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.

Central Scotland – Christmas Events

Beecraigs Starry Nights

Beecraigs Starry Nights near Linlithgow will be replacing the Festive Forest for 2024.  This December, from the 6th – 23rd, they will be hosting a twinkling winter wonderland with the spectacular starry nights experience. 

With exciting light shows for the whole family it will be a fantastic evening out.

Along with the illuminations there will be plenty of other fun activities too, including meeting the Grinch, watching entertainers such as funny elf’s and stilt walkers.

As parking is limited you will need to buy a parking ticket.  Booking is essential!

Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular

From the 30th 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. Book tickets at Blairdrumond website.

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. 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 £20 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. Includes tickets to the farm park. Limited dates available. From 5th-23rd December 2024.

Conifox Christmas Experience

At Conifox Adventure Park you will find a delightful Christmas Experience from the 30th November to 24th December 2024. 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 2024, dates are 29th 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 15th of November to the 4th of January 2024.

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. Open from 29th November to 23rd December 2024. Tickets are pricey at £66.90 per person, but it should still be a magical experience.

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 22nd 2024 to January 4th 2025, 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 at Edinburgh Castle for all of the family – prepare to be dazzled!

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 2024.

Irn Bru Carnival

The Irn Bru Carnival will be going ahead this year, from the 20th December 2024 – 12th January 2025.  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.

Dundee’s Christmas

Enjoy browsing the Christmas market stalls for gift or enjoying a mulled wine in the city square outside Caird Hall. Delight the kids with a visit to the North Pole and meeting Santa, or a go on the real undercover ice rink set up in the square.

And if you want an adrenaline boost have a go on the funfair rides in the square too! A fun-filled Christmas Day out for the family. Visit Dundee’s Christmas website to book the ice rink or Visit Santa.

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 weekends in December 2024.

Christmas At The Botanics

Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens will be continuing with their spectacular light display in 2024. It was pretty amazing to visit in previous years.  The trail is open from the 21st November 2024 through to the 30th December 2024. 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 pantomime, Pinocchio, 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. Open from Saturday 30th November until Christmas Eve 2024.

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 and 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.

Meet Santa at Almond Valley

On the special Meet Santa 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 29th November-24th December 2024.

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.

Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park

Dalkeith Country Park will be hosting their wonderful Winterfest this year. There will be a wonderful programme of Christmas activities within the Restoration Yard including meeting Santa, an outdoor ice rink, fire pit with s’mores and meet the maker stalls. You can find out more by heading to the Dalkeith Country Park events page.

There will also be kids Christmas workshops to book and adult wreath making workshops. Lots of fun for all the family!

Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations

Enjoy stunning illuminations at Five Sisters Zoo from 15th – 30th November on Friday’s and Saturday’s and from the 1st to 23rd December 2024, excluding Monday’s and Tuesday’s.   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 via the same link above.

Auchingarrich Winter Wonderland

Get into the festive spirit at Auchingarrich wildlife and adventure park, near Crieff. It’s a festive treat, beginning with a special invitation from Santa sent to your doorstep by Royal Mail. Journey through the whimsical fairy forest and enjoy story telling, writing a wish list for Santa and meet the toy maker in his gingerbread house! Play games with the elf’s and decorate cookies, before meeting Santa himself.

Each child receives a soft toy gift from Santa. A magical day for all children!

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 3rd 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 19th – 22nd December 2024 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.

Southern Scotland – Christmas Events

Monteviot Lights 2024

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 6th – 22nd December 2024 and tickets can be bought from Monteviot Lights website. Parking is at Harestanes visitor centre.

Dean Castle Starry Nights

The magical illuminated Christmas event that brought a sprinkling of stardust to Dean Castle is back this year – and promises again to be packed with festive fun, entertainment and the sparkle of Christmas. 

Starry Nights, the enchanting experience for all the family, returns to the Kilmarnock’s Dean Castle Country Park, bringing the Spirit of Christmas and a whole wonderland of excitement from festive lights, lasers and captivating festive sound installations, to our famous Cocktails and Carols performances. Tickets can be booked here for the dates of 6th-23rd December 2024.

Traquair House Christmas Fayre

Traquair House will be open for their Christmas Fayre on the 23rd and 24th 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 2024.

Northern Scotland – Christmas Events

Aberdeen Christmas Village and Markets

From 15th November to 22nd December 2024 (weekends, Fri-Sun), 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.

Meet Father Christmas at Castle Fraser

Book tickets to meet Father Christmas at Castle Fraser this December 7-8th and 14th-15th 2024.

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 £4, 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.

Eden Court, Inverness Christmas Fayre

On the 29th-30th November and 1st December 2024 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 2024

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 1st November and until the final night on 24th November.

Caledonian Railway Santa Specials

Running again in 2024, 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 23rd November to 22nd December.

Every passenger receives a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas, plus a cookie and hot chocolate. Booking is essential if you want to guarantee a space on train.

Cairngorm Reindeer Christmas Fun *Not going ahead in 2024 due to renovation works.

We couldn’t have a Scottish Christmas round-up and not include Santa’s fabulous reindeer herd up in the Cairngorms! However, it’s still unknown whether this will go ahead in 2024, please read the statement from Cairngorm Reindeer –

We hope to be running our popular “Christmas Fun in the Paddocks” in 2024, but are currently renovating the Exhibition area, so this will be dependent on our building works being complete. Please check back nearer the time for more details!

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! Dates available are 21-23rd December 2024. 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 10 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 and Breakfast With Santa

Head to the pretty Glamis Castle for the weekend of 29th November -1st December 2024 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.

You can also book breakfast with Santa at Glamis Castle from 9am-10am on the 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd of December 2024.

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?!

Oban Winter Festival – Christmas Events In Scotland

Back for 2024 is the Oban Winter Festival from 15th-24th November.  There will be markets, an ice rink, reindeer parade, dress-up parades, gingerbread house making competitions and lots of upcycling craft workshops and plenty 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 2024

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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