A Public Reading: Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol

Gladstone's Land is hosting a public reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol on Friday 4 December, from 6 pm to 8 pm. It's a straightforward evening: the story read aloud in one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile. If you've read the book a dozen times but never heard it read in full, this is your chance to sit through the whole thing in one go.

Gladstone's Land itself is worth a mention. It's one of Edinburgh's oldest tenements, and the reading is part of their Christmas programme, which also includes a History of Christmas tour and a Santa experience. The building is open to visitors throughout the year, so if you're coming from out of town or just fancy a proper look around, you can explore 400 years of the city's history before or after the reading.

One detail that makes it a bit more than just a reading: every ticket comes with a festive hot drink. It's a small thing, but it fits the mood of the story and the time of year, and it's something to hold onto while you listen. The reading runs from 6 pm to 8 pm, so it's a two-hour session on a Friday evening, right in the heart of the Old Town.

If you're planning to make a night of it, the venue is at 477B Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT. The reading is on Friday 4 December, 6 pm to 8 pm, and your ticket includes a festive hot drink.