Last updated: November 11, 2024
Create your festive season itinerary with our guide for Kilmarnock. Discover all the top holiday events. For those who know Kilmarnock well and those just discovering it, our guide is your passport to yuletide adventures.
One highlight this season is Edinburgh's Christmas, where the city transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with festive markets and enchanting rides. The magical Starry Nights at Dean Castle invites visitors to experience the grounds illuminated with twinkling lights, creating an unforgettable evening stroll. And the Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it offers a dazzling display that brings the lights of the city to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Immersive lighting trail with festive lights and sound installations.
Starry Nights at Dean Castle features an immersive lighting trail with festive lights, lasers, and sound installations. Enjoy Cocktails and Carols, Santa's Grotto, and festive food while exploring Singing Trees, a fairy den, and other themed areas.
Where: Kilmarnock | More Info: Starry Nights at Dean Castle
Immersive outdoor Christmas experience with interactive installations and festive entertainment.
Beecraigs Country Park transforms into a twinkling Christmas spectacle with stunning light displays, interactive installations, and festive entertainment. Visitors can explore the beautifully lit forest, enjoy the Festive Food Village, Carols & Cocktails area, Festive Funfair, and Santa’s Grotto. The event features classic Starry Night tunnel, Candy Cane Lane, Fairy Forest, North Star, Oh Deer, Laser Aurora, Singing Trees, the Grinch, Festive Faces, Magical Meander tunnel, Polar Bear, Snowball Blizzard, Christmas Campfire, Chiming Bells, and Twinkle Twinkle.
Where: Linlithgow | More Info: Beecraigs Starry Nights
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light displays.
Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations features a mesmerizing display of colour and light, created in collaboration with lighting experts Blachere. The event includes thousands of lights and Christmas decorations, a Santa meet and greet experience, festive market stalls, and a heated bar area. Visitors can also enjoy children's rides and a variety of food and drink outlets.
Where: West Calder | More Info: Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
Live music and panto preview with state-of-the-art lighting and projection show.
The Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On is a joyous event in George Square, featuring live music, sing-alongs, and a preview of the Pavilion Theatre's panto Beauty and the Beastie. The illumination of the festive decorations marks the start of Glasgow's winter festivities.
Where: Glasgow | More Info: Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On
Interactive festive activities with a variety of entertainment options.
Giffnock Village Christmas Event features a Christmas market, street performers, live music, dance performances, Santa's grotto, and Christmas craft activities.
Where: Giffnock | More Info: Giffnock Village Christmas Event
Interactive dinosaur illuminations and festive train ride.
Join Blair Drummond Safari Park for a Christmas Spectacular featuring Santa's sleigh fly-bys, mischievous elves, festive food and drink, dinosaur illuminations, and a cracking Christmas show. The event includes a brand-new festive train ride and a delightful Christmas show, 'The Little Reindeer's Search for a Song'. Enjoy seasonal talks, Scotland's biggest Christmas tree, and marshmallow fire pits.
Where: Blairdrummond | More Info: Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular
Interactive pantomime with a giant cast and audience participation.
Jack and the Beanstalk – Panto features a talented cast, spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, and amazing special effects. The show includes a British Sign Language Interpreted performance and relaxed performances for all audiences.
Where: Clarkston | More Info: Jack and the Beanstalk – Panto
Emotional journey through George Bailey's life.
Join us for two special screenings of Frank Capra's 1946 classic, It's a Wonderful Life, at Eastwood Park Theatre. George Bailey's life is beset with personal and professional problems, but with the help of his guardian angel, Clarence, he sees what Bedford Falls would be like without him, leading to a profound reconsideration of his life.
Where: Giffnock | More Info: It's a Wonderful Life Screening
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and festive characters.
Step into Santa's Living Room to meet the big man himself and snap a family photo. Each child receives a Golden Christmas Coin to exchange for a gift or teddy at the Make-a-Teddy Factory. Enjoy cookie decorating with Mrs Claus, Passport Control, and a journey through the Magic Forest with Frosty the Snowman and The Nutcracker. Visit the North Pole Post Room, attend Reindeer Flying School, and learn at Elf School. End your visit with festive food and drinks, and fun at Taylor’s of Edinburgh Christmas Funfair.
Where: Kirkliston | More Info: Conifox Christmas Experience
Interactive woodland experience with Santa and his elves.
Immerse yourself in a festive woodland setting where Santa and his elves await. Explore the beautifully decorated trails, enjoy seasonal treats, and experience the joy of the holiday season.
Where: Balfron | More Info: Santa’s Woodland Experience
Community-driven festive celebration with a range of activities.
A Very, Merry, Clarkston Christmas is an annual celebration featuring a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, music, and community events, all set in the charming town of Clarkston.
Where: Clarkston | More Info: A Very, Merry, Clarkston Christmas
Hands-on wreath-making workshop with natural materials.
Create your own festive wreath using natural materials and creative techniques, perfect for decorating your home during the holiday season.
Where: Busby | More Info: Festive Wreath Making at The Mum Club
Hands-on wreath making with all materials included.
Create your own handmade Christmas wreath at Redhurst Hotel, using all materials provided and no experience necessary.
Where: Busby | More Info: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Redhurst Hotel
Indulgent 3-course meal and DJ party night.
The Busby Hotel Christmas Party Nights offer a delightful evening with a glass of fizz on arrival, an indulgent 3-course festive meal, and a DJ party night. Perfect for getting everyone involved in your office Christmas party.
Where: Busby | More Info: Busby Hotel Christmas Party Nights
Traditional Highland games with a festival-style atmosphere.
The Stirling Highland Games International Gathering is a cherished annual cultural sporting event in central Scotland, blending tradition, athletic competition, and entertainment. It features iconic heavyweights like the caber toss, elegant Highland dancing, and track and field events, including Adaptive Heavyweights. The event also includes a bustling marketplace with artisan food and drink producers, an immersive Heritage Walking Tour, and Creative Arts performances.
Where: Stirling | More Info: Stirling Festivities