Nutcracker Suite at Christmas

Nutcracker Suite at Christmas comes to St Giles’ Cathedral on Friday 11 December 2026. The Piccadilly Sinfonietta and pianist Warren Mailley-Smith perform from 8pm to 9.30pm.

Tchaikovsky’s seasonal ballet music shares the programme with Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto and a medley of traditional festive music.

Key Event Details

What To Expect

The concert opens the evening around Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, whose dances have become closely tied to Christmas performances. The Piccadilly Sinfonietta performs the orchestral programme inside St Giles’ Cathedral under candlelight.

Warren Mailley-Smith is the soloist for Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2. A traditional festive medley rounds out the programme, giving the 90-minute concert a mix of ballet, large-scale Romantic piano music, and familiar seasonal melodies.

Tickets & Entry

Tickets are available through the booking link on the St Giles’ Cathedral event page. The organiser also advertises two VIP places with front-row seating, Prosecco, fast-track entry, a signed CD, and a brief meeting with the pianist. Prices and availability should be checked at booking.

Location

St Giles’ Cathedral is on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The historic interior is part of the setting, but visitors should remember that cathedral seating and sight lines differ from a modern concert venue.

Getting There

Waverley Station is a short but uphill walk away. South Bridge, North Bridge, and George IV Bridge have nearby bus stops, while direct vehicle access on the Royal Mile can be restricted.

Our Tips

• Check the entrance time on your ticket and allow for security or ticket checks.
• Choose seats carefully if an unobstructed view of the piano matters to you.
• The concert ends around 9.30pm, so check late-evening transport before travelling.

Latest details and booking: official event page.