Events in Edinburgh on 05 December 2025
Scroll down to view the events taking place in Edinburgh on the 05 December 2025, or use the filters to narrow down the results.
Events in Edinburgh
A Trail of Burke & Hare
Follow a tale from Edinburgh's fascinating history as you journey through the very sites and locations where it all took place on outdoor escape room, A Trail of Burke & Hare!
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A Winter Garden: Gelli Printing Workshop
Celebrate the beauty of the season in this workshop run by Artisan Stitch on 5th December and create unique prints with seedheads, bare branches, and frosted textures become your tools.
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ABBA Odyssey - A Standout Tribute
ABBA Odyssey are a standout act, featuring singers who produce the most authentic tribute to the iconic ABBA sound, catch them live at La Belle Angele on Friday 5th December!
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Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer
Take to the skies and discover the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer at the National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait.
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Almost Impossible 2.0: Martin Brock
Martin Brock is back at the Fringe with an electrifying, one-of-a-kind spectacle of slick, mind-bending magic, laugh-out-loud comedy, cutting-edge video production and astonishing illusions!
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Beauty and the Beast The Pantomime
Get ready for a Panto like no other as BTC Productions bring Beauty and the Beast The Pantomime to Church Hill Theatre!
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Beyond Monet & Beyond Van Gogh
Step into a world of light, colour, and imagination with Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience at the Royal Highland Centre this Christmas!
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Boogies BIG Christmas Bash
Whether you’re planning your office holiday party, or fancying a festive night out with friends, Scottish Gas Murrayfield has Christmas covered!
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Castle Of Light
Make Castle of Light: Fire and Ice part of your festive plans and enjoy the largest annual projection show in the UK when it returns for its sixth year!
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Chasin the Horizon: The Railway Suite with the SNJO and the SNYJO
Chasin’ the Horizon: The Railway Suite, blends musical history with a commitment to sustainable touring. It’s a tribute to jazz’s past and a journey toward a greener future.
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Chopin by Candlelight at Christmas
Celebrate the magic of the festive season with an unforgettable evening of Chopin by Candlelight, performed by acclaimed concert pianist Warren Mailley-Smith in the magnificent St Giles’ Cathedral.
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Christmas at the Botanics
Explore the sights and sounds of Christmas in this magical after dark experience when it returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh!
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Christmas Party Night
This December, The Venue Eskmills is hosting four unforgettable Christmas Party Nights and you’re invited!
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Cinderella: A Fairytale
Coming to the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh Christmas 2025, the story we all love that has captivated audiences around the UK: Cinderella!
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Cocktail Craft Masterclass
Join Summerhall Distillery for an immersive cocktail masterclass at their historic venue, where the art of mixology meets the science of spirits!
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Cold War Scotland
Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
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Conifox Christmas Experience
Conifox Christmas Experience is back for it’s 8th year, with so much more than just Santa's Grotto!
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Conservation Hangar Talks
See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks.
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Corn Exchange Christmas Cracker
Edinburgh Corn Exchange is thrilled to be bringing back the ‘best party in town’ this December and this year’s celebrations are going to be unmissable!
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Crafts, Games, Soup!
Enjoy crafts? Or enjoy a boardgame? Or simply would appreciate being in the company of others in a warm, relaxed space with a bowl of soup? Then this is the space for you!
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Cuddly Corgi Treasure Hunt
Looking to entertain the kids? Come and spot our cuddly corgis hiding around Britannia’s tour route.
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Curious About Edinburgh - Quirky Heritage Walks for the Curious!
Have fun discovering Edinburgh on this award-winning, quirky, self-guided, heritage walk with a treasure hunt theme from Curious About!
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Dancing Shoes
After a raucous run in the Spring, Dancing Shoes returns to the Traverse in December with even more heart, humour and high-energy moves.
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Dear Library
To mark our 100th birthday, the National Library of Scotland presents a special exhibition, 'Dear Library'.
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Dick Whittington
Join the St Serf's Players for their 2025 pantomine 'Dick Whittington' at Inverleith St Serfs Church Centre!
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Discover the Joy of Reading in Japanese – Join Our Book Club!
Are you passionate about Japanese but find it difficult to enjoy the learning process? Then join our Japanese Book Club, led by Edinburgh-based native tutor Hitomi Kobayashi-Prior!
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Dog Training in Edinburgh
Dogs Trust Dog School Edinburgh offer training classes for dogs at all stages of their lives, in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance
This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, brings together a wide range of drawings from this revolutionary artistic period, including 45 drawings never exhibited in Scotland before.
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Drawing The Italian Renaissance: A Gallery Late
Step into the world of Renaissance artistry for a special evening event at our exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance.
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Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction
Join exhibition curator Lauren Porter at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse as she discusses works from Drawing the Italian Renaissance!
