In this workshop we will enjoy the explosive colour of acrylic inks, working with wet-on-wet techniques, ink droppers, paint brushes, and layering colours. We will do some experimental nature inspired drawings as well as some small landscape paintings. Come and explore the magic of this versatile medium!

Suitable for beginners and improvers. Guided tuition from local artist Sheila Chapman. (The acrylic inks may stain clothing so please don’t wear you best outfit!)

All materials provided, plus tea/coffee and biscuits.

Auntie has gathered us all to relive and celebrate our glorious shared past, but unfortunately she also has some tragic, terrible, and most pressing news. And she needs your help.

This hilarious dark comedy is the latest from Scotland’s form-defying theatre company, Disaster Plan, the formal identity for the long-term collaboration between multi-award-winning theatre makers Julia Taudevin and Kieran Hurley. Auntie Empire is an outrageous contemporary satire on Britannia and the grotesque absurdity of her imperial self-regard. Blending bouffon comedy, satire and audience interaction, Auntie Empire is a bloody, messy, hilarious and timely lampoon of the myths of nationhood.

Auntie Empire has been developed in association with Jordan & Skinner and with support from Creative Scotland, Paisley Arts Centre and One Ren.

Do you want to try a calming new hobby this winter?

Join embroidery artist and tutor, Jasmine for a beginner friendly introduction to hand embroidery.

In this 2 hour workshop, you will get to grips with the basics of embroidery. You will start by choosing your favourite of 5 Scottish landscape designs. We will spend the session exploring a range of embroidery stitches with step-by-step instruction and you will practice using your chosen landscape pattern. We will not finish the pieces during the workshop but we will go over every type of stitch needed. At the end of the class, you will be able to take all your new supplies home with you to finish the embroidery piece and enjoy your new skills! The take away kits also contain step-by-step instructions to refresh your memory. All kits are designed & made here in Edinburgh using only organic, recycled or compostable materials.

"But I haven't even threaded a needle before, can I come?" Yes! Absolute beginners are welcome and encouraged. The workshop will be relaxed and accommodating - don't be afraid to come alone as most people do.

Screening some of our favourite short films of recent years as well as staff picks and award-winners, from Scottish stop motion to Taiwanese puppet animation, alongside Balkan drama and Italian coming-of-age films.

Ranging from witty docs to satirical animation, European award winners and Scottish heart-warmers, get away from it all with our Winter Fair programme!

Cozy up in the cinema for an entrancing trip around the world!

We will feature a different progamme of films across the two events.

The world-renowned Edinburgh Ceilidh Club brings you the very best in Scottish ceilidh dancing, featuring Scotland’s top ceilidh bands. Brilliant live music and dancing for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced ceilidh dancers; everyone is welcome. All the bands have a caller who will teach the dances throughout the night so everyone can get involved and have a great time. Come and experience some of Scotland’s finest culture while dancing the night away.

Get ready for Christmas by designing and stitching your own handmade ornaments!

Join embroidery artist and tutor, Jasmine for a festive workshop and leave with unique decorations you can be proud of. The focus is on creating intentional, sustainable pieces using planet friendly materials.

We will be embroidering 100% wool felt for our ornaments. During the session you will be introduced to a range of basic embroidery stitches with step-by-step tutorials and support. There will be additional optional materials available to use including beads, ribbon, and colourful thread.

This workshop is designed to be as free as possible and creativity is allowed and encouraged. But, there will be both templates and pre-cut pieces available for those who wish to use them. And, plenty of examples to get the inspiration flowing.

The session’s atmosphere will be relaxed and accommodating. It is suitable for anyone from beginners to more experienced sewists. You can expect to finish between one and three ornaments depending on your confidence level and the complexity of your ornaments.

Come along and find out about how to use melt and pour soap to make your own customised soaps, using natural and beneficial botanicals and essential oils to add fragrance and interest.

LMTC are back with their third production of 2025, and this time, we invite you to step into a truly magical winter wonderland. Join us for a wholesome and heart-warming journey with soaring song, dazzling dance, and evocative spoken word, all celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.

Prepare to be enchanted by powerhouse vocalists, exquisite dancers, and heartfelt performers who will whisk you away into the festive spirit for one unforgettable night only. Featuring songs that span the decades, from nostalgic Christmas classics to modern festive favourites, there is something to stir every heart. In true LMTC style, you’ll be completely immersed in the adventure, never knowing what surprise is waiting just around the corner.

