Magic Edinburgh
MagicFest turns 16 with big Xmas offering
Christmas in Edinburgh is that bit more magical than in any other city – thanks to MagicFest, the Edinburgh International Magic Festival, which this year celebrates its 16th edition, writes Matthew Shelley.
The annual festival of magic will be running from Weds 17 to Tue 30 December, when it will offer everything from spectaculars packed with tricks and illusions to intimate immersive magical theatre, with children’s shows and workshops along the way.
MagicFest 2025 Poster
While MagicFest offers a chance to see performers from this country and beyond, at its heart is the way it highlights the city’s status as a powerhouse of the magical arts.
On the one hand there’s Kevin Quantum, festival founder and organiser, a world class physicist-turned-magician whose shows mix mind-bending tricks, science and personal charm.
This year Quantum is heading up two events. There’s the wow-packed Christmas Special to the Church Hill Theatre (Mon 22- Tue 30 December: tickets). And for something a bit more suave, smart attire is encouraged for Edinburgh Magic, performed in the plush Versailles Suite of the Caledonian Hotel, where his tricks and illusions are served with a glass of bubbly (Wed 17 to Fri 19: tickets).
Then there is the up-and-coming 17-year-old Jamie Leonard with Wonderboy at the Storytelling Centre (Sun 28: tickets). A best Fringe show of 2025 nominee, he is probably Scotland’s youngest professional magician. He even has royal approval – while staying in the French Alps he was invited into another chalet where he performed an impromptu 30-minute close-up show for a Saudi prince and his daughter.
high-octane
You may have heard of Edinburgh trio Insane Magic who, like Jamie, made a splash at the Fringe – and also appeared at Glastonbury. This fun, high-octane act began in 2023 when Cameron Gibson, Elliot Bibby and Luke Osey got together at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Returning there for the first time since, their Insane Christmas Magic (Sat 27, Sun 28: tickets) brings them full circle.
There’s a very different vibe with Magic Awareness Society (think dystopia, steam punk and Philip Pullman). It’s a brand new and highly immersive theatrical experience that takes you into an alternate world in the where a masked inspectorate track down magicians in the way we once hunted witches (Mon 29, Tue 30: tickets).
Taylor Morgan and Rebecca Foyle will be appearing with Kevin Quantum in the MagicFest Christmas Special at the Church Hill Theatre. Pic: Supplied.
Also entirely new, and aimed at children, is the spectacularly costumed Shape Shifters at North Edinburgh Arts (Sat 20: tickets). This work-in-progress piece of magical theatre tackles questions of friendship, particularly what happens to a close-knit duo when a third person comes along. The show’s impressive quick-change magic has been developed in consultation with Léa Kyle, who is probably the best in the world – check out this video.
And then there’s the evergreen Edinburgh favourite Tricky Ricky who will be delighting children (and parents) when he’s joined by tartan-nosed Jingles the Reindeer for Jingles All The Way at the Storytelling Centre (Sat 27/Sun 28: tickets).
If you’ve ever been to The Joker and the Thief pub you may have had your mind boggled by its resident magician Tim Licata. The American-Italian-Scottish magician is inviting 12-18 years olds to join his Making Magic Workshop in the Library of the Storytelling Centre, where they can learn how it’s done – then bedazzle friends and family over the New Year (Sat 27/Sun 28: tickets).
consummate performer
If more proof was needed that Edinburgh is where the world’s magical ley lines converge, there’s also an appearance from Professor Richard Wiseman. Don’t be duped by the show title The World’s Most Boring Card Trick (Sat 27: tickets). Wiseman is a consummate performer – indeed when you switch on the TV and see the very best international magicians presenting jaw-dropping illusions, there’s a good chance that this eminent academic and expert in human psychology designed them.
It is not just Edinburgh-based acts, however. The MagicFest vortex is also drawing in acts from elsewhere – with a welcome appearance from Aberdeen’s acclaimed intergenerational Four Magicians (Sat 27, Sun 28: tickets). Ivor Smith, Jeff Burns, Eoin Smith, and James Dickson, pretty well guarantee a good time, having been named Best UK Magic Show in 2024. While that Christmas Special will see Kevin Quantum joined by Rebecca Foyle and Welsh magician Taylor Morgan.
MagicFest website: https://magicfest.co.uk
Facebook: @edmagicfest
Instagram: @edmagicfest
MagicFest 2025 Listings
Click on the name of the show or the Book Here link to go to the ticketing site.