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Eat, Drink, Be Merry - Private Festive Party Night
Celebrate the season in style with an unforgettable night of festive fun at Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh!
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Edinburgh ‘Open House’ Ceilidhs
Join Edinburgh ‘Open House’ Ceilidhs with Live Band & Caller, held in the Royal British Legion Hall! If you love to dance or want to learn this event is for you.
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Edinburgh Nuclear Bunker Tour
Don't miss an amazing opportunity to see part of Scotland's Cold War History on the Barnton Nuclear Bunker Tours every Saturday and Sunday!
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Edinburgh Sound Healing Chamber
Join Susaidh Soundsphere Scotland and lull your mind, body and spirit into a physically restful state with skilled weaving of gongs, crystal and Himalayan singing bowls!
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Edinburgh Zoo Giant Lanterns
Edinburgh Zoo's award-winning Giant Lanterns event is back this winter, for the first time in six years, with a never-before-seen theme, featuring all things aquatic!
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Edinburgh’s Christmas: Around the World Starflyer
Try it if you dare! The Starflyer is back at Edinburgh's Christmas giving the finest, and most thrilling, views of the stunning city centre skyline!
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Edinburgh’s Christmas: Christmas Market
One of the most iconic Christmas Markets in Europe, Edinburgh's Christmas Market returns to East Princes Street Gardens showcasing the best in artisan festive products and goods from local makers!
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Edinburgh’s Christmas: Ice Skating
Get your skates on and glide all the way up and down Edinburgh’s famous George Street on the magnificent alpine ice rink!
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Edinburgh’s Christmas: LNER Big Wheel
The LNER Big Wheel returns to East Princes Street Gardens to give passengers a unique perspective of our spectacular city!
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Edinburgh’s Christmas: Santa’s Stories
Santa is back at Edinburgh's Christmas this year! Make your little one's day and bring them along to our Santa Experience in St Andrew's Square!
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Edinburgh’s Christmas: The Polar Ice Bar
Take some time to ‘chill’ at the Polar Ice Bar, the coolest bar in the city, where your table, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice.
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Escape the Past: The Anatomist
Descend into a world of grave robbery, mystery and malpractice as you embark on a thrilling adventure into Edinburgh’s dark past.
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Escape the Past: The Deacon’s Cabinet
From Escape The Past comes a new escape room 'The Deacon’s Cabinet', a historical heist escape room which challenges you to outsmart the infamous Deacon Brodie!
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Ethan Ward Quiet Concert III: FOLK(ISH) with the Haver String Quartet
Join us at St Cecilia's Hall on 5th December for this month’s quiet concert featuring music from FOLK(ISH) with the Haver String Quartet!
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FDMP presents A Christmas Concert
FDMP is delighted to present a very special 2025 Christmas Concert, where we will showcase a programme of much-loved Christmas Songs and Traditional Carols at The Priory Church, South Queensferry!
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Festive Family Films
Big-screen favourites return to Dynamic Earth, including The Polar Express, The Grinch, Home Alone and Elf, shown on selected weekends and daily in the run-up to Christmas.
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Find Out Fridays
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons, during school term-time, with our Learning team at the National Museum of Scotland.
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Five Sisters Zoo Christmas Illuminations
By popular demand, Five Sisters Zoo's Christmas Illuminations are back this winter with a mesmerizing display of colour and light!
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German Rhyme Time for Under 5s
You are warmly invited to join us at the German Church for our Rhyme Time for Under 5s, once a month during term time!
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Hooked: 500 Years of Addiction
From heroin to gambling, from alcohol to love, explore the history of addiction at Hooked, an exhibition at the Physicians' Gallery.
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IKEA: Magical Patterns
IKEA Museum's Magical Patterns exhibition comes to Dovecot Studios, celebrating 60 years of innovative textile design.
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Jubilate Children’s Choir
Jubilate is St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral's new junior choir, held every Friday during term time in the Song School on the Cathedral grounds.
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Kids Japanese After School Club Ages 7-12: Language, Crafts & Culture
Led by Hitomi Kobayashi-Prior, this Kids Japanese After School Club transforms screen-based self-study into real-world interactive learning with crafts, games, and cultural fun.
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Live Music at The Botanist
The Botanist hosts live music from Thursday to Sunday every week! From acoustic singles, duos, trios and full band, we have it all.
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Maps: Memories from the Second World War
Through personal stories, photography and memorabilia, this exhibition at the National War Museum charts the creation and use of maps during the Second World War.
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Marconi Union
Manchester’s Marconi Union have forged their own path with a succession of strong albums and carefully selected live performances. Catch them at Sneaky Pete's Edinburgh on 5th December!
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Michael Fullerton
A major exhibition by Glasgow-born artist Michael Fullerton comes to the City Arts Centre!
