The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 12 - 14 December 2025
Grassmarket fire, airport bids for USA 'preclearance' fast-track, dog & cat home gets huge donation from Gervais + a festive weekend of more markets, lights switch-ons & 14 carol concerts
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. It's another busy Friday edition (standing at 2,600 words last night before I'd even added in the news this morning) thanks to a bustling-busy Community Noticeboard. You won't find a more comprehensive guide to this weekend's local markets, festive lights switch-ons and 14 carol concerts anywhere else on the internet. That's because wonderful readers have kindly shared their event details with the Minute. I hope it's useful and that the weather is kinder than it has been to other recent festive events! Enjoy and see you on Monday morning.
🌦️ Weekend weather: Starting cloudy, Friday should be sunny from 10am to 2pm before a chilly evening. Saturday morning should also start off dry before rain returns around midday. Sunday and Monday are both looking damp. A temperature high of 13C on Sunday and a low of 6C on Friday night. - The full Met Office forecast is here.
✈️ Passengers leaving Edinburgh Airport for the USA could soon get 'preclearance' fast-track access to the States, according to airport chief executive Gordon Dewar. - Exclusive by Simon Calder in the Independent.
🔥 A firefighter was among two people taken to hospital after a fire in the Grassmarket yesterday morning. - Keiran Fleming, STV News.
🚔 A man has admitted firing a gun at a house in Niddrie's Marischal Crescent in March during a gangland feud. - BBC Scotland News has the background, while police published this statement.
🏫 A local councillor is calling for schools to be stocked with bleed kits due to a rise in knife possession among children. - Local Democracy Reporter, Joe Sullivan, Midlothian View.
📚 The Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections have announced a new partnership. - Craig Williams, The Herald.
🐾 Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has thanked comedian Ricky Gervais, who donated £2.43m to animal charities from proceeds from his latest stand-up tour. - Victoria Pease, STV News.
His kindness has given our team, and the animals in our care, a real boost just when it means the most. As we launch our Winter Appeal, this support helps strengthen our work to keep vulnerable animals safe and warm. From all our pets - thank you, Ricky! https://t.co/9LHGIdiCng
— Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home (@EdinDogCatHome) December 10, 2025
🍻 Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar at Candlemaker Row is getting a 'full refurbishment'. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.
🍽️ In The Observer, Chitra Ramaswamy reviews Dogstar in Leith, describing it as 'a dead cert for Christmas number one,' adding: "Best focaccia of 2025? You bet." - Read the review here.
🏡 A renovated detached home in Liberton tops the list of ESPC's ten most-viewed local properties for November.
- ⮑ The Littlejohns letting agent has been bought by Lomond, which owns DJ Alexander. - Ian McConnell, The Herald.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard - news you can use:
📌 “Fri 12–Sun 14 Dec – Strange Town brings seven original festive shows to the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Enjoy Christmas fun and brilliant young Edinburgh talent. In a time when creative opportunities matter more than ever, every ticket helps keep the arts open to all.” - Thanks to The Strange Town Team for sharing this.
📌 “Porty Community Energy has a bike library locally and is looking for data and ideas to help people walk, cycle and take public transport more. Please take part in our short travel survey to help us! All entries leaving an email address will be entered into our prize draw to win £50.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “The Torrance Gallery has their fabulous Christmas Exhibition on now. Gorgeous handmade jewellery, ceramics, glassware and paintings for all budgets and tastes! Open Mondays to Saturdays 11am - 5.30pm.” - Thanks to Fiona at The Torrance Gallery for sharing this.
Friday:
📌 “12/13/14 December: A wonderful opportunity to get your festive wardrobe sorted and meet renowned designer Beatrice von Tresckow at the iconic Stevenson House. Entrance donation to benefit The Teenage Cancer Trust.” - Thanks to Felicitas Macfie of The Stevenson House for sharing this.
📌 “Friday 12th December, 12.30-2pm - Take part in the creation of a new carol at Stockbridge Church with the guidance of poets Hamish Whyte and Diana Hendry. Admission free, refreshments provided. 7b Saxe Coburg St, EH3 5BN.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “Friday 12 December, 6pm-9pm - Greyfriars Kirk: A Charity Christmas Concert for Ukraine. Organised by Spiders for Ukraine. Ukrainian Carols, and Scottish music, a play, stalls, food and cheer. All proceeds for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.” - Thanks to the Spiders for Ukraine volunteers for sharing this.
📌 “Get into the Christmas spirit with Jubilo on Friday 12th December, for their annual Christmas Concert held again at St Cuthbert's just off Lothian Road. Tickets can be bought online or at the door.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “Friday 12 December - Come Look at the Sketches, art exhibition by critically acclaimed artist, Constantine... Location: Gallery 1, 3rd floor, St Margaret's House, 151 London Road, EH7 6AE - House of Zeus productions.” - Thanks to Mr. Zeus for sharing this.
