Welcome to East Lothian
With over 40 miles of stunning coastline, golden beaches, rolling countryside, award-winning attractions, excellent food & drink and the world’s finest links golf courses, we have the best of Scotland! It may feel like a million miles away, but it’s only minutes from Edinburgh. East Lothian is not only a great place to visit, it is a great place to live and work. Have a look at just some of the things that make this a wonderful place.
Upcoming Events
Find out what’s happening in East Lothian with events and festivals that attract people from all over the world to celebrate Scotland's fascinating heritage and wonderful culture featuring the best of Scottish music, arts, food & drink, innovation, sport and entertainment.
3:00pm-5:30pm
Dunbar Christmas Lights are bringing Santa to the spectacular Council Chamber at Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery as part of the High Street events leading up to the popular Christmas Light Switch On.
12:45pm-3:30pm
As part of the Saltire Festival, celebrate the run up to St. Andrew's Day with the excitement of jump racing. Visit here for more information.
7:30pm-9:30pm
A film screening of the film 'Robert the Bruce' to celebrate the Saltire Festival. Featuring Angus Macfadyen reprising the role he played so memorably in Braveheart as Scottish Leader Robert the Bruce in this retelling of the legendary story. Visit here for more information.
A free drop in open day event to celebrate the launch of the Anthology - Lanterne Rouge: The Last, which includes a mix of Scottish poetry. The afternoon session will run from 1pm-4pm showcasing poetry from Yester Primary School pupils & live music by OMD. The evening session with include readings from nine of the published poets & free wine & nibbles. At both sessions, you will have the opportunity to buy the newly published Anthology.
7:30pm-10:00pm
Join battlefield historian, Arran Johnston, for an atmospheric exploration of Prestonpans Battlefield, uncovering the forgotten story of the battle. Tours are free, but must be booked in advance. Visit here for more information.
Traditional pantomime - fun for all the family! Visit here for more information.
6:00pm-10:00pm
Get ready to run through the illuminated woodland with the foxes in the woods surrounding Foxlake in the dead of night. It's time to don the head torch and join the ranks of over 200 runners under the stars as you meander through trails surrounding Foxtrail HQ. The event is Saltire themed, that means all things tartan and blue & white are welcomed. Visit here to register.
9:00am-1:00pm
Come and enjoy the atmosphere of the Haddington Farmers' Market on St. Andrew's Day itself and pick up some special recipes so you can cook you're very own St. Andrew's Day dishes at home!
4:00pm-10:00pm
The Nocturnal Ultra Marathon is back for 2019! For those new to the marathon, the format is simple; 5km loop, 6 hours, furthest distance wins - all under darkness. Expect fireworks, music, illuminated woodland and a few surprises along the route. Whether you are aiming for 70km or 17km, the Nocturnal will have something for everyone!
The event is Saltire themed, that means all things tartan and blue & white are welcomed. Visit here to register.
11:00am-3:00pm
Bring the family along and enjoy a great shopping experience right on your doorstep.
1:30pm-2:30pm
Come along to Dirleton Castle to experience a special 'Man at Arms' talk, which tell tales of siege warfare & castle life, with a selection of medieval weapons on show. Visit here for more information.
8:00pm-10:30pm
Featuring two great bands playing their much loved hits on stage to close the Saltire Festival celebrations. Visit here for more information.
12:15pm-3:15pm
An afternoon of exciting jumps racing. Visit here for more information.
An immersive theatrical experience set along 1.5km designed as a magical world of fairies and forest folk, with surprise around every corner. Visit here for more information.
10:00am-6:00pm
Come and visit Santa's cosy Sorting Office before he arrives with his little helpers. Santa will make his entrance and tell a short story before offering children the chance to meet him individually. Every child will receive a gift. Visit here for more information and to book tickets.
9:00am-5:00pm
Meet Santa as he arrives on his sleigh train direct from the North Pole then follow him to his grotto where you can meet him and receive a great gift and enjoy lots of great festive activities. Visit here for more information.
10:00am-3:00pm
Make this Christmas super magic and visit Father Christmas at Newhailes House. Visit here for more information.
10:00am-7:00pm
Visit Santa in his Grotto and receive a fun gift. Visit here for more information.
12:15pm-3:20pm
An afternoon of jumps racing, for the racing enthusiast, novice or an ideal opportunity for a festive celebration with your team. Visit here for more information.
10:00am-6:00pm
Come and visit Santa's cosy Sorting Office before he arrives with his little helpers. Santa will make his entrance and tell a short story before offering children the chance to meet him individually. Each child will receive a gift. Visit here for more information and to book tickets.
1:00pm-4:00pm
Meet Santa Claus, Christmas Crafts, Christmas carols, live Christmas music, face painting and festive balloon modelling.
9:00am-5:00pm
Meet Santa as he arrives on his sleigh train direct from the North Pole then follow him to his grotto where you can meet him and receive a great gift and enjoy lots of great festive activities. Visit here for more information.
10:00am-3:00pm
Make this Christmas super magic and visit Father Christmas at Newhailes House. Visit here for more information.
10:51am
Visit Santa in his Grotto and receive a free gift. Visit here for more information.
10:00am-6:00pm
Come and visit Santa's cosy Sorting Office before he arrives with his little helpers. Santa will make his entrance and tell a short story before offering children the chance to meet him individually. Every child will receive a gift. Visit here for more information and to book tickets.
Kick start you Christmas celebrations with Funbox! Head to Toy Town for the brand new seasonal spectacular from Anya, Kevin, Gary & Bonzo The Dog. Performances at 12 noon & 3pm from 21st - 23rd Sept and 12 noon & 2pm on 24th Dec. Visit here for more information.
9:00am-1:00pm
Disaster strikes just as the Highland Feast & Ceilidh are about to begin. Grandad's prize winning haggis has gone. Sam & Rosie must solve the mystery. Fun for ages 3-6 years. Performances at 12.30 & 1.20. Visit here for more information.
Fun packed puppet show based on a Native American story with a wonderful Raven based on a totem pole design and lovely cloth puppets, modelled on toys of Native American origin. Visit here for more information. Two showings at 2.30pm & 3.30pm.
Make your own lantern for the 7pm Parade, leave it and an elegant hook will be added, then return at 6.30pm to collect before joining the Parade. Visit here for more information.
Have fun learning to drum samba style! For ages 8 plus. Sessions at 11am, 12noon, 2pm & 3pm. Visit here for more information.
Join Sam & Rosie as they journey to the North of Scotland for the annual Tartan Tea Party. With lots of well known Scottish nursery rhymes and songs, guaranteed fun for little ones aged 0-2 years. Visit here for more information.
Lively fun for all the family with pipers, ceilidh band and Scottish Country Dancers. Watch the dance display then join in, a caller will keep you right. Ceilidhs at 1pm & 3.30pm. Visit here for more information.
7:45pm-0:00am
Musselburgh welcomes in 2020 with Hogmania! A family friendly New Year's Party with live music, dancing, piper and traditional Hogmanay snacks. Visit here for more information.
12:30pm-5:30pm
Start 2020 in style at the New Year's Day race meeting. The day will be filled with great racing, live entertainment, cost marquee's, winter fashion competition with fantastic prizes. Visit here for more information.
12:00pm-6:00pm
Discover what it's like to work in the sky in the February Half Term. Visit here for more information.