Latest Events in Edinburgh(December Updated)

Hogmanay is a Scottish word referring to the last day of the year or New Year's Eve, and is generally considered Scotland's most important holiday. Christmas is not celebrated as a holiday in Scotland, and for 400 years it was almost banned. Until the 1950s, many Scots still worked during Christmas and celebrated the winter solstice on New Year's Eve. At this time, family and friends would gather together, exchanging gifts; this way of celebrating later became known as Hogmanay. Hogmanay in Edinburgh began in 1993 and has now developed into one of the world's largest outdoor New Year's Eve celebrations. Strictly speaking, Hogmanay is only one day, but in Edinburgh (and other parts of Scotland), the celebrations usually last three to four days. In previous years, the major events included a torchlight parade, massive outdoor street parties, live music and fireworks displays, and free cultural tours throughout the city—and, of course, traditionally, after midnight on New Year's Eve, thousands of revelers would hold hands and sing Robert Burns' "Auld Lang Syne"...and then continue partying until the early hours of the morning.

On the night of December 29th, the entire city will be illuminated by tens of thousands of torches. Led by a Viking band, the crowd will depart from The Meadows, march along the ancient streets towards the Old Town, and finally arrive at the foot of Edinburgh Castle. Along the way, street performances, bagpipe bands, and drum music will create a "river of fire."

Founded in 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival is a world-class performing arts event and an annual gathering for people from all over the world. Upholding excellence and innovation, the festival lasts for three weeks each August, bringing together top performers and groups in dance, opera, music, and theatre, making Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, a world-class performing arts event and an annual gathering for people from all over the world. Each year, the Edinburgh International Festival team searches the globe for the most dynamic and creative artists of our time. Together, they create unique collaborative projects, world premieres, fresh interpretations of classic works, critically acclaimed productions, and more… all designed to attract, amaze, and entertain audiences from around the world. All of this takes place in Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland.

Conceived by acclaimed artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen, Resistance explores how acts of resistance have shaped life in the UK, and the powerful role of photography in documenting and driving change.This exhibition will bring together works by renowned photographers such as Vanley Burke, John Deakin, Fay Godwin, Edith Tudor-Hart, David Hurn, Tish Murtha, Humphrey Spender, and Paul Trevor, alongside lesser-known photographers who documented these powerful stories. Drawing photographs from various archives, collections and image libraries, McQueen has deliberately focused on moments captured before digital cameras became commonplace.

Information Source: The Haggis Chasers Ceilidh Band | eventbrite

Discover three of the biggest names in modern and contemporary art at Modern One this summer with a series of free ARTIST ROOMS displays in Edinburgh. Experience impactful new displays by Louise Bourgeois, Helen Chadwick, and Robert Mapplethorpe, each offering distinctive and diverse approaches to the ideas of self-expression, identity, and the complexity of our inner life. Visitors will encounter Louise Bourgeois’s giant Spider (1994), standing at an impressive three metres high, an immersive sculpture and light boxes by Helen Chadwick and Robert Mapplethorpe’s striking self-portraits.

Magical Patterns explores six decades of groundbreaking textile design by IKEA. The exhibition features 180 iconic fabrics that showcase the rich history of the Swedish furniture retailer's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and experimental design.

What better way to bring in the new year than to ceilidh dance to one of Scotland's leading modern ceilidh bands in Scotland's capital city? The Haggis Ceilidh Club will give you the opportunity to experience an interactive, fun, authentic and energetic ceilidh promising to bring in your Scottish new year in style. Get your Haggis Ceilidh Club Hogmanay Ceilidh Warm-up tickets now and don't miss out! Licensed Bar. Doors open 7:30pm, dancing from 8pm, ends 11pm. Links: https://theolddrbellsbaths.com/ https://haggischasersceilidhband.com/ https://www.facebook.com/haggischasersceilidhband https://www.instagram.com/thehaggischasers/ https://haggischasersceilidhband.com/haggis-ceilidh-club/ Information Source: The Haggis Chasers Ceilidh Band | eventbrite

With caller Ken Gourlay and ceilidh band. Soft drinks £1, alcohol £3. All dances walked through and called. Good exercise and great fun. "It's so joyful" - Japanese tourist. Please try to arrive before 10pm as we have a 5-minute warm-up at 10pm to reduce the risk of injuries Mobile phones and tablets: taking photos or videos is OK but if you need to answer / make a call / text / browse etc. (musicians find this very rude) please do so outside the dance room in the foyer No high heels please edinburghceilidhs.net ken@edinburghceilidhs.net 07585 445 995 (24 hours) Information Source: Ken Gourlay | eventbrite

Explore the creation and use of maps during the Second World War. Discover their use through personal stories, photography, and memorabilia. Between 1939 and 1945 over 3 billion maps were produced for the Allied, Soviet and German forces. Used to navigate the jungles of south-east Asia or for devising an escape plan, the maps on display are now mementoes. Maps kept alongside medals and photographs to say ‘I was there.’ You'll find aerial photography, war diaries, and even a fashionable dress made from escape and evasion maps. The exhibition introduces us to a Prisoner of War, an RAF pilot, a Brigadier and an army chaplain through the maps they kept as a memory of their war service.