cold, and let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with
their stories of wonder and delight. Over 5s. 2-3pm
7 Dec: Signs of WinterRoyal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
Free
www.rbge.org.uk Why is it so dark for so long in winter? Where do all the flowers go?
Find out all this and which animals love winter time and why.
Over 7s. With the Garden Rangers. 2-2.45pm
7-8 Dec: Weans' World: The Muppet Christmas CarolFilmhouse, Lothian Road, EH3 9BZ. 0131 226 2688
£2
www.filmhousecinema.comA fun but meaningful adaptaion of the Dickens story.
Showing at 1pm on Sunday and 10.30am on Monday.
Weans' World films are for a younger audience.
12 Dec: Ocean Terminal Farmers' MarketOcean Terminal, Leith, EH6 6JJ. 0131 555 8888
http://www.oceanterminal.com/whats-on.aspA variety of fresh, seasonal locally produced goods including fruit and vegetables,
fish, meat, beer, wines, jams, soft drinks, baking and some wonderful treats and
craft gifts, plus organic and fresh wholefood choices too, all available direct from
the producers themselves. 10-4pm.
12 Dec: Talking Trees - Grotto TalesRoyal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
Free
www.rbge.org.uk The Forest Room is transformed into a magical grotto - a perfect setting for tales of
brought vividly to life on stage in a show packed with oodles of magic,
sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Expect to be surprised.
For over-3s. 11am (approx 55 mins)
13 Dec-4 Jan: Puffin Club by the Sea
Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, EH39 4SS. Tel: 01620 890202.
www.seabird.orgArts, crafts or storytelling sessions every afternoon throughout the festive period.
2-3pm
13 Dec: Christmas CraftsScottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, EH1 1SR. 0131 556 9579
£4/£3
www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.ukIllustrator Julie Lacome demonstrates some clever ways with paper sculpture and
found materials, and helps you create beautiful Christmas cards and decorations.
Age 6+. 11am
13 Dec: Round the Tree
Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, EH1 1SR. 0131 556 9579
£4/£3
www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.ukDiscover tales for the festive season at the foot of the Christmas tree,
with storyteller Frances Logan. Then enjoy puppeteer Ian Turbitt's lively
Puppet Nativity. Great for children ages 4-8, their families and friends. 1.30 & 3pm
13 Dec: Create A Winter StoryRoyal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
Free.
www.rbge.org.uk Take a short walk around the Garden to gather inspiration.
Get inspired by winter scenes and goings-on to make your own little story book of words,
phrases, pictures and pop-ups. With the Garden Rangers. Over 5s. 1-3pm
13 + 14 Dec: Santa's WorkshopsThe Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, EH22 4QN. 0131 663 7519
£3
www.scottishminingmuseum.comMake cards, crackers, decorations, calendars and more with Santa and his helpers.
12-3pm
13-14 Dec: Green ChristmasRoyal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
£3 to see Santa.
www.rbge.org.uk Visit Santa in his magical grotto, make beautiful cards and decorations,
and you may even be lucky enough to visit when our carol singers have popped in.
10.30am-3pm
14 Dec: Sunday Science - Botanical Illustration
Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
£3
www.rbge.org.uk Line drawings are often made of newly discovered plants to help people identify them.
Learn some of the techniques used to make accurate drawings of plants.
With Louise Olley, RBGE. Over 5s. 12-3pm
14 Dec: Talking TreesRoyal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
Free
www.rbge.org.uk Come in from the cold, and let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with
their stories of wonder and delight. Over 5s. 2-3pm
14 Dec: Santa Stroll
West Princes Street Gardens, EH2. 0844 481 1221
£10 (Under-11 £5)
Put your walking boots on, wrap up warm and take part in a festive stroll from
West Princes Street Gardens to Grassmarket.
You will enjoy fantastic scenery along the route and a spectacular finale in Grassmarket.
All proceeds from the Santa Stroll are donated to Radio Forth's Cash for Kids and When
you wish upon a Star. The traders on Grassmarket are supporting the Santa Stroll by offering
a range of promotions to everyone dressed in a Santa suit! 2.30pm.
The dynamic duo will be acting as Santa's little helpers and handing out musical treats
galore. Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy as you have never seen her before,
pop some Champagne corks or go all balletic with some fancy footwork. 1 and 3pm.
