Last updated: November 11, 2024
See the best of the holidays in Stirling! Our guide has all the must-see festive events and activities. Whether you're intimately familiar with Stirling or just getting acquainted, our guide maximizes your seasonal enjoyment.
The Castle of Light transforms Stirling Castle into a magical wonderland with stunning light displays and festive activities that capture the spirit of the season. Additionally, the Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular features enchanting entertainment for the whole family, with delightful animals and holiday attractions that create a fun atmosphere. And the Aberdeen Christmas Village and Markets is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a fine selection of handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, and a charming festive atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Immersive outdoor Christmas experience with interactive installations and festive entertainment.
Beecraigs Country Park transforms into a vibrant Christmas spectacle with stunning light displays, interactive installations, and festive entertainment. Explore beautifully lit forests, festive food villages, and Santa's Grotto amidst a variety of themed attractions.
Where: Linlithgow | More Info: Beecraigs Starry Nights
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light displays.
Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations features a spectacular display of thousands of lights and Christmas decorations, with illuminated animal sculptures and festive market stalls. The event includes a heated bar area, children's rides, and the opportunity to see the zoo's animals in a new light. Santa's grotto is also available for a special meet-and-greet experience.
Where: West Calder | More Info: Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
Immersive lighting trail with lasers and sound installations.
Explore a vibrant Christmas light trail at Dean Castle Country Park, featuring immersive sound installations, festive lights, and interactive exhibits. Enjoy live performances, festive food, and a visit to Santa's Grotto.
Where: Kilmarnock | More Info: Dean Castle Starry Nights
Outdoor light trail with hand-picked street food vendors and festive drinks.
The Christmas at the Botanics event features an illuminated trail with award-winning lights, festive snacks, and seasonal drinks, set in the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Christmas at the Botanics
Local Scottish brands and crafts showcased in a historic setting.
The Stirling Castle Christmas Fayre is a vibrant marketplace in the Great Hall, featuring local Scottish brands, crafts, and fine foods and drinks. Enjoy live music from a brass band and indulge in delicious mince pies and mulled wine.
Where: Stirling | More Info: Stirling Castle Christmas Fayre
Santa's luxurious grotto and diverse entertainment options.
Traquair House Christmas Fayre features beautifully decorated house, Santa's luxurious grotto, puppet shows, carol singers, silver bands, face painting, and local stalls selling gifts, crafts, and Christmas treats.
Where: Innerleithen | More Info: Traquair House Christmas Fayre
Full-scale ice rink and vintage funfair.
Dundee's WinterFest at Slessor Gardens offers a vibrant Christmas experience with a vintage funfair, traditional Bavarian bar, and a full-scale ice rink. The event features over 20 Christmas stalls and is expected to attract 200,000 visitors.
Where: Dundee | More Info: Dundee Christmas Market WinterFest
Interactive Christmas show with storytelling, puppets, and music.
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. Enjoy a brand-new festive train ride and Scotland's biggest Christmas tree. The event includes seasonal talks, festive food and drinks, and marshmallow fire pits.
Where: Stirling | More Info: Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular
State-of-the-art light installations and historical storytelling projections.
Edinburgh Castle transforms into a spectacular light show with immersive displays, interactive installations, and historical storytelling. Walk in famous footsteps, dance through ages in Crown Square, and fire Mons Meg for the first time since the 17th century. Meet Rex the loveable lion and enjoy the city's stories brought to life on the castle walls.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Castle of Light
Fully immersive theatrical experience with beloved characters.
Join THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Edinburgh for a theatrical experience based on the 2004 motion picture. Meet beloved characters like The Conductor, chefs serving hot chocolate, and Santa Claus. This immersive event is perfect for families to create wonderful Christmas memories.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Historic setting with traditional carols performed against the backdrop of Stirling Castle
The Stirling Castle Christmas Carols event features a collection of traditional holiday songs sung in the magnificent surroundings of the historic castle. Visitors can immerse themselves in the caroling atmosphere while enjoying seasonal refreshments and the stunning architecture of the castle. The blend of music and history makes it a cherished part of the local holiday traditions.
Where: Stirling | More Info: Stirling Castle Christmas Carols
Interactive Christmas 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, 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 at Taylor’s of Edinburgh Christmas Funfair.
Where: Kirkliston | More Info: Conifox Christmas Experience
Interactive woodland activities with Santa.
Immerse yourself in a festive woodland setting with Santa's Woodland Experience, featuring interactive activities and seasonal delights.
Where: Balfron | More Info: Santa’s Woodland Experience
Outdoor ice rink and festive activities in a scenic country park setting.
Winterfest at Dalkeith Country Park offers a variety of festive activities, including an outdoor ice rink, Elf Storytelling, the Festive Doddie Dash, and Kids' Christmas Workshops. Visitors can also join Santa for a special group session and participate in wreath-making workshops.
Where: Dalkeith | More Info: Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park