A Very Stylish Santa, Elves and Reindeers: St James Quarter Reveals its Christmas Programme for 2025
Meet the Seriously Stylish Santa at St James Quarter
From dazzling parades to hands-on festive fun, the Capital’s most stylish celebration returns bigger and brighter than ever.
St James Quarter is set to sparkle once again this festive season as Edinburgh’s most fashionable destination reveals its Christmas 2025 programme — a month-long celebration of lights, live music, and family magic.
The festivities kick off with the return of the St James Quarter Christmas Parade on Saturday 8th November from 4pm, bringing the Galleria to life with colour, dance, and performance. Expect everything from wandering musicians and elegant ballerinas to high-energy street dancers — and, of course, a very stylish Santa, arriving in true St James Quarter style.
Adding to the excitement, Santa will take to the streets of Edinburgh ahead of the parade in a St James Quarter taxi, inviting locals to join his journey to the Quarter. The evening will culminate in a spectacular light switch-on and Christmas sing-along in Register Square, led by the much-loved Tinderbox Orchestra and joined by a few surprise guests. Blending traditional carols with contemporary hip-hop beats, this uplifting, free event promises an unforgettable start to the festive season.
The Tinderbox Orchestra — known for redefining the orchestra experience with their vibrant fusion of strings, brass, rappers and singers — will fill the Quarter with festive sound and soul all season long.
A Sprinkle of Christmas Magic is Just Around The Quarter
Festive Fun for Families
The little ones haven’t been forgotten. Elf Adventures return on Sunday 16th November and Sunday 7th December, from 11am to 3pm on Level 3 at the Santa Express. Expect a mix of drop-in festive workshops, from Elf School and Reindeer Food Making to Storytime with Santa’s elves — the perfect way to sprinkle some Christmas magic.
Music lovers can also get creative at the Tinderbox Orchestra Interactive Workshops on Sunday 30th November, where participants of all ages can join in on musical sessions, try an instrument, and even write and perform their own Christmas song alongside the 20-piece orchestra.
A Quarter Full of Life
Across the season, the Quarter will be alive with festive installations, live performances and charitable giving. The Santa Express will offer a magical interactive photo spot, while the Present Tree, in partnership with Children 1st, will encourage visitors to donate gifts to those in need. Pop-up choirs, dancers and festive acts will fill the Galleria, while extended retail hours from 16th November mean visitors can shop, dine and celebrate late into the evening.
“Christmas at St James Quarter is always something special, and this year we’re pulling out all the stops to make it our most magical celebration yet,” says Susan Hewlett, Brand Director at St James Quarter. “From the dazzling parade and spectacular light switch-on to the creativity of Tinderbox Orchestra and the return of Elf Adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome Edinburgh’s residents and visitors to experience the warmth, wonder and togetherness that makes this time of year so special in the heart of the city.”
Whether it’s singing under the lights, dancing to the beat of the Tinderbox Orchestra, or watching little ones graduate from Elf School, St James Quarter is set to be Edinburgh’s ultimate destination for Christmas magic in 2025.