The Christmas holiday is often a busy one, but it can also seem very long when you are under 12.

So here are some ideas, lots of them free, for how to entertain your children and get everyone off the sofa and away from the chocolates at least once during Christmas.

MUSEUMS

Lots of Edinburgh’s museums are providing great christmas events for families.

• The National Museum on Chambers Street has an extensive range of activities including a free Hogmany Celidh. Full programme details here.
• The Edinburgh City Guard will be appearing in full 18th Century costume at The Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate, on Saturday 6th of January.
• The National Portrait Gallery have an exhibition of photos of Childhood through the years on Queen Street.

EVENTS

There are various events, happenings and christmas frivolities occuring around town.

• From Thursday 21st until Saturday 23rd december there is a free sonic treasure trail for families in the west end.
• The Botanics is running a christmas light show.
• Further afield Archerfield Walled Garden, a bus ride adventure away in East Lothian, has a lot of christmas events

THEATRE

There are loads of shows for families on around Edinburgh this Christmas.

• BOP theatre are doing The Tin Soldier until Saturday
• For little ones Nick Sharrat’s Shark in the Park is dramatised in Festival Square.
• Introduce Shakespeare to primary kids with Brave Macbeth.

FILM

• Hobo Cinema Winter Woodland is a pop up cinema at the Biscuit Factory. They are showing a range of kids films from Muppet Christmas Carol to Elf.
• The Cameo are offering a chance to see It’s a Wonderful Life on the big screen this weekend, along with home alone and those Muppets.
• The Filmhouse is showing “It’s a Wonderful Life” too, alongside classic Miracle on 34th Street.
• Grassmarket Community Project has free a free showing of The Wizard of Oz on Wednesday 27th.
• Fountain Park Cineworld has all the latest including the family friendly Paddington 2

GET OUTDOORS

We could all do with some air and excercise after Christmas Day so here are some family walk ideas.

• Go for a walk through Crammond, taking in the harbour and the promenade.
• Head to Granton with crayons and paper to try the coastal brass rubbing trail.
• Go for a walk to the Water of Leith visitor centre along our canal starting from Polworth.
• Walk the Water of Leith from Saughton park to The Modern Art Gallery for some fresh air and fresher art.

Have a great Christmas.