📌 “12th December at 7PM. Please join us for Dunedin Windband's Winter Concert at Newington Trinity Church.” - Thanks to the Dunedin Windband for sharing this.
📌 “Friday 12th December at St Vincent's Chapel in Stockbridge - Dementia Trust Christmas Concert - come and enjoy some festive carols from Catherine Duncan and the SCO's Young Singers to help raise funds for innovative dementia projects!" - Thanks to the Dementia Trust for sharing this.
Saturday:
📌 “Saturday 13 December: Enjoy Balerno's very festive Christmas Farmers Market and Craft Fair: get some Christmas Shopping done, have a wee listen to Carols from the Choir (10am-ish) and marvel at the Christmas Tree Festival in the nearby Ogston Hall. Main Street, 9am - 1pm.” - Thanks to C&B News for sharing this.
📌 “13 and 14 December, 10am - 3pm: Outboard Christmas Market at Port Edgar Marina.” - Thanks to the Little Vintage Emporium 💚 for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th December. The Winter Market comes to Summerhall for a weekend of festive shopping, featuring 30+ independent makers and artisan products from Edinburgh and beyond - plus workshops, cinema, exhibitions, carolling and mulled wine!” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “🎁 Christmas Market at TBCo Studio 🎁 Sat, Dec 13th, 11 am - 5 pm at 170B Great Junction Street. Shop curated local businesses for thoughtful gifts & support brilliant local brands. Enjoy free refreshments, live DJ, and free gift embroidery on eligible TBCo items! TBCo open as usual 10-6pm.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday 13th December 🎄 Children's Christmas Club at Greenbank Church 2 to 5pm. An afternoon of crafts, music, games and the Christmas story. All primary age children welcome - registration in advance.” - Thanks to Rachel McWilliam for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday 13 December, 2pm - Community Cinema screening of The Holdovers at Duncan Place Community Hub in Leith (festive snacks included!) - Pre-booked tix only (£4+bf) via link.” - Thanks to Drew from Duncan Place Community Hub in Leith for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday 13 December - Community carol singing in Marchmont, led by St Catherine's Argyle church. Join in and sing with us, or listen and enjoy free mulled drinks. We'll be on Warrender Park Road, from 2.30pm onwards.” - Thanks to one of the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “Join Kat Brooks and the Phoenix Choir for a joyful and exuberant soul singing workshop in the glorious Pianodrome! No experience needed - we love learning songs and harmonies by ear, and we'll explore what happens to how we experience music when you play with space and where sounds are coming from.” - Thanks to The Phoenix Choir for sharing this.
📌 “Sat 13th December - Edinburgh folk and roots community choir Castle Chorus present our Winter Concert. Come along to hear songs ranging from Christmas carols to traditional folk songs to arrangements of songs by contemporary songwriters. In St Ninians Hall at Greyfriars Charteris Centre.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 "A weekend exhibition called ‘Sòlas Garden’ opens this Saturday! and it is about the little joys in life :) is at Sett Studios in Leith Walk, 127. Expect a world of soft joy and gentle magic, with live music! Opening night: Saturday 13th 7pm-10pm. Closing day: Sunday 14th 12am-6pm." - Thanks to exhibitor Monchi_illustration for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday 13 of December, Brass Monkey Shore from 5pm - A Nice Day Out is having a Christmas party to celebrate all of the events we've attended this year. The event is free, but If possible, please bring a winter coat to donate as your "entrance fee", details are in the link.” - Thanks to Tilly for sharing this.
📌 “📌 “Saturday 13th Dec 5:30 to 8pm🎄 Christmas Party Adventure Kev’s Class at North Merchiston Club 🎅 Operation Save Christmas Adventure🎤 Winter Wonderland Game Show 🪩 Disco, Games & Edible Crafts Zone 🧸 Soft Play &Toddler Room 🎮 VR Ride with Santa ☕ Parents Hideout Café, Kids £15, Adults free.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday 13th December, Festive Biscuit Decorating Workshop at Leith Makers, Leith Walk, (EH6 8NP), Join us for a fun and relaxing two-hour workshop where you will learn to decorate 7 festive biscuits using royal-icing. Take home your delicious biscuits and a new, fun skill!” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday 13 December - Bristo Community Concert Band Christmas Concert: Join us for a relaxed evening of good music, good fun and excellent home baking. If you want to enjoy the Christmas spirit, but not drown in it, come to Craigsbank Church, Corstorphine at 7pm. Tickets available at door, donation requested.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “13/12/25 at St Vincent’s: Event celebrating DAPHNE ORAM 100 - GIGS, plus FREE workshop and FREE panel discussion for women in sound. Performances from SLY DIG, Bell Lungs, Emma Lloyd, Aurora Engine and more plus a FREE workshop from Tinderbox Collective 'Using Tech and Electronics in Live Performance.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday 13 December - Christmas Celebration with the Edinburgh Kevock Choir and special guests brass quintet, Members of Brass Tracks. Palmerston Place Church, 7.30pm. Tickets £15/13 (accompanied under-16s free): includes programme and interval refreshments.” - Thanks to Peter Nicholson, President, Edinburgh Kevock Choir for sharing this.
