This year Christmas events in Scotland are back to normal. Please do let me know if I’ve missed any exciting events happening near you! There seems to be various events popping up all over the place! Hopefully all the best places are listed below!
*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.
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Central Scotland – Christmas Events
Beecraigs Festive Forest
Beecraigs Festive Forest near Linlithgow will be running for it’s 4th year in 2023. This December, from the 1st – 23rd, they will be hosting another sensory explosion of seasonal magic. There will be a 1.8km illuminated trail throughout the forest, with special effects and sounds. The trail will be open between 4.00pm and 10pm each day.
With exciting light shows for the whole family it will be a fantastic evening out.
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 is essential!
Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular – Dates TBC for 2023
From the 25th November until the 23rd December visit Blairdrummond Safari Park for the Christmas Spectacular. There will be storytelling with Mrs Claus, drive-by’s from Santa Claus himself, festive fairground, festive food and drinks, dinosaur illuminations and of course the mini Christmas market. Later opening times until 7pm will be available to enjoy the festive fun in the evenings. You can even book reduced price tickets for evenings only. Although note that animals will be tucked up in bed before the sun goes down, so you won’t be able to visit all the animals if you come in the evening.
Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway
At Bo’ness and Kinneil railway Santa will meet every family on the train and hand out presents to all the children. A Christmas wish card will be on the table for each child to fill in and put in the special magical North Pole letterbox. There will be entertainment on the train and miniature train rides outside too.
Booking is essential, there are 4 trains (60 mins journey) each day and they run on the 4 weekends in the run up to Christmas. Book tickets here.
Christmas On The Farm, Briarlands Farm
For £16.95 per child you can book to visit Briarlands Farm for a tractor ride to Santa’s Toy Factory and a gift from Santa’s Toy Shop. The tractor ride will take you through pretty lights to find Father Christmas himself working hard and surrounded by animals. He’ll have a chat with all the children, then the cheeky elves will hand out tokens to all the children to be used at Santa’s Toy Shop.
You will also have the opportunity to write and post a letter to Santa in the main building. Reduced price tickets to the farm park can be bought at the door during your visit. Limited dates available.
Conifox Christmas Experience
At Conifox Adventure Park you will find a delightful Christmas Experience from the 1st December to Christmas Eve. The experience involves a magical journey into the World of Father Christmas and all his festive friends.
You will visit Santa Claus, listen to a story by Mrs Claus, meet Frosty the Snowman and possibly the Grinch! Then head to the North Pole post room and on to Reindeer Flying School. Finally receive a toy at the toy workshop in exchange for a golden coin.
You can also enjoy a festive funfair and food and drinks outside. Perfect for all the family!
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 now!
The children (and parents!) will go on a tractor ride into the woods before walking along to Santa’s log cabin to chat and receive a present. Tickets on sale now for 2023, dates are 25th November to 24th December.
Check this link here to book your slot.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh Christmas markets is back in the city centre again. Last year it was a little on the smaller side with less craft stalls. So hopefully this year will be bigger and better now that times have improved! They are always the highlight of our holiday season, walking through Princes Gardens in the wonderful Christmas atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for Christmas shopping in the heart of the city.
Keep an eye on the Edinburgh’s Christmas Facebook or check the Edinburgh Christmas website here. It will run from the 25th of November to the 3rd of January.
Edinburgh Winter Wonderland
Edinburgh Winter wonderland will take place in West Princes Street Gardens from 18th November until 3rd January. You will find the return of festive favourites such as Edinburgh’s Christmas ferris Wheel and Santa land for the kids. Santaland normally has lots of different rides, but aimed at younger children. Normally there are a few things older children may enjoy too, a particular favourite is always the Christmas tree maze! this year has the addition of a new ice rink attraction on George Street too!
As above check out the Edinburgh’s Christmas Facebook or check the Edinburgh Christmas website here. It will run from the 17th of November to the 6th of January.
Edinburgh Waverley Polar Express Ride
This officially licensed experience sees The Polar Express™ arrive in the Scottish capital! The fully immersive theatrical event lets you and your family, from little ones to Granny and Grandpa, experience what it would be like to journey on board The Polar Express.
Based on the 2004 motion picture THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh is a magical theatrical experience that is fun for the whole family and promises to make wonderful Christmas memories for all.
Edinburgh Castle of Light
For the 3rd year the Castle of Light will entertain visitors to Edinburgh Castle. We’ve been to the other 2 and loved it! The lights are always amazing. This year it runs from November 24th 2023 to January 3rd 2024, with discounts for for Historic Scotland members.
