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 in Glasgow with the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On at George Square in November.
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.
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.
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.
