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  1. Home
  2. Things to do
  3. Events
  4. Winter festivals

Winter festivals

The festive season is the most wonderful time of year in Scotland. From atmospheric Christmas markets and outdoor ice rinks to local craft fairs and festive cheer, our winter festivals have something for everyone. Whether it's St Andrew's Day, a magical Christmas, a sparkling Hogmanay or Burns Night festivities, Scotland knows how to celebrate in style. 

A glowing tunnel filled with fairy lights at Christmas at the Botanics

Winter celebrations in Scotland

Experience Scotland's community and culture by taking part in our winter events and festivals.

St Andrew's Day

Mark St Andrew’s Day in style with timeless Scottish traditions, laughter and lively ceilidhs, including The Big Hoolie in St Andrews itself.

Hogmanay & New Year breaks in Scotland

Discover spectacular events, including Edinburgh’s iconic Torchlight Procession, and join in heartfelt Auld Lang Syne.

Burns Night

Celebrate the Bard on 25 January with Burns suppers like the Big Burns Supper in Dumfries, beloved traditions, and tasty Scottish recipes.

Winter and Christmas events across Scotland

A couple browse the stalls at Edinburgh's Christmas markets

© VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin

If you’re looking for the best Christmas events and winter festival activities in Scotland, look no further. When it comes to celebrations, Scottish cities truly know how to stand out from the crowd. Here’s a taste of the events to look forward to and what our twinkling cities have in store this festive season.

Edinburgh 

Edinburgh's Christmas events usually takes place from November to January.

In previous years, festive favourites have included the Edinburgh Christmas Markets, the Big Wheel, ice rink, Christmas Tree Maze, toe-tapping concerts, merry carolling, and much more for the whole family to enjoy.

Watch Edinburgh Castle transform into a winter spectacle during the Castle of Light. This event is a wonderful way for the whole family to get into the Christmas spirit, with enchanting installations, twinkling lights, and colourful displays galore.

Book your tickets for the Castle of Light

Welcome in the New Year with Edinburgh's Hogmanay, jam-packed with celebrations, parties, live music, traditions and much more to get involved in.

Experience Edinburgh's Christmas

Take part in Edinburgh's Hogmanay

More things to do in Edinburgh this winter

Glasgow

The festive season kicks off with an exciting Christmas Lighting Trail across the City Centre.

In previous years, a month full of fun has led up to the countdown to Christmas, including a day out at the Irn-Bru Carnival, Europe’s largest indoor funfair.

Visit the Irn-Bru Carnival

Visit GlasgowLife for more festive experiences

Inverness Town Centre, illuminated with Christmas decorations

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Inverness

Inverness’s warm and merry welcome is sure to bring festive cheer. Whether you’re exploring the city’s shopping options or planning a festive city break, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Dundee

It’s time to celebrate the festive season in Dundee. Enjoy a wide range of fun activities for the whole family, from Christmas maker markets and ice skating to festive lights and meeting Santa himself.

Enjoy Dundee's Christmas Village spirit

Perth

The city of Perth is a place with lots of sparkle and will be ready to welcome you in 2025 with its charming markets and great family events! From Santa’s Grotto and festive farmer’s markets to its cracking panto for 2025, The Snow Queen! You’re in for a right Christmas treat.

See The Snow Queen this Christmas

Discover winter festivals and events in Perth

Aberdeen Christmas Village

© @aisleigh

Aberdeen

There's no stopping you from getting into the seasonal spirit in the city of Aberdeen. The popular Aberdeen Christmas Village always features an exciting line up of events and festivities. 

Experience Aberdeen's Christmas Village

Stirling

Enjoy Stirling’s festivities with markets, Christmas theatre shows, family-friendly events, Santa’s Grotto and much more. Make sure you stay in the city to experience the Hogmanay celebrations, too! Or why not take your loved ones for Santa's Secret Railway experience at Blair Drummond Safari Park? 

Find more Stirling winter events

Discover A Blair Drummond Christmas

Dunfermline

Dunfermline will be hosting its own variety of events over the festive period with lots for the kids to get involved in.

Take a look at events in Dunfermline

More events across Scotland

Head to Oban for a series of winter activities, films and light shows to celebrate the festive season at Oban Winter Festival. Or stop by the Isle of Bute for the Bute Yard Christmas Market.

For magical winter light trails, get inspired by our list of shows you can see across Scotland this winter: 8 Magical sound and light shows in Scotland.

For a foodie Christmas Market event check out Bowhouse Christmas Market, in the East Neuk of Fife. This area is also home to Balgove Larder who hold their annual night market in early December.

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