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Article published 30/10/2025

The countdown is on to this year’s 2025 Oban Winter Festival, a 10-day celebration of arts, crafts, music, heritage, and community.

Taking place on Scotland’s West Coast, Oban is bursting with life, culture, and community spirit. It is proudly known as "The Gateway to the Islands" and "The Seafood Capital of Scotland".

The town was also named "Scotland Loves Local Town of the Year 2024". This is a well-deserved recognition of its welcoming community, thriving local economy, and incredible hospitality.

The volunteer-run festival brings together locals and visitors alike. It shines a spotlight on the region’s creative talent, while supporting local businesses and keeping the town buzzing through the winter months.

This year's programme includes a host of events for everyone to enjoy.

  • Opening Parade: Up, Up and Away! (14 November)

    The festivities open with a dazzling spectacle of creativity with everyone bringing balloons and flags in a sea of colour.

  • Craft and Food Markets (15, 22, and 29 November)

    These run for three consecutive Saturdays across four iconic Oban venues: the Corran Halls, Oban Distillery, Perle Oban, and Royal Hotel.

    The markets showcase hundreds of talented makers from across Scotland.

  • Magical Illuminated Winter Woods (14-16 and 21-23 November)

    Visitors can wander through a glowing forest of creative displays, sculptures, and installations. These are made by local schools, charities, and community groups.

    Each one telling its own enchanting story with imagination that has taken flight. There is a food court, free craft activities, and face painting for the little ones.

  • Finale Concert (21 November)

    The finale concert features a line up of Scotland’s finest including Gary Innes, Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley, Donald Shaw, Duncan Chisholm, Kim Carnie, Sorren MacLean, Hannah Fisher, and Ruairidh Gray.

    It will be a night of modern Gaelic music, rooted in tradition and bursting with world-class talent.

  • Argyll Golden Haggis and Whisky Festival (30 November)

    Oban Distillery will host the legendary Argyll Golden Haggis Competition to mark St Andrew’s Day.

  • Live Nativity Performance and Concert (20-21 November)

    Experience the magic of Christmas in Oban. Join the Oban Winter Festival, in association with Spotlite Musical Theatre Group, for a heartwarming celebration of the season.

    This is being supported through EventScotland’s National Events Programme.

Find out more and book tickets on obanwinterfestival.com

The Oban Winter Festival is a fantastic celebration with visitors and locals able to enjoy an exciting programme of events; from festive markets and light trails to whisky tastings, ceilidhs, and family-friendly activities.

Organised entirely by a dedicated volunteer committee, we’re proud to continue our support for this year’s festival as part of our wider programme of events and festivals, which helps support Scotland’s visitor economy by encouraging travel across all seasons and regions.

Festivals like this strengthen communities through shared experiences, while playing a key role in attracting visitors to Oban and the Highlands.

Rebecca Edser, Head of EventScotland

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