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Ocean Terminal Christmas Market
Ocean Terminal Christmas Market is the place to be for a magical indoor shopping experience.
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Palace Page Turners
Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions will explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!
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Panjabi Hit Squad
South Asian duo, Panjabi Hit Squad, bring their world famous Desi-Beats sound to The Mash House on Thursday 4th December.
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Panorama: New Views of a City
Collective Edinburgh's Panorama programme takes inspiration from the origins of the panorama to explore how we see, move through and understand the city today.
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Party Nights
Enjoy a night to remember at Novotel Edinburgh Park's Party Nights with a festive three course dinner and music to get you up and dancing!
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Picking up the Thread: The Past, Present and Future of Tapestry
Dovecot is delighted to welcome a wonderful variety of artists to show their work in The British Tapestry Group’s celebration of its 20th anniversary.
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Post-Apocalyptic Christmas Party
Join the International Ghost Society for a Christmas party like no other in a real, restored nuclear bunker on the edge of Edinburgh.
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Quiz de l’Institut français d’Ecosse
Come and test your knowledge about France and French language in a fun and relaxed atmosphere at the Institut français d’Ecosse on Friday 5th December!
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Rachmaninov and Grieg Piano Concertos
Step into the timeless beauty of St Giles’ Cathedral this festive season, and experience a candlelit Christmas concert like no other!
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Reconfigure Life Drawing at Summerhall
Reconfigure welcomes all ages and all abilities, in an atmosphere of warmth and creativity, at these Life Drawing classes in Summerhall's iconic Anatomy Lecture Theatre.
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Resistance
Resistance explores how acts of resistance have shaped life in the UK, and the powerful role of photography in documenting and driving change.
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Royal Mile International Piano Series
Set against the magnificent backdrop of St Giles’ Cathedral — illuminated by candlelight - these concerts promise an unforgettable musical experience!
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RSNO Season 25-26: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
Giedrė Šlekytė is our guide tonight and the wonderful Nemanja Radulović is the star in the heart-rending love song that is Tchaikovsky's ever-popular Violin Concerto.
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Rugby for Beginners
Corstorphine Cougars are running free beginners classes every Tuesday for Females of all ages who would like to try Rugby!
READ MORESanta Paws at Dobbies Edinburgh
Give your canine companion their own festive experience with a trip to visit Santa Paws at Dobbies Edinburgh!
READ MORESanta Paws at Dobbies Livingston
Give your canine companion their own festive experience with a trip to visit Santa Paws at Dobbies Livingston!
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Santa’s Grotto
This winter, discover the magic of Santa’s Grotto at Dynamic Earth! Meet Santa, then settle in for a storytelling session.
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Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies Edinburgh
Santa's Grotto is always one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies Edinburgh, and this year it's even more magical!
READ MORESanta’s Grotto at Dobbies Livingston
Santa's Grotto is always one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies Livingston, and this year it's even more magical!
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Saturday Music Classes
Is your child interested in learning an instrument? Then come along to these Saturday classes for ages 10 and 11 at St Mary's Music School Edinburgh!
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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Kevock Garden
This wonderful hillside garden has magnificent views over the North Esk Valley with a wide diversity of plants and has featured in many magazine articles and gardening programmes.
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Scottish Ballet: The Snow Queen
Scottish Ballet’s spectacular and much-loved production of The Snow Queen returns to the Festival Theatre stage in 2025!
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Scottish Dance Classes for Children
Let your child explore music, rhythm, and movement in a fun and welcoming environment at the RSCDS Edinburgh's Saturday morning Scottish Dance Classes in Christ Church, Morningside!
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Shen Xin: Highland Embassy
Highland Embassy brings together three projects by artist and filmmaker Shen Xin and is showing at Collective Edinburgh from October to December 2025.
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Showtime @ The Comedy Attic
Join us for Showtime at The Comedy Attic every Friday and Saturday for the best comedy this glorious city of Edinburgh has to offer!
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Snow White
Mirror Mirror on the wall, what is the greatest panto of all? Join us deep in the forest this Christmas as the Reconnect Regal Theatre presents ‘Snow White’!
READ MORESpeak Japanese with Confidence – Join Our Japanese Chat Club!
Looking to practise speaking Japanese in a relaxed and supportive environment? Then join our Japanese Chat Club, led by Edinburgh-based native tutor Hitomi Kobayashi-Prior!
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Sundown Adventures
For the very first time Go Ape's popular Sundown Adventures will be available at Dalkeith Country Park between 28th November and 30th December.
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Supper with Santa
This festive season, we invite our IKEA Family members to join Santa for some supper at IKEA Edinburgh.
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Tang Soo Do
Come and try out the traditional Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do at Gracemount Leisure Centre on Wednesdays & Saturdays!
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The Big Show
Enjoy a night of top stand-up comedy at The Big Show every weekend at Monkey Barrel Comedy, come see a line-up featuring outstanding local, national, and international comedians!
