November is here, and Scorpio season is in full bloom. While we’re onto the penultimate month of 2022 (seriously, how?!), the countdown to Christmas begins, as well as all the feel-good festive events. We’ve made up a warmly satisfying list of things to do in Edinburgh this November for you, so buckle up and enjoy the overflow of heart-warming events!
1. Explore a magical illuminated trail at the Botanics
Going for the annual trip to the Christmas at the Botanics at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has been a tradition for many, and this year will remain the same. The experience transports guests into a dreamy fairy-tale-like world, sparking that magical feeling of childhood wonder to everyone who enters. The one-mile trail will be open between November 17 and December 30, taking guests on a mystical adventure filled with festive bliss. On top of the yearly favourites such as the tunnel of sparkling lights, the radiant projection onto the front of Inverleith House and the captivating Christmas Cathedral, brand new light installations will also be unravelled throughout. You can book your tickets here.
2. Hum to Radiohead tunes in candlelight performed by a string quartet
Iconic songs composed like never before, this Candlelight Concert will bring out your inner audiphile at a unique venue on November 16. The experience will take place at The Caves, which is the sub-structure of South Bridge and offers an enchanting peek into 18th Century Edinburgh. One of the vaults used to be known as Whiskey Row, as it was stored to the brim with whiskey. Lost for over a 100 years, The Caves have been rediscovered, and now you can watch a soulful Candlelight Concert tribute to Radiohead in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Expect to hear the calming melodies of the Motion Picture Soundtrack, Karma Police, Creep, Burn The Witch and more. You can get your tickets here.
3. Bring your inner fashionista out to play at this Edinburgh fashion event
Aimed to touch people across the city, Edinburgh Style is coming to St James Quarter next week (November 3 – 6), showcasing the freshest style and the latest trends. During the first weekend of November, Edinburgh’s fashionistas and beauty enthusiasts can expect an explosion of fashion-related events, fashion shows, masterclasses and in-store offers and experiences. St James Quarter teamed up with Grazia and will be running a bunch of exciting events during the Edinburgh Style long weekend. If this sounds like a bit of you, you can check out the full list of events here.
4. Celebrate Diwali with marching bands, dancers and a mix of Scottish and Indian music
To celebrate India’s biggest holiday of the year, the festival of light will take place in central Edinburgh on Sunday, November 6. The city centre will be filled with dancers, a marching band, Indian and Scottish music and plenty of joyous people all around. The Edinburgh Diwali Parade will begin in from St Andrew Square at 1.30pm and move along George Street to Castle Street, led by the Scottish Regiment Band, together with the Stockbridge Pipe Band, Glencorse Pipe Band and the Edinburgh Noise Society. The bands will be accompanied by seven groups of dancers, representing dance forms from different parts of India, all from different community groups and students around Edinburgh. The Parade will be led by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the Consul General of India and the Edinburgh Diwali Committee. Celebrations will continue at the Ross Band Stand in Princes Street Gardens from 3.30pm with a wholesome mix of dance, drama and music. And, of course, the grand finale of the evening will be marked by a fireworks display at 6:30pm.
5. Attend a free and endearing photography exhibition
One of Scotland’s most celebrated portrait photographers Stew Bryden is set to host a debut solo exhibition at Native Edinburgh’s coffee and cocktail speakeasy, Counter, this November. This new creative collaboration will see ten striking pieces shot by Bryden for all to immerse in and admire. Running from Thursday, November 3, the exhibit is free to attend, and guests can also discover the trendy hidden coffee and cocktail speakeasy, Counter. It is the photographer’s debut solo exhibition, and Stew Bryden has shot for the likes of Fendi, Gucci, Max Mara, LV. Bryden describes the showcase as his passion project and is understandably excited to see his work displayed.
