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?
Dundee Mountain Film Festival
Dundee Mountain Film Festival 5th and 6th December 2025. The Dundee Mountain Film Festival is a two-day event mixing film, adventure storytelling, outdoor-themed documentaries, exhibitions and social gatherings for everyone fascinated by mountains, expeditions, and the spirit of outdoor exploration and resilience.
Showcasing an international programme of expert speakers, as well as award winning films and exhibitions, the festival takes place at Abertay University in Dundee.
Dundee Winterfest
Dundee’s WinterFest opens on 26th November in Slessor Gardens with a Christmas market, ice rink and Big Wheel. From 2-24th December there are more Christmas illuminations and family-friendly things to do in the City Square. City Square Winter Wonderland transforms the heart of Dundee into a festive hub full of stalls, food, crafts, live entertainment and the city’s glittering Christmas tree.
There are numerous markets and fairs throughout the month for local gifts, seasonal treats, crafts and artisan goods, including a special evening market under twinkling lights – The Yard Night Market on the 19th December.
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 2025. 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 launches at 18h on Friday 28th November. Enjoy an evening of late-night shopping at The Store in Restoration Yard, delicious seasonal treats and drinks, fire pits to keep you warm and crafts for sale. At 6:30 PM, Santa will turn on the lights, followed by the grand opening of the Skating Rink for the first skates of the season.
Ice Skating at Dalkeith Country Park: Skate under festive lights at the new, sustainable outdoor ice rink, beside the Orangerie. Sessions begin on the hour and last 45 minutes. Open 28th November to Jan 4th.
Meet Santa or a festive story telling session: Children can visit Santa at his Grotto or attend a special event to meet him from Sat 29th Nov to 24th December. Enjoy “A Tale with Santa” group storytelling session in his cosy Christmas Cabin, where children will hear a festive tale, meet the great man and take home a special gift. Alternatively, have a festive breakfast with 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 take place in Santa’s Workshop on selected dates from November 29th and through December.
Wreath Making Workshops: Adults can craft beautiful Christmas wreaths using fresh flowers, dried fruits, pine cones, and foliage from the park every weekend from Saturday 29th November until Sunday 14th 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 Sunday 14th December 2025. 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 & 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:
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. You can ice skate on the real ice rink in George Street, or have a drink in the Polar Ice Bar where everything is made out of ice.
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: Fire and Ice. This year (its 6th) there will be immersive displays and interactive installations celebrating the forces of fire and ice. 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
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
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 19th December to 11th 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 WinterFest 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. On New Year’s Day there will be an afternoon of children’s activities at Sprogmanay. 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 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.
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 2025/26
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
Hogmanay Ceilidh in Charteris Centre, Edinburgh
A very reasonably priced and fun night of traditional Scottish dances with Caller Ken Gourlay, ceilidh band; all the dances will be walked through and called. Soft drinks £1, alcoholic drinks £3. No high heels!! 8p-11pm £10 entry
Strathearn Arts Hogmanay Family Ceilidh, Crieff
Family friendly fun between 7:30pm and 10:30pm with ceilidh band Tarmachan (named after the classic walking route just north of Killin and Loch Tay) providing the music and their experienced caller leading the dancers. Fully Licensed Bar. Doors open at 7pm; music starts at 7.30pm; the event finishes at the family-friendly time of 10.30pm. This was a sell out event last year.
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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