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The Bryan Adams Experience
The Bryan Adams Experience is a celebration and tribute to the hit songs and enduring popularity of Bryan Adams, catch them at Bannermans Bar, Edinburgh on Friday 5th December.
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The Friday Show
Let your hair down at the end of the week with fabulous Friday fun at The Stand Comedy Club Edinburgh!
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The Scottish Explorer: A selection of the Finest Local Produce
Indulge in an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the essence of Scotland at Summerhall Distillery's Scottish Explorer events!
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The Wizard of Oz - Panto 2025
Join us over the rainbow this Christmas as Reconnect Reconnect Howden Park presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’!
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The Wizard of Oz - Pantomime - Haddington
Follow the yellow brick road to the Corn Exchange Haddington for a magical, musical panto adventure for all ages.
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Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture
Featuring examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography, the exhibition at City Art Centre spans almost 400 years of artistic production.
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We Are The Witches. We Are, Hear
This is an exhibition of textile artwork by 70 wise women artist using their craft to Challenge, Disturb and Disrupt. Catch it at The House of Smalls in August!
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Winter Family Trail
Free this Winter at St Cecilia's Hall, can you find all 8 snow-people hidden around the galleries and answer each of their questions?
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WinterFest
Step into the magic of WinterFest and soak up the Christmas spirit at Dalkeith Country Park!
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You Mean the World Exhibition
This exhibition explores the history of air pollution and of recycling and re-use in nursing and shows how talented nursing teams are taking climate action today.
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Events in East Renfrewshire
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On East Renfrewshire:
East Renfrewshire Bookbug Sessions
Free, fun and fantastic! East Renfrewshire Libraries run several interactive song, rhyme and story Bookbug sessions!
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East Renfrewshire Health Walks
East Renfrewshire Council HSCP and East Renfrewshire Community Hub run several walking groups throughout the week perfect for beginners upwards!
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Festive Party Nights
Whether you're celebrating with friends, booking your work party, or fancy a night out with the other half - the Redhurst Hotel have got an events calendar packed full of ultimate party nights!
READ MOREEvents in Fife
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:
Santa Paws at Dobbies Dunfermline
Give your canine companion their own festive experience with a trip to visit Santa Paws at Dobbies Dunfermline!
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Ya Wee Mammy McGoose
The Best Wee Panto in Scotland returns to the Kings Theatre Kirkcaldy with a Brand Spanking New Production that looks set to scale new Heights and become our Best Wee Panto Ever!
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Shamanic
Don't miss Shamanic when they play a special one-off show at PJ Molloys, Dunfermline on Friday 5th December.
READ MOREEvents in Glasgow
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:
808 State: ex : el - Live
Electronic music legends 808 State head to SWG3 Glasgow on Friday 5th December 2025 performing their seminal album ex : el in full!
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Calum Bowie
Edinburgh based singer-songwriter Calum Bowie will headline The Barrowlands on Friday 5th December!
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The Little Mermaid
Join Glasgow pantomime superstar Elaine C Smith, and the King's favourite funny-man Johnny Mac as they dive to the depths of the ocean when they return in 2025 with The Little Mermaid!
READ MOREEvents in Lanarkshire
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:
Snow White
Spillers Pantomimes and North Lanarkshire Council will bring their annual pantomime for the first time to Airdrie Town Hall this festive season!
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North Pole Express
North Pole Express at North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre is an enchanting winter exhibition for families and younger visitors!
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Christmas Party Nights
Celebrate Christmas in the Centenary Suite at Motherwell FC's Fir Park Stadium with entertainer, Barry Chisholm!
READ MOREEvents in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:
Deco
The Art Department is delighted to announce a new exhibition Deco 2025, exploring the Art Deco movement, stemming back to the early twentieth century when Art Deco first burst onto the world stage.
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Ultrabeat Live 90s Christmas Party Night
Ultrabeat bring their iconic sound and high-energy anthems across two epic evenings of 90s classics that'll keep you dancing all night long!
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Beauty And The Beast The Panto
Experience the thrill of live theatre as the talented cast from Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group brings another Panto to life, captivating audiences of all ages!
READ MOREEvents in Stirling
Here's a selection of events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:
Stirling University Choir: Handel Messiah & Rutter Requiem rehearsals and concert
Stirling University Choir invites you to join in rehearsing, then performing Handel's Messiah (Part 1) and Rutter's Requiem. Rehearsals are held on campus on Monday evenings.
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The Man Who Could Paint Anything – The Legacy of Thomas Stuart Smith
This exhibition showcases some of The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum’s remarkable art collection.
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Christmas on the Farm
Join us for a Magical Adventure at Christmas as Santa and his elves return to Briarlands Farm again this year!
READ MOREEvents in Other Areas
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