CHRISTMAS EDINBURGH
EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS Why have one market when you can have three? Covering the Mound and streaking back along East Princes Street Gardens, the European Christmas Market brings a taste of the continent to the capital with stalls selling stollen, crêpes and bratwurst plus gluhwein and hot rum. Tucked behind is the Children’s Market while, over in St Andrew Square, the Scottish Market celebrates produce closer to home with sausages, craft beer, seafood and Scottish accessories, but don’t worry, no mulled Buckfast. East Princes Street Gardens & St Andrew Square, Fri 20 Nov–Mon 4 Jan. VIRGIN MONEY STREET OF LIGHT New to Edinburgh’s Christmas, the Street of Light is set to brighten up the Old Town from St Andrew’s Day right through to Christmas Eve. An installation featuring over 60,000 lights stretches along the Royal Mile from the Tron Kirk to the City Chambers. Not content with creating a canopy of light to banish the dark winter nights, the display also plays music by local choirs (Edinburgh Festival Chorus, the Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus, Edinburgh Royal Choral Union and Edinburgh Police Choir) synchronised with the lights twice an evening. Royal Mile, Mon 30 Nov–Thu 24 Dec.
LIGHT NIGHT The formula for switching on Christmas lights in towns and cities is pretty standard – a celebrity, in this case Susan Boyle, is invited to switch on the fairy lights and l ashing bells adorning the streets. Edinburgh, however, cranks it up several notches inviting over 50 community and school groups to perform across a series of stages. The performances, ranging from dance to music and song, are designed to celebrate Christmas and Arlene Stuart from Radio Forth is on hand to keep you right about who’s who. This year’s theme is ‘Light’, so prepare to be illuminated. George Street, Sun 22 Nov. PHIL CUNNINGHAM’S CHRISTMAS SONGBOOK The world-famous accordion player calls together his musical mates and opens up his Christmas songbook once more for a night of traditional and contemporary festive tunes to get the festive spirit l owing. He’s joined by regular collaborators and folk glitterati Eddi Reader, Kris Drever, Ian Carr, Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kevin McGuire and the Songbook Brass Ensemble. Despite the all-star muso cast, they’ll still need some help singing a few seasonal hits, so get those vocal chords primed. The Queen’s Hall, Fri 18 & Sat 19 Dec.
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE A dramatised version of CS Lewis’ children’s classic about the land of Narnia, where the evil White Witch has made it permanently winter but banned the celebration of Christmas. Set in an enchanted, permanently snowy world populated by beavers, lions and loveable Mr Tumnus, it’s a traditional tale of bravery and friendship. A good choice if you’re looking for a panto alternative, majestic Aslan the lion is highly unlikely to engage in a round of ‘he’s behind you’ or make a crack about the latest X-Factor lineup. Royal Lyceum Theatre, Sat 28 Nov–Sun 3 Jan. RSNO CHRISTMAS CONCERT: THE SNOWMAN Can only professional singers hit the high notes in ‘Walking in the Air’? Now’s your chance to i nd out as the animated Christmas staple The Snowman is screened at the Usher Hall with live accompaniment by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the RSNO Chorus and narration by special guest star Georgie Glen. Hosted by conductor Christopher Bell, the concert also features traditional and contemporary carols as well as festive favourites to get everyone’s sleigh bells jingling and ring ting tingling too. Usher Hall, Sun 20 Dec.
50 THE LIST 5 Nov 2015–4 Feb 2016