Last updated: 11 November 2024
Get ready for a festive season of adventure in Hamilton! Discover all the exciting holiday events with our guide. From Hamilton residents to wandering souls, our guide unveils the city's holiday charms.
This year, the Hamilton Christmas Markets will transform the town centre into a festive wonderland with a variety of unique stalls and tasty seasonal treats. Additionally, the Lanark Christmas Market & Christmas Lights will dazzle visitors with its stunning displays and vibrant community spirit. And the upcoming Gary Meikle - NO REFUNDS event provides a night of laughter and entertainment you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Hamilton Holiday Light Displays
Carluke Christmas Lights Switch On
- What to Expect
- Traditional brass band and local community acts.
- Description
- Carluke's Christmas Lights Switch On features free entertainment, a Christmas Market, and festive activities leading up to Santa's arrival.
- Where
- Carluke | More Info : Carluke Christmas Lights Switch On
Hamilton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hamilton Christmas Markets
- What to Expect
- Four dates of festive fun with unique, handcrafted items.
- Description
- Hamilton Christmas Markets offer a vibrant arts and crafts market with unique, handcrafted items from top-notch vendors, held on four special dates.
- Where
- Hamilton | More Info : Hamilton Christmas Markets
Lanark Christmas Market & Christmas Lights
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas market with festive lights switch-on by Santa.
- Description
- The Lanark Christmas Market & Christmas Lights event features a traditional Christmas market with stalls selling food, drink, clothes, and toys. The afternoon culminates in the switch-on of the town's festive lights by Santa around 5 pm, sponsored by the Rotary Club Lanark. The event is organized by South Lanarkshire Council and offers a warm welcome to local shops and cafes.
- Where
- Lanark | More Info : Lanark Christmas Market & Christmas Lights
Holy Cross High School Christmas Fair
- What to Expect
- Grand Prize Raffle Draw with cash and local prizes.
- Description
- Holy Cross High School Christmas Fair is a family-friendly event featuring local businesses, food stalls, and Christmas-themed activities. Enjoy musical performances and a Grand Prize Raffle Draw with exciting prizes.
- Where
- Hamilton | More Info : Holy Cross High School Christmas Fair
Wylde Thistle's Winter Artisan Market
- What to Expect
- Unique gathering of local artisans selling handmade gifts.
- Description
- Wylde Thistle's Winter Artisan Market at David Livingstone Birthplace features over 30 local makers, bakers, and creators showcasing curated gifts and goodies. The event is held in an external building adjoining the cafe and is free to enter, making it a great day out for all.
- Where
- Blantyre | More Info : Wylde Thistle's Winter Artisan Market
Rutherglen Town Hall Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local crafts and seasonal goods.
- Description
- The Rutherglen Town Hall Christmas Market offers a variety of handcrafted gifts and seasonal items in a festive setting.
- Where
- Rutherglen | More Info : Rutherglen Town Hall Christmas Market
Craigend Nursery & Coffee Shop Christmas Markets
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local small businesses.
- Description
- Craigend Nursery & Coffee Shop's Christmas Markets feature a variety of local makers selling homewares, jewellery, personalized gifts, artwork, cakes, and stationery.
- Where
- Blantyre | More Info : Craigend Nursery & Coffee Shop Christmas Markets
Hamilton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gary Meikle - NO REFUNDS
- What to Expect
- Hilarious comedy about family life and parenting.
- Description
- Scottish Comedy Award winner Gary Meikle brings his self-written, self-deprecating show, focusing on his family life as a single dad to two girls, including his humorous experiences with his granddaughter.
- Where
- Hamilton | More Info : Gary Meikle - NO REFUNDS
Don't Stop Believin'
- What to Expect
- High-energy performance with iconic rock anthems.
