Get into the holiday spirit with our guide to Aberdeen's festivities. From Aberdeen experts to novices, our guide is your roadmap to seasonal celebrations.
One standout event is the Castle of Light, where the historic structure transforms into a dazzling spectacle with enchanting light displays that capture the essence of the season. Meanwhile, the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market offers a delightful array of festive treats and unique crafts, allowing visitors to soak up the holiday ambiance. And the Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party is something you definitely don't want to miss, boasting vibrant street performances and a spirited atmosphere to welcome the New Year. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Aberdeen
- Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party (Edinburgh)
- The Castle of Light (Edinburgh)
- Torchlight Procession (Edinburgh)
- East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market (Edinburgh)
- Aberdeen Christmas Village
- Aberdeen Christmas Market
- Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular (Stirling)
- Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park (Dalkeith)
- Beecraigs Starry Nights (Linlithgow)
- Conifox Christmas Experience (Kirkliston)
See these and even more events listed below!
Aberdeen Holiday Light Displays
Beecraigs Starry Nights
What to Expect:
Immersive outdoor light and sound experience with festive attractions.
Description:
Beecraigs Country Park transforms into a twinkling Christmas landscape with stunning light displays, interactive installations, and festive entertainment. The event features a beautifully lit forest, festive food village, carols and cocktails area, festive funfair, and Santa's Grotto. Visitors can enjoy the classic Starry Night tunnel, Candy Cane Lane, Fairy Forest, North Star, Oh Deer, Laser Aurora, Singing Trees, the Grinch, Festive Faces, Magical Meander tunnel, Polar Bear, Snowball Blizzard, Christmas Campfire, Chiming Bells, and Twinkle Twinkle.
Where: Linlithgow | More Info: Beecraigs Starry Nights
Dean Castle Starry Nights
What to Expect:
Immersive lighting trail with lasers and festive sound installations.
Description:
Dean Castle Starry Nights features an immersive lighting trail with lasers, festive lights, and captivating sound installations. Enjoy Cocktails and Carols, Santa's Grotto, and a variety of interactive experiences like Singing Trees and the Grinch. The event also includes a festive food village, funfair, and Christmas campfire.
Where: Kilmarnock | More Info: Dean Castle Starry Nights
Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light and sound.
Description:
Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations features a mesmerizing display of color and light, created in collaboration with lighting experts Blachere. The event showcases over 160 species from around the world, including Scotland's only Cheetah, and offers a Santa meet-and-greet experience in a festive grotto. Visitors can enjoy a range of food and drink outlets, market stalls, and a heated bar area.
Where: West Calder | More Info: Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
Aberdeen Holiday Markets and Shopping
Aberdeen Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Unique market with local artisans and gourmet food.
Description:
The Aberdeen Christmas Village is a festive event featuring a unique market with arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, homeware, gourmet food, and drink. It is organized by Charlie House and takes place in the Marischal College Quadrangle, offering something for every taste and raising funds for local charity.
Where: Aberdeen | More Info: Aberdeen Christmas Village
Aberdeen Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique weekend market with diverse gift options and gourmet food.
Description:
The Aberdeen Christmas Village features an ice rink, fairground rides, live music, and a Curated in the Quad market offering arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, homeware, and gourmet food. It supports local charity Charlie House and is dog-friendly.
Where: Aberdeen | More Info: Aberdeen Christmas Market
East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas Market with unique rides and attractions.
Description:
East Princes Street Gardens hosts a traditional Christmas Market with around 70 stalls featuring local and international producers selling handmade gifts, bespoke products, tasty treats, and delicious drinks. The market also includes rides like the Big Wheel, Santa Train, and Helter Skelter.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market
Traquair House Christmas Fayre
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas celebration with Santa's luxurious grotto and festive entertainment.
Description:
Traquair House Christmas Fayre features beautifully decorated house, puppet shows, carol singers, face painting, and local stalls selling gifts and Christmas treats.
Where: Innerleithen | More Info: Traquair House Christmas Fayre
Glamis Castle Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local gifts and seasonal food in a historic setting.
Description:
The Glamis Castle Christmas Market offers a variety of local traders selling festive gifts and food items, with daytime and night markets featuring children's activities and live musical performances.
Where: Glamis | More Info: Glamis Castle Christmas Market
Aberdeen Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Castle of Light
What to Expect:
State-of-the-art light and sound show on historic Edinburgh Castle walls.
Description:
Edinburgh Castle transforms into a spectacular after-dark trail with immersive light and sound displays, bringing Scotland's history to life through storytelling projections and interactive installations.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: The Castle of Light
Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party
What to Expect:
World-famous street party with live music and fireworks.
Description:
Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party is a vibrant celebration featuring live bands, DJs, street theatre, and unforgettable fireworks, culminating in a spectacular Midnight Moment.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party
Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with festive train ride and dinosaur illuminations.
Description:
Join Blair Drummond Safari Park for an unforgettable Christmas experience featuring Santa's sleigh fly-bys, mischievous elves, festive food and drink, dinosaur illuminations, and a cracking Christmas show. Enjoy a brand-new festive train ride and seasonal talks with the park's animals.
Where: Stirling | More Info: Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular
Aberdeen Other Holiday Activities
Torchlight Procession
What to Expect:
Mass torch-carrying procession through historic Old Town.
Description:
The Torchlight Procession is a spectacular event where 20,000 participants carry torches through Edinburgh's historic Old Town, creating a river of fire. The procession features live street theatre, fire performers, pipe bands, and drummers, led by Vikings from Shetland's South Mainland Up Helly Aa' Jarl Squad. It aims to raise awareness and funds for homelessness, with donations from each torch sold and procession ticket.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Torchlight Procession
Conifox Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and festive games.
Description:
Conifox Christmas Experience offers a family-friendly holiday event with activities like meeting Santa, cookie decorating, and exploring the Magic Forest. Each child receives a Golden Christmas Coin to exchange for a gift or teddy at the Make-a-Teddy Factory. The event includes Reindeer Flying School, Elf School, and festive food and drinks.
Where: Kirkliston | More Info: Conifox Christmas Experience
Santa’s Woodland Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with Santa in a woodland setting.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a serene woodland setting where Santa Claus awaits, surrounded by festive decorations and holiday cheer.
Where: Balfron | More Info: Santa’s Woodland Experience
Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice rink and festive activities.
Description:
At WinterFest at Dalkeith Country Park, glide across the new outdoor ice rink under twinkling lights, join Santa in a special group session, and enjoy Elf Storytelling. Race through the Festive Doddie Dash, get creative in Kids' Christmas Workshops, and gather friends to craft something special in Restoration Yard's Wreath Making Workshops.
Where: Dalkeith | More Info: Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park
Highland Safari’s Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas treasure hunt with personalized gifts.
Description:
At Highland Safaris, immerse yourself in a festive Christmas experience. Meet majestic red deer and a resident barn owl, participate in a 500-meter interactive Christmas treasure hunt, and write a letter to Santa. Enjoy a personalized gift and warm hot drink in a decorated marquee. Each child receives a personalized Christmas gift.