The days are short and it is cold but there are still plenty of things to do in Scotland in December. December brings its own warmth as the Christmas and Hogmanay festival spirit begins in earnest. Our guide to things to do in Scotland in December highlights some of the best ways to celebrate 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?
Dundee Mountain Film Festival 6th–7th December 2024. Showcasing an international programme of speakers, as well as award winning films and exhibitions, is being held at Dundee University this year. Check the DMFF website for the full programme.
Dundee’s WinterFest has moved to the new location of City Square for 2024. It takes place from 25th November until January 5th (closed Christmas Day). Featuring a real icerink, funfair, and what has been described as a “magical and immersive” Santa experience. There will also be a small number of market stalls.
The Loch Lomond Festive Faerie Trail, Luss
Families with younger children will love the Loch Lomond Festive Faerie Trail, which runs from the beginning of December 2024. 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 through December until January 31st, and the Loch Lomond Arms in Luss 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
Dalkeith Country Park, just a short distance outside Edinburgh, transforms into a festive wonderland during the Christmas season. WinterFest opens on the evening of Friday 29th November and will feature a visit from Santa himself.
In 2024 highlights include:
Ice Skating at Dalkeith Country Park: Skate under twinkling lights at the new outdoor ice rink, beside the Orangerie. Sessions begin each hour and last 45 minutes. Every Friday and Saturday even throughout December there are special music nights.
Meet Santa or a festive story telling session: Children can visit Santa at his Grotto or attend a special event to meet him from 30th Nov to 24th December. A Tale with Santa is a group storytelling session with Santa in his cosy Christmas Cabin, where children will hear a festive tale, meet the great man and take home a special gift. When Santa is busy, go to Elf Story telling instead (for ages 2-6). Alternatively, start the day with a festive breakfast featuring pancakes for children and a cooked breakfast for adults. Santa will make an appearance, and children will receive a gift.
Kids’ Christmas Workshops: Various seasonal activities, including cookie decorating, gingerbread house decorating, Christmas crafts and elf storytelling sessions will take place in Santa’s Workshop.
Wreath Making Workshops: Adults can craft beautiful Christmas wreaths using fresh flowers, dried fruits, pine cones, and foliage from the park every weekend until Sunday 15th December.
Raise money for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation by taking part in either the 1K Elf Dash for children or the 5K Santa Dash on 15 December 2024. There are prizes for the best dressed elf!
You can also pick up your Christmas tree on your visit with Nordmann Firs on sale in the Orangerie next to the ice rink.
Christmas Shopping Fair Fri 29th Nov – Sun 1st December
Get your Christmas shopping done in style at this festive shopping fair held in the grand setting of Hopetoun House. Offering a selection of artisan gifts, crafts, and gourmet food stalls. Advance ticket holders only – no tickets available on the day. Free Parking.
Christmas Wreath Making Friday 13th & Sat 14th December
Create your own beautiful festive wreath using natural materials sourced from the grounds of this historic house. Hot drinks and festive snacks will be available.
Tickets are £36. Booking is essential as space is limited.
Christmas & Hogmanay in Edinburgh
For a full run down of Christmas events in Edinburgh read our guide to Christmas Things to Do in Edinburgh. Some of the highlights are featured below:
Edinburgh Christmas Markets & Fair
The giant Christmas market and fair runs in Edinburgh City Centre throughout December. Along with craft, food and festive gift stalls and a funfair. Try ice skating on the real ice rink in George Street, which will be under cover this year. Littl’uns can visit St. Andrew’s Square for the illuminated Christmas tree maze or Santa’s Stories – storytelling sessions for groups of up to 22 with the Big Man himself.
The Castle of Light
Visit Edinburgh Castle on selected nights in December and January when it is transformed by magical illuminations into the Castle of Light. This year there will be immersive displays and interactive installations celebrating Edinburgh’s 900th anniversary. It is essential to book tickets (timed entry) in advance.
Christmas at the Botanics
One of our favourite festive events is the botanically themed illuminated trail at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Along with the stunning light displays there will be music, street food vendors, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows to warm you up.
Torchlight Procession
At the end of December join 20,000 people on a torchlight procession through Edinburgh city centre in aid of charity. Fire performers, pipers and drummers see the procession off at its start. The event usually sells out so book early if you want to attend.
Christmas in Glasgow
Glasgow Winterfest
George Square and St. Enoch Square play host to the annual Glasgow Winterfest which runs until January 7th. You’ll find lots of festive things to do – ice skating, Big Wheel, helter skelter and other rides and childrens’ attractions, market stalls, a Silent Disco, festive bars and a community zone featuring local performers. There’s also a quieter Sensory Zone in George Square for people with sensory needs.
The IRN-BRU Carnival
Billed as Europe’s largest indoor funfair, the IRN BRU Carnival takes place between 20th December to 12th 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
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 different ways with Edinburgh putting on the biggest performance during the course of a week. Tickets for various events can be purchased through the Edinburgh Hogmanay website. From a massive disco at the foot of Edinburgh Castle to a street party and fireworks on the last night of the year, as well as numerous festive concerts and events, Edinburgh is the place to celebrate the end of the old year and the coming of the new. New Year’s Day there is live music at venues around the city. Full line up of Events in Edinburgh
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:
Street entertainment starts at 11pm with the build up to Stonehaven’s unique way of welcoming the New Year – the Stonehaven Fireballs. This is a parade of around 40 people swinging balls of fire around their heads. Following the parade there is a firework display above the harbour.
Celebrate the New Year in the South Lanarkshire town of Biggar with a torchlit parade and a huge bonfire. The bonfire is lit at 930 pm.
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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