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Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 03/12/2021

As the festive season gets into full swing, there are a range of in-person events taking place throughout December to get you in the festive spirit.

From forest trails to drive-in theatre showings, there are a range of events and festivals happening across the country that promise some family fun in the run up to the holidays.

All the events are supported through Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund, established by EventScotland in conjunction with funding from the Scottish Government.

Tourists visit Edinburgh's Christmas Market

December is always an exciting time of year for families and friends to get together and celebrate the festivities.

We are delighted to support a range of events this December through Scotland’s Event Recovery Fund. Events bring communities and their peoples closer together, which is so important at this time of year and this sense of community and creative collaboration reiterates our position as the perfect stage for events.

From all of us at VisitScotland, we hope you have a joyful festive period and a Happy New Year.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events

Christmas in Dundee

2 December 2021 to 3 January 2022 (Dundee)

The city of Dundee is prepared for a month of festive fun and has been transformed into a winter wonderland for all to enjoy. There are special features across Dundee that are worth visiting, like the illuminated Wishing Fountain, the nightly projection reel on the City Chambers and the specially-commissioned Beano 3D Dundee Christmas Card. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also markets, bars, kiddie rides and an ice-rink to enjoy.

Visit the Dundee website for more information on Christmas in Dundee.

Cosmos Drive-in Movies

3 to 5 December (Fife Airport)

Take the family down to Fife Airport for a unique cinematic experience under the stars. This drive-in cinema offers a weekend of festive movies for everyone to enjoy, with Christmas classics like Elf and Home Alone being shown on the big screen. The Skyview Café will offer snacks and hot/cold beverages for you to enjoy as you experience this fantastic evening at the pictures.

Visit the Aero Space Kinross website for more information on Cosmos Drive-in Movies.

Beecraigs Festive Forest 2021

3 to 24 December (near Linlithgow)

Experience a magical festive evening at Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow and walk through a spectacular illuminated forest trail, enjoy a range of fun attractions or visit the lively street fayre. To top it off, Santa will also make an appearance and attendees can visit his enchanted grotto filled with gingerbread and presents.

Visit the Beecraigs Festive Forest website for more information on the event.

Christmas at the Palace

4 to 19 December (Scone Palace, Perth)
 

Scone Palace in Perth is hosting a two-week Christmas experience for all with a range of activities on offer. Highlights include a wonderful Christmas Market (18 to 19 December), which will have over 40 local traders offering unique goods and gifts for the festive season, and brunch with Santa (11 to 12 December).

Take a trip to see what local goodies are on offer or come visit Santa before he gets ready for the big day.

Visit the Scone Palace website for more information on Christmas at the Palace.

Christmas at the Castle

9 to 24 December (Crathes Castle, Banchory)

Crathes Castle has prepared a captivating show for Christmas at the Castle and attendees are promised an array of street food and market stalls, as well as a beautiful light display in the castle grounds. The family can enjoy a trip to Santa’s grotto or attend Santa’s Story Telling Experience, which will certainly make for a memorable trip.

Visit the Majestic Aberdeenshire website for more information on Christmas at the Castle.

Christmas Wonderland at Perth Riverside

10 to 23 December (Perth)

Visit the Christmas Wonderland of illuminated trails and festive magic along Perth Riverside, as the Norie Miller Walk and Rodney Gardens will be decorated for an evening of family fun. There’ll be sleigh bells ringing across the woodland area and you might spot Santa and his elves along the way.

Visit the Perth Christmas Wonderland website for more information on the event.

A Christmas Miracle at Rough Castle

10 to 24 December (near Falkirk)

A Christmas Miracle at Rough Castle, outside Falkirk promises an unforgettable night for all and will get you into the festive spirit. The 1.4km illuminated woodland trail will take you on a quest to find Santa. You’ll meet some familiar faces along the way, such as Rudolph and his real-life reindeer friends. The 35 metre Polar Ice Tunnel of Light is also a sight to behold and adds to the festive experience of this event.

Visit the Rough Castle Experiences website for more information on A Christmas Miracle.

Winterwoodz

13 to 21 December (Munlochy)

Take a trip to the enchanted Winterwoodz, near Inverness where you can enjoy the immersive woodland light show, say hello to Santa’s helpers and visit the only known Christmas letter portal in Scotland. You can send your festive wish-list to the North Pole and you can finish your adventure with some nice hot beverages for all the family to enjoy.

Visit the Winterwoodz website for more information on the event.

Battle of the Brits: Scotland vs. England

21 to 22 December (Aberdeen)

The Murray brothers are back on the court and are ready to battle it out in this special Scotland versus England tennis event at the Aberdeen P&J Live Arena this month.  The Battle of the Brits will see some of Britain’s top tennis players take centre stage, giving sporting fans an unforgettable tournament.

Visit the P&J Live website for more information on Battle of the Brits.

Andy and Jamie Murray smiling at each other

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