Moonlight Sonata at Christmas

Pianist Warren Mailley-Smith performs Moonlight Sonata at Christmas at St Giles’ Cathedral on Friday 11 December 2026. The one-hour candlelit recital runs from 6.15pm to 7.15pm on the Royal Mile.

The programme moves from Beethoven and Chopin to Debussy, Rachmaninov, Grieg, Liszt, and Gershwin in a compact early-evening recital.

Key Event Details

What To Expect

Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata is the centrepiece, joined by Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude and Fantasy Impromptu, Debussy’s Clair de Lune, Rachmaninov’s Prelude in G minor, Grieg’s Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, and Liszt’s Liebesträume.

The programme also includes Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, giving the recital a broader finish than the title alone suggests. Warren Mailley-Smith performs at the cathedral piano with the building lit for an evening concert.

Tickets & Entry

Standard tickets are sold through the link on the cathedral’s event page. A very small number of VIP tickets are advertised with front-row seating, a glass of Prosecco, a signed CD, fast-track entry, and a short meeting with the pianist. Check the live booking page for prices and remaining seats.

Location

St Giles’ Cathedral stands on the High Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The central Royal Mile location makes this an easy concert to combine with an earlier city-centre visit or dinner nearby.

Getting There

Edinburgh Waverley is around five to ten minutes away on foot, although the route to the Royal Mile is uphill. Buses stop on South Bridge, North Bridge, and George IV Bridge within a short walk.

Our Tips

• Arrive early because cathedral seating and entrance arrangements can differ from a purpose-built concert hall.
• The concert lasts one hour, so plan onward travel or dinner bookings for after 7.15pm.
• Use the official booking page to compare standard and VIP seating before paying.

Latest details and booking: official event page.