- Description
- Don't Stop Believin' is an end-of-night anthems spectacular featuring a sizzling cast, fantastic costumes, and an amazing light show. The event brings to life 30 of the biggest songs, including Summer of '69, I Love Rock 'n' Roll, Livin' on a Prayer, and Sweet Child O' Mine.
- Where
- Lanark | More Info : Don't Stop Believin'
M&D's Theme Park 'BELIEVE in Santa'
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling and themed Christmas activities.
- Description
- Join the residents of Candy Cane Cottage for a modern twist on the iconic Christmas tale, featuring festive storytelling, a beautifully themed Christmas Grotto, and visits with Santa and his Elves. Each child can choose a quality gift from Santa’s Workshop, and adults receive a voucher for a tea or coffee and Christmas treat.
- Where
- Motherwell | More Info : M&D's Theme Park 'BELIEVE in Santa'
On Stage Academy's Grinchmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive visits with the Grinch and Santa.
- Description
- Join On Stage Academy for a fun-filled Grinchmas event at Kirkhill church building in Cambuslang. Enjoy visits from Santa and the Grinch, Santa's Grotto, and plenty of activities to keep kids entertained for hours.
- Where
- Cambuslang | More Info : On Stage Academy's Grinchmas
A Crackin' Christmas Carol
- What to Expect
- A Scottish adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol with a unique blend of characters and settings.
- Description
- A Crackin' Christmas Carol is a Scottish twist on the classic Charles Dickens tale, featuring Anjelica Scrooge, the richest woman in Panto Land, as she faces guests from the past, present, and future, including the Unknown from the Willy Wonka experience.
- Where
- East Kilbride | More Info : A Crackin' Christmas Carol
The Magical Adventures of Aladdin
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly pantomime with local heroes.
- Description
- Shona Halford MTDA Performing Arts presents The Magical Adventures of Aladdin, a family-friendly pantomime featuring Aladdin, his brother Wishee Washee, and their fearsome mother Widow Twankey as they foil Abanazer's evil scheme to rule the world.
- Where
- East Kilbride | More Info : The Magical Adventures of Aladdin
Pinocchio
- What to Expect
- Interactive pantomime with audience participation and catchy songs.
- Description
- Join Pinocchio on a journey filled with laughter, lessons, and unforgettable moments as he becomes a real boy. Watch as the talented cast brings to life charming Geppetto, mischievous Jiminy Cricket, and the enchanting star Fairy. Expect plenty of audience participation, catchy songs, and hilarious moments that will keep everyone entertained.
- Where
- East Kilbride | More Info : Pinocchio
The McDougalls Christmas Show
- What to Expect
- Interactive musical show with singalong songs and fairytale characters.
- Description
- Join The McDougalls for a musical extravaganza featuring Auntie Aggie, Max, and Morag the Rabbit. The Fairy's magic wand has gone missing, and they need your help to untangle the stories through music and laughter. Enjoy singalong songs like Jingle Bells, Humpty Dumpty, and Ten in the Bed. Come dressed as your favourite fairytale character and help The McDougalls fix the magic to ensure everyone has a Happy Christmas.
- Where
- East Kilbride | More Info : The McDougalls Christmas Show
André Rieu's Christmas Concert
- What to Expect
- Classical music performance with elaborate lighting and decorations.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season with André Rieu’s dazzling Christmas Concert, featuring his beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra and special guest artists. Enjoy a night of classic Christmas carols and romantic waltzes under the sparkle of 150 chandeliers and 50 Venetian candelabras.
- Where
- Giffnock | More Info : André Rieu's Christmas Concert
Hamilton Other Holiday Activities
Kilbryde Hospice Santa Dash
- What to Expect
- Santa-themed fun run with festive treats and Santa hats for participants.
- Description
- Join Kilbryde Hospice for the Santa Dash at Hamilton Park Racecourse, where participants can run, jog, or walk while wearing Santa hats and enjoying festive treats.
- Where
- Hamilton | More Info : Kilbryde Hospice Santa Dash