Here is just a flavour of what each city has in store this festive season.
Winter Festivals
Edinburgh Winter Festival opens on 25 November, complete with the spectacular winter wonderland and Christmas market. In Glasgow, Elfingrove is back inviting visitors to skate under the stars on Scotland’s largest outdoor rink with the first ever Snow Wheel. Revelers will be spoiled by the tastiest street food, Santa’s grotto and more for kids at The Big Feed Christmas Family Festival. Heading east to Dundee WinterFest, there will be an ice rink, funfair and festive food guaranteeing fun for all the family. Aberdeen Christmas Village also returns, with an open-air ice rink, fairground rides and attractions, festival food and drink, Santa’s Grotto and the popular Christmas in the Quad market.
Christmas Markets
For a hearty dose of festive cheer and last-minute small business gift buying, the Kingsgate Christmas Market in Scotland’s newest city Dunfermline is the perfect stop. Dundee’s Ethical Christmas Fair is another festive fair, filled with local vendors and unique gifts. Stirling Christmas Market promises to be another fantastic shopping experience with over 40 local, artisan businesses to browse. Or find an exquisite range of art and crafts in the lovely setting of Eden Court in Inverness this November and December.
Christmas Illuminations
When night falls, historical buildings across Scotland light up with magnificent illuminations, including the likes of Dunfermline Palace and Abbey. There is no doubt Glasgow loves Christmas, Christmas lights switch-on at George Square will start the city’s countdown to Christmas. Make dark evenings merry and bright with a magical illuminated trail through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh this winter, or see Edinburgh Castle sparkle in brilliant colour as Castle of Light returns.
Seasonal shows
In the lead up to Christmas and New Year, theatres city-wide put on a range of performances, from side-splittingly funny pantomimes, breathtakingly beautiful ballets performed by international companies, and other fun events, such as family film sing-a-longs. The Christmas Panto at Dunfermline’s Alhambra Theatre and Stirling’s Macrobert Arts Centre, Christmas Spectacular at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Elf The Musical at the OVO Hydro and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Glasgow’s Tron Theatre are some of those must-see shows. Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh is bringing back the popular ‘Movies & Shakers’ events, to start the evening with Christmas dishes followed by a classic cocktail and freshly prepared ice cream sundae, before getting into the spirit of Christmas with a festive film.
48 Hours discovering Dundee this winter
Experience a magical Christmas at Dundee WinterFest. Trade in shoes for skates or enjoy the festive market from above on the giant wheel before warming up with a mulled wine or delicious hot chocolate. As the evening draws in, head up Balgay Hill to see mesmerising views of the stars and planets at Mills Observatory. Free to visit and with astronomers on site, there’s a whole universe to discover. The magic continues with a new musical adaption of Cinderella, presented by Dundee Rep Theatre this Christmas.
Surrounded by a vast selection of old-fashioned books, candles and board games, The George Orwell offers cosy pub classics, or perhaps a private dome dining experience, complete with fairy lights in the grounds of a Baronial manor, appeals. Dundee has a great selection of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets too, from no-fuss boutique hotels and country houses to private Hideaways in the nearby countryside.
For more winter break inspiration visit Things To See & Do & Top Attractions in Dundee | VisitScotland
