Last updated: November 11, 2024
Excited for the holidays in Rutherglen? Our guide has all the events you need to know! Whether you're a Rutherglen native or a seasonal visitor, this guide helps you navigate the festive landscape.
Popular Events: One of the highlights this season is the enchanting Castle of Light, where you'll wander through spectacular light displays set against the backdrop of a historic castle. With a magical atmosphere and captivating installations, it promises a delightful evening for all. You can also enjoy the Glasgow Winterfest, which features a charming array of stalls and festive treats in a lively setting. And the Christmas at the Botanics is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a peaceful stroll through beautifully illuminated gardens. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Award-winning light trail with festive food and drink options.
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's illuminated trail featuring flickering candles, colour-changing lights, and festive sounds. Enjoy seasonal snacks and drinks while strolling through the gardens, which are designed to delight visitors of all ages.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Christmas at the Botanics
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 beautifully lit forests, festive food villages, and enjoy live music and delicious treats.
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 see the zoo's animals in a new light.
Where: West Calder | More Info: Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
Immersive lighting trail with festive lights and sound installations.
Dean Castle Starry Nights features an immersive lighting trail with festive lights, lasers, and sound installations. Enjoy Cocktails and Carols, Santa's Grotto, and various interactive exhibits like Singing Trees and Candy Cane Lane. The event also includes festive food, a funfair, and roving entertainers.
Where: Kilmarnock | More Info: Dean Castle Starry Nights
Vibrant celebration with ice rink and festive rides.
Glasgow Winterfest is a vibrant celebration in the heart of Glasgow, featuring an ice rink, festive rides, silent disco, and local businesses selling unique products.
Where: Glasgow | More Info: Glasgow Winterfest
Traditional Christmas celebration with Santa's luxurious grotto and festive entertainment.
Traquair House Christmas Fayre features beautifully decorated house, puppet shows, carol singers, silver bands, face painting, and local stalls selling gifts and Christmas treats.
Where: Innerleithen | More Info: Traquair House Christmas Fayre
Extensive variety of festive stalls and fundraising activities.
The Ayrshire Hospice Winter Fair features over 100 stalls with a wide range of gift ideas, festive cards, and sweet treats. Enjoy live entertainment, visit Santa, and participate in fundraising activities like the bottle stall and tombola. Admission is £3, with under 5s going free.
Where: Ayr | More Info: Ayrshire Hospice's Winter Fair
A variety of unique stalls and authentic seasonal foods in a historic city setting.
The Edinburgh Christmas Markets offer a vibrant array of artisan gifts, delicious foods, and seasonal treats set against the backdrop of the historic city. Visitors can stroll through charming stalls filled with handmade crafts, enjoy the aroma of roasted chestnuts, and partake in merry activities that bring communities together during the holiday season.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Interactive historical storytelling with light projections.
Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle features immersive light displays, interactive installations, and historical storytelling. Visitors can walk in famous footsteps, dance through ages in Crown Square, and meet Rex the loveable lion. The event includes BSL and audio descriptive tours for accessibility.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Castle of Light
Interactive Christmas show with storytelling and puppets.
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 heartwarming Christmas tale, 'The Little Reindeer’s Search for a Song.'
Where: Stirling | More Info: Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular
Authentic and choreographed production of Strauss waltzes and Operettas.
The Viennese Strauss Gala is a sparkling new anniversary production featuring highlights from the Strauss family and other great Operettas, including Die Fledermaus and The Merry Widow. This show recreates the romance of the Viennese festive season with beautiful costumes, excellent voices, and fine acting.
Where: Rutherglen | More Info: Viennese Strauss Gala
Irish-inspired Christmas concert with talented singers, musicians, and dancers.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture with Fairytale of New York, featuring festive favourites like 'Driving Home for Christmas' and 'The Fairytale of New York', alongside iconic Irish sing-along songs.
Where: Glasgow | More Info: Fairytale of New York
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 a teddy at the Make-a-Teddy Factory. Enjoy cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, check your Naughty or Nice status, and explore 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
Outdoor ice rink and festive workshops.
Dalkeith Country Park Winterfest offers a variety of Christmas activities, including an outdoor ice rink, festive workshops, and the chance to meet Santa in The Christmas Cabin.
Where: Dalkeith | More Info: Dalkeith Country Park Winterfest