Things to do in Scotland in December

The days are short and the weather is likely to be chilly, but who cares when there are so many festive things to do in Scotland in December? The Christmas and Hogmanay festival spirit begins in earnest this month and our guide to things to do in Scotland in December highlights some of the best ways to enjoy the festive period. Once you have had your fill of the festivities, why not grab a van for a few days, head out of town and blow the cobwebs out with a winter walk in the Highlands?

Thing to do in Scotland in December - Visit Edinburgh

Christmas in the Square, Dundee

Dundee’s City Square hosts a Christmas market and family funfair from 27th November to 30th December 2026. Browse the stalls for Christmas gifts, grab something to eat and drink, or take the children on the fairground rides. You can also see the city’s collection of artist-designed Christmas trees by the City Churches, made using reused and recycled materials. Christmas in the Square opens from 11 am-8 pm Monday to Thursday and 10 am-9 pm Friday to Sunday. Find more information on Christmas in Dundee.

The Loch Lomond Festive Faerie Trail, Luss

Faerie Trail Loch Lomond

Families with younger children will love the Loch Lomond Festive Faerie Trail, which runs every year from the beginning of December. Follow the woodland trails to meet the faerie folk and take part in festive crafts and activities.  The Luss Campsite, just a short walk away, is open until 31st January, except from 23rd to 27th December. Local pub, Loch Lomond Arms, serves great food in a cosy atmosphere. There’s a festive menu alongside the regular menu using local Scottish produce.

Christmas Fun at Dalkeith Country Park

Christmas trees for sale at Dalkeith Country Park

Dalkeith Country Park, just a short distance from Edinburgh, offers plenty of festive activities this Christmas. WinterFest launches at 6 pm on Friday 27th November. Enjoy an evening of late-night shopping at The Store in Restoration Yard, seasonal food and drinks, fire pits and local makers’ stalls. At 6.30 pm, Santa will turn on the lights, followed by the opening of the skating rink.

WinterFest Skating Rink

Skate under festive lights on the artificial outdoor rink beside the Orangerie. Sessions start on the hour and run for 45 minutes. Open on selected dates from 27th November to 3rd January, for ages five and over. The venue also offers themed Skate & Shake sessions and quieter sessions.

Meet Santa or join a festive storytelling session

Children can visit Santa in his Grotto on selected dates from 28th November to 24th December. Alternatively, book “A Tale with Santa” in the Christmas Cabin, where Santa and his singing elf share a Christmas story, and each child receives a gift. Storytelling sessions run on 4th–6th, 11th–13th and 16th–23rd December. Both experiences include entry to Fort Douglas Adventure Playground.

Santa Sparkle Dash

The 1K or 3K Santa Sparkle Dash on Sunday 13th December 2026 supports Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.  Both routes start and finish beside the Orangerie, with the 1K starting at 10.15 am and the 3K at 10.45 am. Everyone taking part receives a festive hat and medal, and the best-dressed dog wins a prize!

You can also pick up your Christmas tree on your visit, with Nordmann Firs on sale at Christmas Tree HQ. Find details and book activities on the Dalkeith Country Park website.

Christmas & Hogmanay in Edinburgh

For a full run down of Christmas events in Edinburgh read our guide to Christmas Things to Do in Edinburgh. Here are some of the highlights:

Best things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas

Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fair

The giant Christmas market and fair runs in Edinburgh City Centre throughout December. There are craft, food and festive gift stalls and a big funfair. For ice skating, head to Winter Wonderland at the Gyle Shopping Centre. George Street hosts the Polar Ice Bar with this year’s ice sculptures having a Viking theme. Your ticket includes a cocktail or mocktail served in an ice glass, plus a jacket and gloves. 

Christmas at the Botanics Edinburgh

Christmas at the Botanics

One of our favourite festive events is the botanically themed illuminated trail at the Royal Botanic Garden which is open on selected dates until December 30th. Along with the stunning light displays there will be music, street food vendors, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows to warm you up.

Torchlight Procession

Join in the carnival atmosphere on 29th December with street performers, fire artists and drummers at the annual torchlight procession. This year, the parade through Edinburgh’s Old Town is led by the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Viking squad from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’. The event usually sells out so book early if you want to attend.