6. Enjoy a mind blowing dinner at this celebrity-chef-owned restaurant
It’s official, KORA by Tom Kitchin will be open seven days a week for dinner, and this comes as great news for many. Owned by Michelin Star Chef Tom Kitchin and wife Michaela Kitchin, the restaurant proved to be a hit throughout the summer when it was open four days a week. From Monday, November 14, diners can enjoy a fine dining experience for affordable prices at the neighbourhood restaurant all week round. With a menu led by Chef Tom Kitchin, Chef Director Dominic Jack, and KORA’s Head Chef James Chapman, the food brings out what Scotland has to offer to the forefront. Dishes evoke modern Scottish cooking with accents of global flavours in a collection of light bites, a la carte dishes, as well as a dedicated menu for children.
7. Get into the festive cheer at the Edinburgh Christmas Market
As the city centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland lighting the way to mark the start of the festive season, November is a well-anticipated month for most residents. Edinburgh Christmas market is almost here, and, thankfully, Edinburgh’s Christmas organisers Unique Events and Assembly Festival stepped in to save the day and have some news for us. This year, Edinburgh Christmas is on from November 25, 2022, until January 3, 2023. As well as the traditional locations on Princes Street and St Andrew’s Square and George Street new sites will also be appearing throughout the city centre.
8. Witness Edinburgh Castle light up in magnificent colours at this wonderous light trail
Castle of Light: A Kingdom of Colours is going to bring a whole new angle to the famous Edinburgh landmark with a joyful light trail within the castle grounds. Castle of Light will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 18 until December 30, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Additional dates will also be added around the Christmas period, with the event open from Monday, December 17 to Thursday, December 22, as well as from Tuesday, December 27 up until December 30. Bursting with character and spectacular art installations, guests will be able to witness the Kingdom of Colours theme throughout, such as kaleidoscope patterns on St Margaret’s Chapel. The 60-minute light trail will provide a memorable experience for all ages, with captivating projections telling stories of Scotland’s rich past. You can book your tickets here.
9. Indulge in perfectly crafted cocktails and live music in Edinburgh’s newest trendy dining and entertainment restaurant
Eve is the freshest fashionable addition to Edinburgh’s entertainment and all-day dining scene graced with exquisite murals throughout. It’s a place for live music, carefully crafted signature cocktails and dining for every meal meal. Located at the top of Cowgate near Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, Eve Edinburgh is part of the new Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. From exclusive one-off performances, to weekly quaint events including Musical Mondays, On Demand and Live & Unsigned, there will be something for everyone.
10. Have a day out to Conifox Adventure Park’s Christmas experience and Christmas market
All the joys of Christmas come to life at family run, for family fun Conifox Adventure Park when their exciting magical extravaganza opening on November 25 and running up until Christmas Eve. The organisers are also presenting guests with brand new additions for this year is the Christmas Funfair and outdoor Christmas Market supporting local Scottish traders. Visitors will be able to get transported to the North Pole meet all their favourite characters such as Santa and make magical festive memories.
11. Go see Alan Parker’s world-famous Bugsy Malone on stage
Meet the famous mobsters in person at Edinburgh Playhouse from November 15 until November 25. The unique theatrical experience is on tour for the very first time in UK, and this calls for a well-deserved visit to the theatre amongst all the things to do this November. Get transported to the Prohibition era in New York, where gangsters, showgirls and dreamers filled the town. Bugsy Malone is a musical comedy full of thrills, trouble and love. You can book your tickets here.
12. Eat bottomless pizza at the newly opened Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza restaurant
Did someone say bottomless pizza? Count us in! The Scottish Chef Gordon Ramsay has added another restaurant in the capital to his Bread Street Kitchen & Bar in St Andrew Square, and it’s Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza. Now, the second pizzalicious addition is officially open in Stockbridge and ready for business. The restaurant serves stone-baked unlimited pizzas both for eating in and delivery. Unsurprisingly, the bottomless pizza concept has been a thriving success so far: here in Edinburgh we have a special taste for pizza and, not to mention, bottomless pizza.