The sparkling Dissection Room will be transformed into a cosy, twinkling cabaret space, and with Summerhall’s Christmas Fayre in full swing, you can enjoy an abundance of festive cheer, food, and unique gifts from local vendors. Once you arrive, surrounded by the warmth of music, community, and seasonal magic, you may never want to leave!

Director: Cat McInally

Choreographer: Megan Nicol

Writer: James O’Neill

Join us at Summerhall Art’s Winter Market for a wholesome, creative experience. This hands-on workshop invites you to paint, stamp, and decorate unique gift wrap in any style you love. Go bold and bright, keep it classic and Christmassy, or create something beautifully non-festive—whatever suits your personality and your presents.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere, get your Christmas shopping done at the market, and sort your wrapping paper in the most meaningful (and fun!) way possible. A perfect slow-down moment amidst the seasonal buzz, this workshop is ideal for craft lovers, DIY enthusiasts, families, or complete beginners.

Each ticket includes 1.5 metres of blank paper plus all materials.

We are thrilled to be bringing the first ever panto to Summerhall and even more chuffed you want to come along and make magic with us.

This is Snow White like you have never seen it before. Snow White: a curious soul who marches to the beat of their own drum and sets out to find their place in the world. A missing Father, a wicked Stepmaw - who is only concerned about her image and keeping up with the McJones’, a Magic Mirror who is full of sass, the straight- talking Dame of Summerhall and a few new pals thrown in along the way. Who knows where Snow White’s path will take them? Come along for the ride!

The perfect family friendly panto that will leave you feeling uplifted and ready for the festive season.

Join the Summerhall Singers community choir at their annual Christmas Concert! This year’s repertoire theme is Christmas! Expect an eclectic mix of songs, old and new. Suitable for all the family, and musical tastes, this will be a wonderful hour of song and merriment.

The Summerhall Singers was founded in September 2013 and meet weekly (on Wednesdays) in Summerhall. If you are interested in joining our choir or for more information, please email summerhallsingers@gmail.com New members are always welcome! No auditions and open to all abilities!

Double the Teams. Double the Laughs. 100% Unscripted Fun.

Get ready for a high-octane night of improv comedy as TBC Improv UK takes the stage for an unforgettable evening of spontaneous brilliance!

Headlining the show are the pros of The TBC Improv Team, serving up fast-paced scenes, wild characters, and razor-sharp wit that’ll keep you laughing all night. Opening the evening there will be a special guest (shhh, it's a surprise!)—a dynamic troupe bringing fresh energy, fearless play, and boundless creativity to the stage.

Expect bold choices, unpredictable twists, and the kind of joyful chaos only live improv can deliver. It’s a double-header packed with top-tier comedy talent—come for the laughs, stay for the surprises, and leave grinning ear to ear.

Doors at 19:00

Enjoy an evening of entertainment with The Brothers Fife as they celebrate 10 brilliant years of Christmas singing all their most loved songs. There is also a raffle.

Trixiebelle the Elf is so excited, she’s just been promoted to Santa’s Workshop! The only problem is, she can’t quite get the hang of what she is supposed to do…

She feels like she doesn’t quite fit in… but she is trying. Do you ever feel like that?

Come along and join the festive fun and help Trixiebelle find what her talent really is with high jinks, laughter, and wee bit of Christmas chaos along the way.

Theatre maker Kirsty Eila McIntyre and Stephen Graham-Martin join with EAS Productions to create this magical family show with an opportunity afterwards to make your very own Christmas crafts with Santa’s Elves!

Nüshu. Written for Her, On Her, By Her

Writing and Bookmark-Making Workshop

As winter deepens and the year draws to a close, this workshop invites you to slow down, warm your hands with ink and brush, and learn Nüshu, a rare women’s script from Jiangyong, China. Created and shared by women who were excluded from formal education, Nüshu carries emotion, memory, care, and quiet resilience across generations.

Led by artist Jiayi Chen, the session introduces the gentle rhythm and form of Nüshu writing. Participants will learn a small part of the script before creating their own handmade bookmark. Nüshu characters are combined with special lacquer techniques, allowing colour, texture, and chance to shape each piece. Every bookmark becomes unique, something personal to keep through the winter or to give as a meaningful Christmas gift.

This is not about perfect writing or learning a language. It is about touch, slowness and intention. A word of feeling, blessing or remembrance can be written into the bookmark, carrying warmth into the darker season.

No calligraphy experience is needed. All genders and backgrounds are welcome. Join us at the Winter Market for a moment of making, reflection and shared care.