Christmas in Glasgow

Glasgow Winterfest

Glasgow Winter Wonderland

Glasgow’s Christmas celebrations spread across St Enoch Square, Glasgow Green and George Square this year. Browse the Christmas market at St Enoch Square for gifts and international food, or ride the Big Wheel. Glasgow Green’s Winter Wonderland has an ice rink, fairground rides, Santa’s Grotto and a Festive Big Top. George Square also returns to the celebrations following its refurbishment, with a new Christmas village opening in late November, offering food, drink and festive light displays. Find details on Glasgow’s Christmas website.

The IRN-BRU Carnival

Billed as Europe’s largest indoor funfair, the IRN BRU Carnival takes place between 18th December and 10th January. Everything you’d expect from a funfair with stalls and children’s attractions, rides for kids of all ages and a soft play area for the wee ones.

Hogmanay Events

Hogmanay fireworks Edinburgh

There is nothing like celebrating Hogmanay in Scotland. Bringing in the New Year has always been important to the Scots which is why both January the 1st and 2nd are public holidays. After midnight it is traditional to ‘first foot’ which means to visit folk and wish them well. In the old days, it was traditional to take a piece of coal with you to add to the fire and keep it burning through the night; nowadays, most folk are happy with you bringing a bottle of something to share…traditionally whisky.

Towns and rural areas celebrate Hogmanay in many different ways with Edinburgh putting on the biggest performance. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay runs from 29th December to New Year’s Day. There is plenty to choose from, so check the programme before booking. The Fratellis play the Night Afore Party in West Princes Street Gardens on 30th December. On the 31st, you can join the Street Party or see Underworld at Hogmanay in the Gardens, with fireworks above the castle at midnight. If you prefer an evening indoors, McEwan Hall hosts Blazin’ Fiddles with Karen Matheson on 29th December and Julie Fowlis the following night. First Footin’ continues the music on New Year’s Day, with free and ticketed events around town. Find details and tickets on Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website.

 Wherever you are in Scotland you will find a wee pub/village hall where there will be a gathering, but for something  a bit special take a look at:

Stonehaven Fireballs

Street entertainment starts at 11pm with the build up to Stonehaven’s unique way of welcoming the New Year.  The Stonehaven Fireballs is a midnight parade of around 40 people swinging balls of fire around their heads as the New Year begins. It is followed by a firework display above the harbour.

Biggar Bonfire

Celebrate the New Year in the South Lanarkshire town of Biggar with a torchlit parade and a huge bonfire. The bonfire is lit at 9:30 pm.

Hogmanay Ceilidhs for 2026/27

The Hogmanay Ceilidh at The Ferry, Glasgow

Doors open 9:00 pm for general admission; dinner reservations from 6:30 pm. The event runs until about 2:00 am. International ceilidh band, Coila Ceilidh Band, will provide the music with their entertaining caller walking people through the dances.  Advance tickets cost £29 + booking fee with the 3 course dinner & ceilidh package coming in at £79. It is advisable to book early

Annasach’s Hogmanay Ceilidh, The Counting House, Edinburgh

Dance into the New Year with Annasach Ceilidh Band at The Counting House in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Doors open at 8.30 pm, with a welcoming whisky or soft drink included. Dancing runs from 9 pm to 12.30 am, with a break for the bells. Caller Tricia explains the steps so that beginners can join in too. Tickets cost £32 plus booking fees.

The Big Ceilidh, Albert Halls, Stirling

The Katie Allen Trio provides the music for an evening of Scottish dancing at Stirling’s Albert Halls, rounding off the town’s Winterlight festival. Doors open at 6.30 pm and tickets cost £28, including booking fees. Open to those aged 14 and over. A separate family ceilidh also takes place that afternoon, with doors opening at 1.30 pm.

Thing to do in Scotland in December - Hogmanay fireworks

Big Sky Campers Campervans for Hire

Scotland

If you are looking for campervan hire in Scotland in the winter months, you’ll find our campervans are fully heated and insulated. Our campervan rental is fully inclusive. Your campervan will be equipped with everything you will need for your visit to Scotland at any time of year. Everything is included in the price, including extra sets of bedding and blankets, if requested. 

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