Expect wonder, enchantment and a spectacle of colour this festive season as Edinburgh Castle, the defender of the nation, becomes the ‘Castle of Light’ once again.
Look forward to stunning visuals, state of the art lighting installations and Rex, the famous red lion, back to guide you. This year he’s got some new friends with him to help you explore the hidden treasures of the castle. Watch as the untold history of this iconic landmark illuminates the very walls that saw it unfold. A magical experience for all of the family – prepare to be dazzled!
Gladstone’s Land Santa Experience, Edinburgh
Soak up the beautiful festive atmosphere at Gladstone’s Land this Christmas season.
Make this Christmas super special by visiting Santa in one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile. He will be nestled in our green room, beautifully decorated and ready for you to tell him your Christmas wishes, then leave with a special gift picked just for you.
Glasgow Loves Christmas
Glasgow also enjoys celebrating Christmas and although it’s not as well know as Edinburgh for big Christmas markets, it does have lots of other things to offer. From Glasgow pantomines to the Santa Run and Christmas markets.
Keep an eye on the link above to find out more about what is planned for 2023.
Elfingrove
Visit the magically transformed Kelivingrove at Christmas and outdoors you will find Elfingrove an amazing Christmas ice skating wonderland. There will be a large ice rink, apres skate bar, bootable skate side dining and a magical snow wheel.
It will be the perfect place for a magical Christmas time! Open from 24th November – 3rd January.
Irn Bru Carnival
The Irn Bru Carnival will be going ahead this year, from the 22nd December 2023 – 14th January 2024. The Irn Bru carnival is an indoor funfair filled with rides for all ages, concession stands and funfair games.
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 rides. So make sure you check the height restrictions to warn younger children beforehand. Book tickets for Irn Bru Carnival here.
The Hill House Helensburgh Meet Mrs Claus
Meet Mrs Claus at The Hill House in Helensburgh.
Bring your wee ones along to meet Mrs Claus in the original Hill House kitchen and receive a gift before she returns to the North Pole for her Christmas preparations. A Christmas gift is included with every kids ticket. Open on selected Sunday’s in December.
Storytelling By Santa At The National Wallace Monument
This year kids can enjoy storytelling sessions with Santa at the National Wallace Monument. Sessions are available to be booked online in advance, every Saturday in December, in the run up to Christmas.
The sessions are suitable for children aged 2-11 years old and are £5 per child, with entrance to the monument included in the price.
Christmas At The Botanics
Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens will be continuing with their spectacular light display in 2023. It was pretty amazing to visit in previous years. The trail is open from the 16th November 2023 through to the 30th December 2023. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has beautiful Christmas lights, which are perfect for the festive period.
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.
New Lanark’s Christmas Experience
Head to New Lanark this Christmas to experience a beautiful day of festive fun. Tickets for the Christmas Experience includes a brand new ice skating rink, so you can ice skate in the beautiful old village beside the River Clyde. Then there’s a visit to Santa’s Grotto (gift included of course!). Don’t miss watching the Christmas film and entrance to the whole visitor experience too.
Car parking is at the top of the hill, however there are shuttle buses running all day to take you down to New Lanark.
Rough Castle Christmas Experience
From the 16th – 23rd December experience the magical Rough Castle Christmas Experience at the Falkirk Wheel.
There will be a festive funfair of delights, a winding illuminated 1.4km trail through the woodlands, a Santa Grotto with ‘nice list’ certificate, polar express tractor ride and of course marshmallow toasting! Open from 16th-23rd December 2023.
Highland Safari’s Christmas Experience, Aberfeldy
Enjoy a beautifully festive Christmas Day out at Highland Safari and red deer centre near Aberfeldy. Come to face to dace with the majestic reindeer on a 45 minute ranger led tour. Meet the resident barn owl and take part in a 500-metre interactive Christmas treasure hunt.
Finally visit Santa in his grotto, where each child will receive a personalised gift. Open every weekend in December, before Christmas.
Santa Sparkle Days at Almond Valley
On the special Santa Sparkle days, Almond Valley stays opens ’till the stars come out and the moon begins to shine. Once darkness falls, a trail of tiny lights will guide you on a magical journey through the trees to the land of the reindeer. Our sheltered play spaces will be brightly illuminated, and our orchard barn will be alive with the sights and smells of Christmas. Open from 8th-23rd December 2023.
And throughout the day, from 10 o’clock until 7pm, Santa Claus will be waiting in his cosy Christmas bothy to meet young visitors and share an early Christmas gift.
A standard admission ticket (or annual pass) will allow you to arrive at any time to enjoy all the usual day-time attractions of Almond Valley, and also – if you wish – to stay on to enjoy the magic of the after dark illuminations, without additional charge.
