10 Magical sound and light shows in Scotland

When? 6 - 30 Nov 2025 

Gather your loved ones for a magical evening stroll through the enchanting Brodie Estate. Follow beautifully illuminated trails that weave through Victorian shrubbery, skirt the majestic castle grounds, and trace the scenic West Avenue. Towering trees and lush gardens will be transformed by light, sound, and projection in a celebration of the elements – Earth, Fire, Air, and Water – the inspiration behind this year’s captivating display.

Wrap up warm and enjoy a colourful, immersive experience perfect for all ages. Along the way, treat yourself to a delicious selection of street food and hot drinks from the Brodie Catering Van.

When: 20 November – 30 December 2025

Discover a festive atmosphere in the Royal Botanic Garden. Take a wander along the illuminated trail where you’ll see colour changing light displays perfectly timed with instrumental music.  

Complete your walk with a hot chocolate or toast marshmallows by the fire pit. If you’re feeling a bit more peckish, make sure to grab a bite to eat at one of the street food vendors. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Christmas light show without Santa making an appearance. Make sure to give him a wave! 

When? 21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Celebrations are in store for a very famous attraction.The light show will take you on a journey back in time where you’ll discover what life was like in the city from the 12th century right through to present day. Expect to see colourful and creative light installations which tell historic tales through the exterior castle walls. 

There will be special performances at a reduced capacity which will include a designated quiet space. British Sign Language interpreters and ear defenders will be provided to help manage noise levels. 

When? 21 November – 23 December 2025

When the animals are asleep, the zoo grounds are ready to put on a show as night falls. Partnering up with light experts Blachere, see impressive light displays of your favourite animals from the snappy crocodile to ferocious big cats. If you’ve got the night-time munchies, make sure to line your stomach with savoury delights and sweet treats or get cosy in the heated bar area with a mulled wine. 

With the festive season just around the corner, Santa is in town and is ready to hear what the kids would like for Christmas. They might even receive a special gift if they’re on the nice list.

When? 22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026; 8 – 19 February 2025 

As evening falls, Landmark Forest Adventure Park have lots of fun in store with its sound and light trail, Ancient Forest Twi-Lights. The 1 km woodland trail will send you on a quest around the park where you’ll be accompanied with pretty, twinkling lights glistening through the treetops. This year will feature the Red Squirrel Trail where you’ll ascend eight meters into the treetops with a bird's eye view overlooking the illuminated forest. The boardwalk makes it very accessible for wheelchair users to navigate around the park, and there are benches for those who wish to rest their tired legs.

Don’t worry if you missed the chance to visit over the festive period. Ancient Forest Twi-Lights will be back to brighten up your winter nights over the February half-term break.

When? TBC February 2026

Spectra should need little introduction, but in case you’ve missed it in previous years – it’s an award-winning Festival of Light taking place in Aberdeen. See the skies light up and iconic city centre locations bathed in colourful lights and vibrant illuminations, including spots like Marischal College, Union Terrace Gardens, and Aberdeen Art Gallery to name just a few. 

Bring your loved ones and experience a magical, artistic experience in the city centre at no cost. Featuring mesmerising large scale art installations and epic projections, you will be moved by the amazing, shimmering designs and spell-binding live performances. It’s certainly a great way to brighten up those darker wintry evenings.

When? 8 October – 8 November 2026

If you go down to the woods at night, you’re sure of a big surprise! Situated in Faskally Wood near Pitlochry, The Enchanted Forest is guaranteed to bring the wow factor. Once you arrive, follow the illuminated trail and enjoy the show at your own pace. If you love it so much, you can even go round again and again! The aroma from the nearby food stalls will certainly make you work up an appetite. Dig into a selection of goodies including wood-fired pizzas, fish and chips and toasted marshmallows with gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options also available. 

In 2025, the theme was Luminara, which celebrated a world where nature and technology co-exist to create perfect harmony, and also includes the show's first ever fully immersive panoramic moment, The Pulse of Luminara.

Shuttle bus transfer is also available from Pitlochry’s town centre to Faskally Wood which runs throughout the evening. 

When? TBC October - November 2026

Things are about to get spooky this Halloween at Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This year Glasgow celebrates its 850th anniversary, so dress up for the occasion and delve into the Botanic Gardens for a brand new 60-minute blockbuster light and sound show, where you can explore the icons of Glasgow's past and present.

GlasGLOW is suitable for all ages, and to keep those rumbling tummies at bay, the Gourmet Street Food Village is back where hot chocolate and marshmallow skewers will go down a treat during the colder nights. 

Accessibility is also at the heart of the event. Relaxed ASN sessions are available at selected times for anyone with a sensory issue, giving visitors a wee bit more peace and quiet at a reduced capacity with lower noise levels.

When? TBC October 2026

A light show with a difference. If you’re feeling sporty, race against your opponents around the stunning Glen Tanar estate, all aglow with bright and colourful light displays to see you across the finish line. Choose from 8 km, 15 km or challenge yourself to a 15-mile race. Make sure to wrap up warm with extra layers including hats and gloves, a waterproof jacket and a trusty head torch.

When? TBC Nov 2026

Back for a second consecutive year is Winter, Wonder, Wander. Based at Duthie Park in Aberdeen, it is well-known for its impressive light displays and an opportunity to embrace the very best of autumn at night.  

This popular event is soon to be another sell out, so make sure to snap up your tickets quickly!