The King celebrates his birthday today and there will be a Gun Salute from Edinburgh Castle at noon.
Giant Lanterns at Edinburgh Zoo
The Giant Lanterns open today at Edinburgh Zoo. Ben Supple, Deputy CEO of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said: “The Giant Lanterns are really back by popular demand. We last held them in 2019 just before the pandemic and since then our members and our visitors have been continually asking us when the Giant Lanterns are coming back. So it is this year and we can’t wait.”
Going to the Zoo at night when the animals are asleep is countered with the lovely lights and underwater scenes which are portrayed by the lanterns. This is a beautiful walk – and there are plenty of bright yellow arrows (and zoo staff) to keep you on the right track.
Although 22,000 tickets have already been sold there is plenty of time to visit as the attraction runs for 60 nights until February 2026.
The seahorses are particularly pretty – but visitors will be able to walk through the belly of the whale, and see dazzling jellyfish or towering sea turtles.
Entry is from 4.45pm to 8pm with timed slots and varied ticket prices.
There are two quiet evenings available and plenty of advice about how to book, a copy of the trail map to acquaint yourself with where to go when you get there.
And remember that the bus stop is right outside the front door.
Hail a cab for emergency bandages
From today 200 Central Taxi black cabs will carry emergency bandage kits. These are intended for use at major incidents or after road collisions. Any cab which carries the kit on board will display a window sticker to show the public that they can flag the taxi down and ask for help, and the kits will be made available.
Oxfordshire based charity RAPAID donated the kits to the cab company. Babcock International Group has supported the initiative.
Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Marine Sector, said: “Supporting this vital initiative, which puts lifesaving equipment directly into the heart of our community, reflects our ongoing commitment to safety and community wellbeing. At Babcock, safety is at the core of everything we do and helping to make Edinburgh an even safer place through practical, accessible solutions like these bandage kits, is something we’re honoured to be part of.”
Pianodrome at Bruntsfield
At the new second centre for Pianodrome Will Pickvance will be along to entertain on Thursdays at 1pm.
The concert series with the pianist in resonance begins on 20 November.
Free entry by donation at Pianodrome Bruntsfield St Oswalds Centre 41 Montpelier Park EH10 4NB. Make your donation by clicking on the photo below.
At Livingston Designer Outlet on Friday afternoon
Christmas will begin in Livingston on Friday afternoon. From 3.30pm the Santa’s Christmas Circus will assemble.
Enjoy entertainment from stilt walkers and naughty elves up to their usual mischief, tumbling, juggling, and wrapping presents in their own chaotic way.
The Big Man himself will appear at 4pm. Santa will switch on the lights and bring a bit of sparkle to the centre.
Santa will then be in his Grotto for the period until he is too busy on Christmas Even. There will be a giant human-sized snow globe which eight people can get inside. There will be a Winter Market with an array of stalls selling unique hand crafted goods, and the Giving Tree will support local children in need.
Michelle Whitelaw, Centre Director at Livingston Designer Outlet, said: ” We’re thrilled to be kicking off the festive season with a great line-up of Christmas activations at Livingston Designer Outlet. With a giant snow globe, market stalls and Santa’s Grotto, there is something for everyone to enjoy”.
It’s Christmas market time in Edinburgh
From Saturday the Christmas markets will open in Princes Street Gardens.
On Tuesday the lights will be switched on on the Christmas tree on the Mound and then next weekend Santa’s Stories will open in West Princes Street Gardens near all the children’s rides and attractions.
Santa just arrived at Edinburgh Airport with Maegan the Elf and met. up with The Edinburgh Airport mascot Edi the Pilot!.
More details about Edinburgh’s Christmas and what is happening here.
The pictures feature Santa and Maegan the Elf arriving at Edinburgh Airport. PHOTO Ian Georgeson
.