It is essential that you book your Santa tickets in advance as these are very unlikely to be available on the day.
Christmas At Dalkeith Country Park
The Spectacle of Light will not be going ahead this year at Dalkeith Country Park. However they have confirmed that there will be a wonderful programme of Christmas activities within the Restoration Yard as normal. You can find out more by heading to the Dalkeith Country Park events page or signing up for their newsletter. More information will be released nearer the time.
Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
Enjoy stunning illuminations at Five Sisters Zoo from 17th – 25th November on Friday’s and Saturday’s and every evening from the 1st to 23rd December 2023. There will be light tunnels, life sized animal lanterns and a covered, heated bar area.
There is also a Santa’s Grotto where children can meet Santa and receive a gift for £15 per child. This must be booked in advance.
Stirling Castle Christmas Fayre and Carols
These are two separate events, but as both are at Stirling Castle I will list them together. On the 5th December from 6pm-9pm is a Christmas Fayre at Stirling Castle. In the splendour of the great hall there will be stalls filled with local Scottish brands, crafts and fine foods and drinks. There will be a brass band to listen to whilst you tuck into a mince pie and sup mulled wine.
On the 15th – 18th December 2023 Stirling Castle will be hosting the Chapterhouse Theatre company for the wonderful theatre production of Christmas Carol. Doors open at 6.15pm, show is from 7pm-9.30pm.
House of the Binns Santa Experience
Enjoy a festive visit to the House of Binns this Christmas.
Do you hear those sleigh bells ring? Santa Claus and his elves are visiting the House of the Binns this festive season! Santa will meet you in the Blue Room of the House which will be magically decorated by Santa’s elves. Receive a special holiday gift (as long as you are not on the naughty list that is) and a seasonal certificate.
Southern Scotland – Christmas Events
Monteviot Lights 2023
This is the first winter light trail in the Borders! For all those living in the Borders of Scotland this is your chance to experience a light show produced by the same company who have delivered the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry and the Castle of Light in Edinburgh. I’ve been to both of these and know how amazing they are, so this is quite exciting for the South of Scotland!
The trail will complete the natural garden landscape of Monteviot Gardens and will incorporate lighting and audio creating a wonderful enchanted evening.
It’s open from the 20th November until 10th December (excluding the 4-5th Dec) and tickets can be bought from Monteviot Lights website. Parking is at Harestanes visitor centre.
Cocoabean Company, Twynholm – TBC for 2023
Head to Cocoabean Company, Twynholm for some Christmas fun! On the lead up to Christmas is a advent calendar making workshop and a festive afternoon tea. Then throughout December (3rd -23rd 2022) is Christmas at the Cocoabean!
Step inside the charmingly decorated main building for a delicious feast of breakfast, lunch or dinner. Plus lots of festive activities for everyone on the nice list!
A child’s ticket includes a host of activities. A delicious meal, a visit to Santa’s Magical Grotto, a Christmas gift, elf Activities in the North & South Pole, a mini Chocolate Workshop (with treat to take home) and a family photo opportunity.
Traquair House Christmas Fayre
Traquair House will be open for their Christmas Fayre on the 25th and 26th November. The house will be beautifully decorated for Christmas, with a Santa’s Grotto for children.
There will be gift stalls throughout the house and craft workshops available too. Mulled wine and roast chestnuts. There will also be puppet shows and musical entertainment. Tickets available from October 2023.
Northern Scotland – Christmas Events
Aberdeen Christmas Village and Markets
From 16th November into December, Broad Street in Aberdeen will be transformed into a Christmas village. With an outdoor ice rink, Christmas market stalls, festive food and drink, plus fun fairground rides there will be something for all the family. There will also be another Christmas market in Marischal College Quadrangle Friday-Sunday throughout the Christmas period.
Aberdeen Christmas Trail – TBC for 2023
From Thursday 1st December until Christmas Eve there will be a special Christmas themed sculpture trail. Created by a local chainsaw carver families will be able to follow the trail on the ‘hunt for the lost toys’ trail. Details are to follow soon, keep an eye on this page.
Meet Father Christmas at Castle Fraser
Book tickets to meet Father Christmas at Castle Fraser this December 9-10th.
Father Christmas will be visiting Castle Fraser this Christmas for a wholesome Santa Experience.
Write your letter to Father Christmas and post it to the North Pole, before visiting his festive grotto inside the traditionally decorated castle to tell him your Christmas wishes.
Adults attend free with a child ticket, admission tickets to the castle are not required to visit Father Christmas. Car parking £3, National Trust for Scotland members park for free. Child tickets include a visit to Father Christmas and a gift.
