What To Do In & Around Edinburgh Over The Christmas Break

Back by popular demand, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is returning to Usher Hall for its second year. Star of Proms In The Park and celebrated tenor, Jamie MacDougall will be guiding you through an evening of singalong classics, film scores by John Williams (Jaws, Home Alone, Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, Jurassic Park) and melodies from Hollywood’s golden age. All the tunes will be accompanied by the Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Usher Hall, Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EA; 21st December

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Marchmont's dining scene just got a little richer with the arrival of Nadair, a cosy 20-cover restaurant from head chef Alan Keery and pastry chef Sarah Baldry – both alumni of Edinburgh's beloved Wedgwood. The debut venture serves a five-course set menu that changes with the seasons, spotlighting modern Scottish, ingredient-led dishes with Scandi flair. Expect plates like foraged chanterelles with cultured cream, pine and black garlic; sea trout with onion, buttermilk and sweet cicely; and dry-aged sirloin with celeriac, beetroot and sea sandwort. Sweet tooths can look forward to caramelised honey with plum, tarragon and oat. Drinks-wise, it’s all about organic wines and forage-inspired cocktails.

15 Roseneath Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1JH

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Sotto, named after the Italian for ‘under’, hides a treasure trove of over 200 Italian wines beneath Stockbridge High Street. This October arrival is the brainchild of Edinburgh-born sommelier James Clark – whose CV includes Divino Enoteca, The Palmerston, East End Cellars and Adelaide’s Poppelvej. Sotto features an upstairs Enoteca (wine bar) and a downstairs Trattoria led by Calabrian chef Francesco Ascrizzi (ex-Divino, Mono and Tipo). The Enoteca serves wines by the glass, cocktails, aperitivi and snacks, while the Trattoria menu celebrates seasonal ingredients with dishes like tagliatelle with porcini and lamb shoulder with artichokes and lentils. For a surprise, try the ‘Fai Tu’ option, where the chef curates a four-course feast for you. If you’re in the area during the day, Sotto doubles up as a sleek espresso bar, offering Italian-inspired brunches on weekends, including truffle polenta and brioche with gelato.

28 Deanhaugh Street, Edinburgh EH4 1LY

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Just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Prestonfield House exudes old-world drama. Much of its grandeur is thanks to a lavish, 20-year restoration by James Thomson – the visionary behind Edinburgh’s famed Witchery by the Castle. For a night of unbridled glamour, don your finest black tie and tartan for the annual Hogmanay Ball. Held in the opulent Stables Ballroom, the night promises a Champagne reception, four-course feast, Celtic cabaret and a lively ceilidh band to keep the party in full swing. Tickets are £175 per person.

Prestonfield Priestfield Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5UT

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Jo Malone London has claimed a stylish corner of St James Quarter with a sleek pop-up. Discover its festive scents and gifts, try your luck on the spin-the-wheel for a chance to win prizes and pen a postcard to loved ones. Plus, you shouldn’t miss the gold-clad backdrop – perfect for a festive photo moment.

5-11 Leith Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3AT; until 15th December

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While in Glasgow, don’t miss Sebb’s – a slick new subterranean bar-restaurant on Miller Street from the team behind Margo, Ox and Finch and Ka Pao. Billed as a ‘mixology kitchen’, it pairs fire-cooked fare with expertly crafted cocktails, all set to a soundtrack of vinyl-spinning DJs. The menu includes dishes like grilled Carlingford oysters in spiced lamb fat and jerk-spiced pork neck with celeriac and apple. Drinks are just as inventive, with standouts like the Miso & Malt Old Fashioned (brown butter whisky, miso, passionfruit and Guinness reduction) and the Garden Gimlet (gin, apple, celery and tomato).

68B Miller St, Glasgow G1 1DT

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Roberta Hall-McCarron’s latest venture, Ardfern, is celebrating its first New Year’s Eve this year. To keep everyone fed and watered for the festivities, the eatery will be supplying smash burgers – with all the essential toppings – and champagne. The bar will be open until 1am, plus it will have an extended by-the-glass list and sparkling bottles available at its take-out price (£15 off). For those celebrating at home, Ardfern’s bottle shop will be offering nationwide delivery on a selection of its wines and sparklings.

10-12 Bonnington Road, Edinburgh EH6 5JD; 31st December

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The halls are fully decked at The Caledonian Hotel – one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Its Hogmanay ball is a highlight of the festive season, and this year's event promises to be no exception. Guests will welcome 2025 in style amid the hotel's stunning Grade-II listed spaces. The evening kicks off with a Scottish piper and pianist, followed by a dinner from top chef Dean Banks. Then, with a live band setting the tone, guests can dance until midnight, when a champagne toast awaits, paired with unrivalled views of Edinburgh's fireworks display.

Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB; 31st December

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Just an hour away by train, Glasgow and Edinburgh are cultural rivals – but Glasgow leans towards the contemporary. A key player in its arts scene is The Glasgow Gallery of Photography, which this month hosts Darkness Falls, a striking new exhibition spotlighting night-time photography. Featuring works from emerging and established artists worldwide, the show draws from an open-call submission made earlier this year, offering a fresh, global perspective on the art of after-dark imagery.

279-281 High Street, Glasgow City Centre G4 0QS; until 21st December

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Christmas isn’t complete without some skating, and Uniqlo’s George Street rink is just the place to do it. Get into the festive spirit at Edinburgh’s largest outdoor ice rink, complete with twinkling lights, festive tunes, mulled wine and Baileys on tap. Families are catered to with relaxed sessions for a calmer skate and toddler-friendly slots. Grown-ups looking to dodge the crowds can also opt for the lively ‘late skate’ sessions, complete with a DJ to get the party vibes going.

125 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4JN; until 4th January 

Visit EDWINTERFEST.COM

There’s barely a gap between packing away your Christmas decorations and celebrating Burns Night, one of Scotland’s biggest events. Held on 25th January, it honours the birth of the famous poet, Robert Burns. While there are plenty of celebrations, our top pick is The Devil’s Advocate, a stylish bar and restaurant housed in a former Victorian pump house in Edinburgh’s Old Town. With a cool mezzanine dining area and a 300-strong whisky shelf, it’s the perfect spot to raise a dram to the bard. While details are under wraps, the venue often hosts whisky tastings and special menus, so stay tuned for more.

9 Advocate's Close, Edinburgh, EH1 1ND

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