📌 “Looking for Christmas cheer? Cadenza @ Christmas concert at Polwarth Parish Church on Saturday 13th December at 7.30pm. One of Scotland's leading choirs, together with Castle Brass Quintet. Wine, juice and 2 massive Christmas Hampers to be won.” - Thanks to Elise and Dan for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday 13 December - Join Edinburgh Bach Choir for a Festive Concert of Christmas music old and new. St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Lothian Road, 7.30pm. Wine, mince pies and singing included! Tickets available on the door: £20 regular, £6 students with ID, free for under 18s and carers.” - Thanks to Edinburgh Bach Choir for sharing this.
Sunday:
📌 “Sunday 14th December - Gorgie/Dalry Christmas Lights Switch On. Starting at 6pm in White Park with Carol singing and prizes for School children's poster competition and Best Dressed Shop Window. Followed by hot drinks and refreshments in GaPP Church across the road.” - Thanks to Gorgie & Dalry Community Council for sharing this.
📌 “Sunday 14th Dec, 10.30am & 7pm, Carols at King's Church. Join in with carols, listen to the original accounts of the Christmas story, and enjoy plenty of festive refreshments! At the 10.30am service there will be also be kids’ work for children aged 1 to school year P2. 104 Gilmore Place, EH3 9PL.” - Thanks to Luke Davydaitis (Edinburgh Minute subscriber) for sharing this.
📌 “Sunday 14 December - Salle Holyrood fencing club is holding an open day to celebrate its new premises. Try this olympic sport for yourself or watch a demonstration from some of our Team GB fencers. All welcome to join us at 41 West Bowling Green Street, Leith.” - Thanks to Salle Holyrood Chair Sarah Allen for sharing this.
📌 “Sunday 14th December (and Monday 15th December) - Join the International Ghost Society for a Christmas edition of their interactive gameshow Robot Vacuum Fight Club (it's exactly what it sounds like) at Banshee Labyrinth as part of their Krampus Festival.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “Sunday 14 December - Edinburgh City Singers presents their winter concert at 7.30pm at St Cuthbert's off Lothian Road. Come have a fun and family-friendly musical time with us, Edinburgh's most relaxed PAYG choir. Or just come for the refreshments afterwards!” - Thanks to Eun-Joo Yoon, Managing director & pianist from Edinburgh City Singers, for sharing this.
Monday:
📌 "Monday 15 December: Soundhouse’s last gig of 2025 is a humdinger. Dean Owens and the Sinners play their annual non-festive show and this year we’re aiming to fill the Pleasance Theatre. Come and join in the fun." - Thanks to Jane-Ann, The Soundhouse Organisation, for sharing this.
📌 “15 to 17 December (11:00 to 18:00 daily): The Cookbook Shop's festive pop-up at Curioso (27 Albert Place, Leith Walk). We're a new, independent culinary bookshop coming to Haddington Place in early 2026. Before we open, please stop by to browse a festive selection of culinary books and gifts.” - Thanks to Liz, co-founder of The Cookbook Shop for sharing this.
📌 “Monday 15 December - Edinburgh author Rosie Steer is hosting a festive wreath workshop at the newly opened Lannan Pantry. You will learn how to make a festive wreath with local foliage from Ochre Botanical Studios and enjoy mince pies and mulled quince from Lannan Bakery.” - Thanks to Rosie Steer, author of Slow Seasons, for sharing this.
📌 “Join us NEXT TUESDAY 16th December for our final 5K Blast around The Meadows of the year; the Mulled Wine One. Meet by the East End Playpark for a 12.45pm start - online and on the day entries accepted. More info on our website.” - Thanks to Catriona Bruce, Race Director, Blast Running Ltd for sharing this.
🛝 Plenty of family-friendly things to do this weekend and beyond in Gayle's Guide, including: a KPOP Christmas disco at Craigies Farm in South Queensferry and more...
Gayle’s Guide
📆 For even more local events, check out Neil Cooper’s Shop Local weekend guide.