14 Dec: Sunday Morning HarpistsNational Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, EH1 1JF. 0131 247 4422.
Free
www.nms.ac.ukEnjoy the serene sounds of Heather Yule and her fellow harpists as you stroll
through the galleries. 10am-12noon
14 Dec: Christmas Choral ConcertNational Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, EH1 1JF. 0131 247 4422.
Free
www.nms.ac.ukEnjoy festive performances from four talented local choirs - sure to bring wonderful
music and Christmas spirit to the museum. 12:45, 1:45, 2:45, 3:45pm
16 Dec: Tiny Tales: Christmas Time Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, EH1 1SR. 0131 556 9579
£3 per child, accompanying adult free.
www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.ukFestive tales, songs and stories for wee ones (and grown ups) to join in with.
With storyteller Donnie Henderson Shedlarz. Please book in advance.
For children aged 6 months - 3 years. 10 & 11.30am
18 Dec: Kids Christmas DiscoThe Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, EH22 4QN. 0131 663 7519
£6.50
www.scottishminingmuseum.comFollowing on from the popular Halloween Disco, there will be dancing,
games and refreshments (as well as some other surprises). Tickets are limited.
19 Dec: Ocean Terminal Farmers' Market
Ocean Terminal, Leith, EH6 6JJ. 0131 555 8888
http://www.oceanterminal.com/whats-on.aspA variety of fresh, seasonal locally produced goods including fruit and vegetables,
fish, meat, beer, wines, jams, soft drinks, baking and some wonderful treats and craft
gifts, plus organic and fresh wholefood choices too, all available direct from the
producers themselves. 10-4pm.
20 Dec: Christmas Crafts
Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, EH1 1SR. 0131 556 9579
£4/£3
www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.ukIllustrator Julie Lacome demonstrates some clever ways with paper sculpture and found
materials, and helps you create beautiful Christmas cards and decorations.
Age 6+. 11am
20 Dec: Round the TreeScottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, EH1 1SR. 0131 556 9579
£4/£3
www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.ukStories and songs for the Festive season around the Storytelling Centre's traditional
tree. With storyteller Julie Dawid and puppeteer Ian Turbitt.
Great for ages 4-8, their families and friends. 1.30 & 3pm
20-21 Dec: Green Christmas
Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
£3 to see Santa.
www.rbge.org.uk Visit Santa in his magical grotto, make beautiful cards and decorations,
and you may even be lucky enough to visit when our carol singers have popped in.
10.30am-3pm
20 + 21 DEC: Santa's WorkshopsThe Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, EH22 4QN. 0131 663 7519
£3
www.scottishminingmuseum.comMake cards, crackers, decorations, calendars and more with Santa and his helpers.
12-3pm
21 Dec: Christmas Circus Skills with Big Top
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, EH1 1JF. 0131 247 4422.
Free
www.nms.ac.ukClown around with Big Top and try out your circus skills under the Christmas tree.
Equipment provided and fun guaranteed. 12:45, 1:45, 2:45, 3:45pm
21 Dec: Talking Trees
Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith, EH3 5LR. 0131 248 2968
Free
www.rbge.org.uk Come in from the cold, and let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with
their stories of wonder and delight. Over 5s. 2-3pm
21-22 Dec: Weans' World: The Wizard of Oz
Filmhouse, Lothian Road, EH3 9BZ. 0131 226 2688
£2
www.filmhousecinema.comFilled with extravagant sets and costumes and glorious song and dance routines,
Dorothy's adventures in Oz are pure delight.
Showing at 1pm on Sunday and 10.30am on Monday.
Weans' World films are for a younger audience.
Edinburgh's Christmas www.edinburghschristmas.comFrom the switch-on of the Christmas lights on 27 November through sports and arts
events with the ice rink in the gardens and lots of Santas to visit, prepare for the
Festive season in style.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
www.edinburghshogmanay.comBring in the New Year with celebrations which start with the mesmerising
Torchlight procession through the city to Carlton Hill.
Tell us about YOUR events
Send your family events to skootevents@btinternet.com.
Please send us as many details as possible, including address with postcode of event
location and contact telephone number for the event, date, time, entry fee and website
(for further info about event).
Details correct at time of going to press. Please check with venue or organiser for
latest details.