Father Christmas will be located up one flight of steps inside the main castle.
Dundee Winterfest – TBC for 2023
In Slessor Gardens, Dundee you will find Dundee’s Winterfest. You will find your festive spirit at the Bavarian style bar, big wheel and other fun fairground rides, an ice rink, Christmas themed market huts and a children’s area. It opens from the 25th November to the 1st January.
It certainly sounds like a great Christmas day out for the family! You can find out more here.
Eden Court, Inverness Christmas Fayre
On the 1-3rd December 2023 there will be a Christmas Fayre at Eden Court in Inverness.
With over 60 stalls of arts and crafts and food producers there will be lots to buy for Christmas presents. Along with the street food vendors outdoors, think home-made burgers and crepes or waffles. A lovely way to continue your Christmas shopping alongside the River Ness.
Brodie Illuminated 2022 – TBC for 2023
Near Forres is Brodie Castle, where you can enjoy Brodie Illuminated. An awe-inspiring walk around the Brodie estate. Follow the illuminated pathways, through the Victorian shrubbery, around the outside of the castle and along the magnificent West Avenue, and see the highlighted trees and plants in a whole new light! Often un-noticed during daylight hours, the heritage estate’s stunning plant and tree collection is fascinating to experience in this ‘night time’ way!
Family fun all the way – and tasty refreshments available each night too. Running four days each week (Wed to Sat) from the 2nd November and until the final night on 26th November. There is a new light trail route for 2022, music and much more to make your evening that little bit more special
Caledonian Railway Santa Specials
Running again in 2023, 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 various dates from 18th November to 17th December.
Every passenger receives a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas. 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!
On December weekends in the run up to Christmas their Paddocks are filled with tinsel and decorations, there are extra crafting activities, and Santa himself comes to visit from 12pm – 3pm. They don’t run a grotto as such – instead Santa wanders round the exhibition area greeting visitors as he goes (occasionally he even has chocolates to hand out!).
As always, around four of their beautiful reindeer will be on display, though please note that they are across the other side of a fence and we don’t guarantee that they will come over to be patted.
It’s £5 per person and 0-2 year olds are free. Opening dates are 2nd/3rd, 9/10th, 16/17th and 21st-24th December.
Drum Castle Visit Santa
Santa is stopping off at Drum castle before he heads out for his busiest night of the year. Book your tickets now! You will receive a gift and a chat with the main man himself in our cozy drawing room in the castle.
To keep Santa fit and healthy for his busiest time of the year he will see 12 children per slot. Your visit will be within 20 minutes of your booking so you may have a short wait when you arrive.
Glamis Castle Christmas Market – TBC for 2023
Head to the pretty Glamis Castle for the weekend of 26th-27th November for their annual Christmas market. There will be an array of local sellers with festive food and drinks, plus an exciting range of festive gifts. Tickets also give you access to Glamis Castle’s kids playground, extensive gardens, car parking and free wi-fi.
Huskyhaven Sled Dog Adventures
This isn’t really an event as Huskyhaven it can be booked from September to May. However, it IS the perfect Christmas Day out for those of us who enjoy a thrill! Adults can drive the husky sleds (on wheels!) along the trails, whilst kids can sit up front on a seat. Or leave the kids at home for a longer ride! You can also just book to visit the kennels and dogs.
I’ve only recently come across Huskyhaven and I DEFINITELY want to go! How much fun would it be to go husky sledding in Scotland at Christmas?!
Inverness Giant Christmas Fayre
On the 26th November head across to the Inverness Leisure Centre 10am-3pm for the Giant Christmas Fayre. There will be over 90 arts, crafts and winter produce stalls, along with live music, family activities and Santas Grotto. There will also be a free gingerbread hunt for kids and live music!
Oban Winter Festival – Christmas Events In Scotland
Back for 2022 is the Oban Winter Festival from the 17th-26th November 2023. There will be markets, an ice rink, reindeer parade and lots of fun entertainment for adults and children.
Keep an eye on the Winter Festival page for more information nearer the time.
Perth Christmas – TBC for 2023
Perth will be having a variety of Christmas events over the Christmas season. Including festive cabins offerings gifts and goodies from local traders every weekend from 20th November to 4th December. They will be on King Edward Street and the High Street. A Santa’s Grotto will open up at Horsecross Plaza every weekend from 18th November until December. Although the dates for the Santa Grotto are still to be confirmed, it will need booked in advance.
Rest Of The UK
To find out more about Christmas events in the rest of the UK, head over to Mummy Travels to find out about Christmas events in London or find about West Midlands Christmas events over here. 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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