This year Christmas events in Scotland are looking a bit different.  There will definitely be less availability due to smaller group sizes, distancing and everything needing booked in advanced.  Which is why I’m posting this now, simply so you can get organised and book all the activities the kids want to do.

Along with these events there is also a UK (although it might now be worldwide) event for everyone to ring bells at 6pm on Christmas Eve.  To make it just a little more magical for everyone, but especially the kids.

*Please do check the website links to make sure the details are correct for dates and times, plus booking is essential for most events so please do check in advance.  I would hate for you to be disappointed on the day.

Central Scotland – Christmas Events

Beecraigs Festive Forest

*Unfortunately this has been cancelled for 2020*

2020 is only the 2nd year of Beecraigs Festive Forest near Linlithgow.  This December they will be hosting another sensory explosion of seasonal magic.  There will be a 1.7km illuminated trail throughout the forest, with special effects and sounds.  The trail will be open between 4.00pm and 10pm each day.

Along with the illuminations there will be a chance to post your letter to Santa, meet Santa himself in his special woodland grotto, plus hear him tell an enchanting story.  Each child will be a given a small gift when they visit Santa.  There will be plenty of other fun activities and surprises to expect too, with something for all the family.

As parking is limited you will need to buy a parking ticket or use the free shuttle bus from Linlithgow.  Booking opens on 28th August and is essential!

Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway

This will not be going ahead now this year.

Santa’s Woodland Experience

At North Ballochruin Farm by Balfron Station there is a fab Santa experience set in the Scottish woodlands.  We’ve visited for several years in a row, however this year they have chosen to cancel as Santa is in the vulnerable category.

However, in 2020 they are delighted to launch Santa@Home.  A bespoke, fun-filled experience that will ensure your family can still enjoy Santa’s magic this year from the comfort of your own living room!

With prices starting from £24.99, we will send you a parcel containing wrapped gifts and other surprises, along with a special video message from Santa, personalised for your children. All you will need to unleash the magic is a USB port, and to follow our instructions included in the pack!

Check back at this link in September to book your slot.

Edinburgh’s Christmas

Unfortunately this has been cancelled for this year.

Glasgow Pantomime

According to the SEC website tickets for the Aladdin pantomime are still on sale for the 12th-30th December 2020.  There is no further information on any measures in place with regards to Covid-19, so I’m not 100% sure if the website has been updated or if it will go ahead.

I have contacted SEC for further information and will update this post if I receive a reply.

GlasGLOW

GlasGLOW is a magical light filled world of fantasy and fun, based in Glasgow Botanic Gardens.  It runs from 29th October to 8th November, so a bit earlier than Christmas, but still a great atmosphere for Halloween!

Irn Bru Carnival

According to their Facebook page, the Irn Bru Carnival will be going ahead in some form in 2020.  I will update this post with any further information that I receive.

*Unfortunately the SECC is still being used as a temporary medical facility, so this is cancelled.

Tickets include 10 vouchers which can be used for the rides and also the funfair stalls too.  My two had great time in previous years, although littlest was a bit disappointed that he wasn’t tall enough for some of the ride.  So make sure you check the height restrictions to warn younger children beforehand.  Book tickets for Irn Bru Carnival here.

Wondorous Woods at Hopetoun

The first light trail to open this year in Scotland is Wondrous Woods at Hopetoun House.  It’s more of an autumn trail than Christmas, but a good start to getting into the spirit of all things Christmas too!  They are open from October 21st to November 15th, where you can walk through the  300 year old woods on a stunning 2km trail.  Tickets are on sale now for this magical mystical journey!

Tickets are available to book here.

Christmas At The Botanics

Edinburgh Botanic Gardens will be continuing with their spectacular light display in 2020. It looks pretty amazing from pictures and I’ve heard some great reviews about it from friends.  The trail is open from the 26th November through to the 3rd January 2020.

Along the trail there will be exciting illuminations, seasonal food and drink.  There will also be late night shopping in the RBGE shop.  There is on street parking at by the West Gate, or you can arrive at the East Gate by public transport.

Tickets can be bought online here.

Santa’s at Almond Valley

During December Santa is back at Almond Valley, Livingston.  The paraffin pixies are back this year and you can follow the beautiful light trail searching for all the pixies at Almond Valley.

You can also see Santa’s reindeer and play in the outdoor play space at the Paraffin Works (under cover).  You can also buy warm drinks and nibbles from the kiosk in the Orchard Barn.

Spectacle Of Light At Dalkeith Country Park

This year the Spectacle of Light at Dalkeith Country Park will stretch along an illuminated trail winding beside the river with pixie lights and starbursts reflected in the water.  Enjoy the illuminated Fort Douglas and play under the stars, then have festive food and drink in the Restoration Yard.

The dates are the 5-6th, 11-13th, 17-23rd, 27-31st December and 2-3rd January, entry from 4.30-6pm.  If the event is postponed or cancelled due to tightening of restrictions your tickets can be exchanged or refunded.

Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations

Enjoy stunning illuminations at Five Sisters Zoo from 1st – 23rd December, 5pm – 9pm.  There will be light tunnels, life sized animal lanterns and a covered, heated bar area.  More details will follow on their website, tickets will are on sale now.

A Family Edwardian Christmas

Head over to Lauriston Castle on Sunday the 12th December from 10am to 1pm for a fantastic Christmas event.  There will be special crafts, tours and stories, along with a traditional magic lantern show and visit by Santa.  Booking is essential.

There is no further information on this event with regards to Covid-19, so please do check that it IS going ahead.

A Lad In Govan – Socially Conscious Panto

From the 17th -29th December you can enjoy A Lad In Govan at The Pearce Institute.  Tickets are on sale now!

Southern Scotland – Christmas Events

Heads of Ayr Farm Park Santa’s Grotto

According to the Heads of Ayr Farm Park website the magical visit to Santa’s grotto will be going ahead in 2020. It does not seem possible to book using the webpage above and it says that bookings are currently closed.  So I am assuming it’s not going ahead this year.

Traquair House Victorian Christmas Fayre

This has been cancelled for this year.

A great day out for all the family!

Northern Scotland – Christmas Events

Winter Wonderland

Caledonian Railway Santa Specials

Running again 2020, with tickets on sale from the 1st of September. If your little one is train fan and you’re up in the North East of Scotland then head across to the Caledonian Railway for the Santa Specials.  The trains start at Brechin and head up the track for 8 miles with a short stop at Bridge of Dun station and run on the 6th, 12th-13th and 19th-20th December.

The page still says they are considering whether it will go ahead or not in 2020.

Santa visits every carriage with a present for every child, the train staff will have a small gift for the adults.  Booking is essential if you want to guarantee a space on train.

Cairngorm Reindeer Christmas Fun

We couldn’t have a Scottish Christmas round-up and not include Santa’s fabulous reindeer herd up in the Cairngorms!  They have not updated their website with any further information yet.

This is no longer going ahead this year.

Rest Of The UK

To find out more about Christmas events in the rest of the UK, head over to Claire at Tin Box Traveller’s round-up post.  There are so many great events going ahead this year, despite Covid-19.  So have a browse and start booking your tickets before they run out!

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