Let There Be Light: Scotland’s Best Christmas Events to Book Now
From Edinburgh’s castle-lit skies to Perth’s reindeer parade and Dundee’s ice rink, Scotland is ready to dazzle. Here’s your guide to when the lights go on, where to find the best festive markets, and what to book now for a Christmas filled with sparkle, songs and a little Glühwein magic.
So, Halloween is done and dusted — pack away the pumpkins, clear the cobwebs, it’s officially time to turn our attention to the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, Christmas is coming, and Scotland’s cities are already gearing up to gift us all a little seasonal sparkle. From twinkling lights and festive markets to open-air ice rinks and reindeer parades, there’s magic waiting around every corner. But when do the lights go on, and what’s worth booking now for those #makingmemories moments? Here’s your lowdown on Scotland’s most dazzling Christmas events — so grab a Glühwein, pull on your cosiest woolly hat and gloves, and get ready to make merry
Aberdeen
The festive season in Aberdeen invites everyone to the heart of the Granite City for a rich blend of traditional charm and modern sparkle. From Thursday 13 November to Wednesday 31 December 2025, the city centre will host Christmas in Aberdeen — featuring the airy Christmas Village on Broad Street with rides, an open-air ice rink and festive food from local favourites.
Near by at Marischal Square, the “Curated in the Square” market takes place over several weekends, showcasing local makers, artists and food producers — with proceeds supporting the charity Charlie House.
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Glide across the open‐air ice rink at Broad Street — perfect for a chilled-out date or family outing.
Browse the artisan stalls at Marischal Square, think unique gifts and supporting local talent.
Wrap up the evening watching the Christmas Lights Parade and taking in the atmospheric city-centre evening glow.
Dundee
Dundee transforms into a winter wonderland this festive season, with the celebrations kicking off on 16 November at the city’s Christmas Switch-On, followed by the lively street-party of the Dundee Hooley on 30 November. From 4 December until 31 December, the heart of the city becomes “Christmas in the Square” — a magical programme of illuminated displays, artisan market stalls, festive food and family fun, centred around the grand backdrop of City Square.
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Lace up for the real-ice rink in City Square — a rare find and perfect for an after-work skate or family outing.
Browse the artisan market stalls packed with local crafters and gourmet treats — ideal for unique gift-hunting.
Enjoy the big-balloon energy of the Dundee Hooley on 30 November — live music, street performers and torch-lit procession make this a standout moment.
Edinburgh
Few cities do Christmas quite like Edinburgh. From 15 November to 4 January, the capital transforms into a winter wonderland — twinkling lights, festive markets, and the scent of mulled wine drifting through the air. The East Princes Street Gardens market is at the heart of it all, bursting with Scottish and European artisan stalls, indulgent food, and that iconic Big Wheel view across the city. Over on George Street, lace up your skates for the chic covered ice rink or browse the elegant festive stalls, while the Castle of Light returns to illuminate Edinburgh Castle in a breathtaking display of projection and storytelling. Whether you’re wandering the cobbles of the Old Town or sipping hot chocolate on the Mound, Edinburgh’s Christmas is a sensory celebration from start to finish.
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Glide across the George Street Ice Rink — skating beneath the city’s Georgian skyline is pure festive joy.
Pick up handcrafted gifts and European delicacies at the Princes Street Gardens Market.
Book ahead for Castle of Light — it’s Edinburgh’s most dazzling festive experience and a must-see this season.
Edinburgh residents with an EH postcode can enjoy a 20% discount on selected attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas — including favourites like the Big Wheel, Star Flyer, Santa Stories, and the Ice Rink. To claim, simply log in with an EH postcode when booking online or show proof of address at the on-site box office.
Glasgow
Glasgow’s festive season kicks off in style with the vibrant Glasgow Winterfest, staged across both George Square and St Enoch Square. Running from mid-November into early January, the city centre is transformed into a winter playground, complete with an outdoor ice rink, huge observation wheel, festive bars, live entertainment, and a dazzling array of market chalets offering gifts, local treats and global flavours.
This is Glasgow embracing festive joy head-on — whether you’re skating beneath skyline lights in George Square or noticing the buzz of the rides and food vendors in St Enoch Square, the atmosphere is full-on, family-friendly and very much in the city’s bold, welcoming spirit.
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Strap on your skates and glide on the George Square outdoor ice-rink — book ahead for prime time slots.
Head for the Big Wheel & observation rides for a bird’s-eye view of a lit-up Glasgow at night.
Wander between the international chalets at St Enoch Square for handcrafted gifts, gourmet treats and quirky keepsakes.
Pause at one of the festive bars inside the Winterfest zones — perfect for mulled wine or a warming tipple post-shopping spree.
All Glasgow residents can book their ice-skating sessions or Big Top Live! performances either online or on the day — and enjoy a 10% discount. Simply enter the code GXMAS25 when booking online, or quote it in person at the ticket desk to receive your discount.
Perth
Get ready for a little festive magic in Perth this November as the city centre comes alive for its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On Weekend on Saturday 22 November. From midday, the streets will fill with live music, festive entertainment and artisan stalls before the lights flick on around 6.15pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the River Tay. Expect bustling markets along King Edward Street and the High Street, street performers, stilt walkers and even a visit from the Cairngorm Reindeer.
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Don’t miss the Cairngorm Reindeer on George Street — a must for little ones (and festive photo ops).
Catch live performances throughout the day, with a big-stage finale before the switch-on.
Make time to browse Perth’s independent shops and cafés, perfect for early Christmas shopping and cosy pit stops.