(Listings are first by venue name and then chronologically.)
The Caledonian Hotel
Princes Street, EH1 2AB.
Edinburgh Magic
Tue 17-Thurs 19 Dec 2025
Twice daily: 6pm & 8.30pm. (1hr 10mins) Ages: 12+
Join Kevin Quantum at the Caledonian Hotel as he unlocks hidden Edinburgh and presents the magic that’s fooled the greatest minds associated with the city, from Harry Houdini to King Charles. Objects float before your eyes, money multiplies, time stands still. Book here.
Church Hill Theatre
33 Morningside Road, EH10 4DR.
MagicFest Christmas Special (Kevin Quantum & Guests)
Mon 22 – Wed 24; Sun 28 – Tue 30 December 2025.
Mon 22/Tue 23: 2pm & 7pm; Wed 24, Sun 28 – Tue 30: 12 noon & 4pm. Ages: 5+
A riotously fun Christmas Magic show with magicians, illusionists and variety acts. Expect drama, vanishes, levitations – big tricks and big wows with the glamour and glitz of a West End magic show. Book here.
Lauriston Castle
2a Cramond Road South, Davidson’s Mains EH4 5QD.
The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle
Sat 20/Sun 21 Dec 2025
12.30pm & 2.30pm, both days. (1hr 15mins) Ages: 8+
In this exciting hands-on workshop, young people aged 12+ will explore the world of card magic — not just the techniques, but the theatre behind it. Book here.
North Edinburgh Arts
12C MacMillan Square, Pennywell Road, EH4 4AB.
Shape Shifters
Sat 20 Dec 2025
Two shows: 11am & 3pm (45 mins) Ages: 3+
A joyful magical dance adventure for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups, celebrating identity, difference, and the friendships we build when we find the courage to be ourselves. Book here.
Royal Scots Club
29-31 Abercromby Place, EH3 6QE.
The Magic Awareness Society
Mon 29/Tue 30 Dec 2025
Mon: 7.30pm (preview), Tue: 1.30pm, 4.30pm, 7.30pm (1hr 30mins) Ages: 12+
Step into a dystopian world where magic is forbidden and wonder is prosecuted… This immersive experience blends theatre and astonishing feats of close-up magic from master magicians mere inches from your eyes. Book here.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
43-45 High St, EH1 1SR. Phone booking: 0131 556 9579.
Tricky Ricky
Sat 27/Sun 28 Dec 2025
10am & 11.30am daily (50 mins) Ages: 4+
Laugh your Christmas socks off with Scotland’s “Children’s Entertainer of the year” Tricky Ricky in this funny, punny magic show.. Book here.
Insane Christmas Magic
Sat 27/Sun 28 Dec 2025
1.30pm & 3.15pm daily (60 mins) Ages: 12+ (guideline)
After Edinburgh Fringe sell-outs Insane Magic (Cameron Gibson, Elliot Bibby and Luke Osey) return with their biggest show yet – an hour of mind-blowing magic, with fan-favourite classics sprinkled into the mix. Book here.
The World’s Most Boring Card Trick
Sat 27 Dec 2025
One perf: 5pm (50 mins) Ages: 16+
Witness the most uninteresting card trick and experience the psychology of boredom first-hand. Can you stay the course? Master magician Professor Richard Wiseman dares you to try to sit through the most boring card trick ever performed. Book here.
Four Magicians
Sat 27/Sun 28 Dec 2025
7pm daily (60 mins) Ages: 12+ (guideline)
Heading to Edinburgh from Aberdeen, four guys with one great magic show. A fab family show. AUDIENCE WARNING: Expect Dad Jokes. Book here.
Wonder Boy
Sun 28 Dec 2025
One show: 5pm (50 mins) Ages: 8+
Jamie Leonard’s most exciting show yet – a high-energy, laugh-out-loud hour of magic packed with slick sleight of hand, unexpected twists and genuine moments of wonder. Book here.
Making Magic Workshop
Sat 27/Sun 28 Dec 2025
Sat: 11.30am; Sun 3pm: 7.30pm (1hr 30mins) Ages: 12 – 18.
In this exciting hands-on workshop, young people aged 12+ will explore the world of card magic — not just the techniques, but the theatre behind it. With award-winning magician and actor Tim Licata. Book here.
ENDS
