Una coppia curiosa tra le bancarelle dei mercatini di Natale di Edimburgo
© VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin
If you’re looking for the best Christmas events and winter festival activities to enjoy in Scotland, look no further. When it comes to festive celebrations, Scottish cities know how to stand out from the crowd. Here is just a flavour of what events to look forward to and what the cities have in store.
EDINBURGH
The Edinburgh Winter Festivals usually take place from November - January.
Previous years have featured festive favourites, including the Edinburgh Christmas Markets, Forth 1 Big Wheel, Lidl on Ice, the 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 with the Castle of Light. The event is a great way for the whole family to get into the Christmas spirit with enchanting installations, twinkling lights and colourful displays galore.
Welcome in the New Year with Edinburgh's Hogmanay, jam-packed with celebrations, parties, live music, traditions and much more to get involved in.
Find more things to do in Edinburgh this winter
GLASGOW
Glasgow's Christmas festivities are a favourite amongst visitors and locals alike. George Square will see the city's festivities throughout December, as well as the Christmas Lights Switch On in late-November. St Enoch Square will be hosting The Christmas Fair where kids can enjoy rides including The Blizzard and Santa's runaway train. George Square will also be taking part in all the festive fun with its own Christmas Fair which will feature various attractions including an ice rink and observation wheel.
Find more things to do in Glasgow this winter
DUNDEE
Trasnport yourself to a magical winter wonderland at Dundee's WinterFest @ Slessor Gardens. Let your hair down and have fun at the vintage funfair where you'll be able to enjoy views over the city's skyline on the Big Wheel. If that's not enough, head to the Bavarian bar for some festive drinks or get your skates on and make the most of the open-air WinterFest ice-rink.
PERTH
Join in the festive fun at Perth's Christmas with events, markets and more to help add some much needed sparkle.
Explore more festive events in Perth
INVERNESS
Get involved in the many gatherings and festivities this Christmas in Inverness, with events starting as early as November.
Explore more festive events in Inverness
STIRLING
Enjoy Stirling's Christmas with markets, Christmas theatre shows, family-friendly events, Santa's Grotto and much more.
ABERDEEN
The popular Aberdeen Christmas Village features an exciting line up of events and festivities.
Explore more festive events in Aberdeen
DUNFERMLINE
Scotland's newest city will be hosting its own variety of events this Christmas season that you and the wee ones will love.
