Experience the joy of the season in Dumfries with our holiday event guide. Whether you're a Dumfries native or a curious explorer, this guide unlocks the best of the holidays.
One popular attraction lighting up the festive spirit is the Castle of Light, where visitors can stroll through enchanting displays that transform the historic castle grounds into a magical wonderland. In addition, Christmas at the Botanics features stunning botanical displays and festive illuminations, creating a serene escape amidst the holiday bustle. And the Aberdeen Christmas Village is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a charming array of market stalls, delicious seasonal treats, and festive entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Dumfries
- Castle of Light (Edinburgh)
- Christmas at the Botanics (Edinburgh)
- Edinburgh's Hogmanay (Edinburgh)
- Aberdeen Christmas Village (Aberdeen)
- Oban Winter Festival (Oban)
- Dundee Christmas Market WinterFest (Dundee)
- Dumfries Christmas Fair
- Beecraigs Festive Forest (Linlithgow)
- Christmas at Crathes (Aberdeenshire)
- Swing Into Christmas with the Down for the Count Orchestra
See these and even more events listed below!
Dumfries Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at the Botanics
What to Expect:
Outdoor light trail with seasonal snacks and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's illuminated trail featuring flickering candles, colour-changing lights, and festive snacks. The trail is designed for all ages and supports important plant conservation work.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Christmas at the Botanics
Beecraigs Festive Forest
What to Expect:
Illuminated forest trail with festive attractions.
Description:
Beecraigs Festive Forest is a spectacular, atmospheric event set in the beauty of Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow. It features an illuminated trail, Santa's Grotto, Mrs Claus Storytelling Experience, festive street food and drink, and various attractions.
Where: Linlithgow | More Info: Beecraigs Festive Forest
Christmas at Crathes
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail through the walled garden.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Crathes Castle, where beautiful lights illuminate the historic gardens and grounds, creating a stunning winter wonderland for all the family.
Where: Aberdeenshire | More Info: Christmas at Crathes
Dumfries Holiday Markets and Shopping
Dumfries Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and festive food stalls.
Description:
The Dumfries Christmas Fair is a vibrant event featuring original stalls selling festive food, drink, unique gifts, and clothing. It's a great place to stock up on holiday essentials and find one-of-a-kind presents.
Where: Dumfries | More Info: Dumfries Christmas Fair
Oban Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Unique light installations and festive market.
Description:
Oban Winter Festival is a ten-day celebration in Oban, Scotland, featuring a variety of activities including a Christmas market, light shows, a Reindeer Parade, and the Winter Woods event with unique installations inspired by oceans and seas.
Where: Oban | More Info: Oban Winter Festival
Aberdeen Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Unique market with arts, crafts, and gourmet food options.
Description:
The Aberdeen Christmas Village is a festive hub featuring an open-air ice rink, fairground rides, live music, and a market selling gifts, crafts, and gourmet food. The event is organized by Charlie House and takes place in Marischal College Quadrangle, offering something for every taste this Christmas.
Where: Aberdeen | More Info: Aberdeen Christmas Village
Dundee Christmas Market WinterFest
What to Expect:
Full-scale outdoor ice rink and vintage funfair.
Description:
Dundee's WinterFest at Slessor Gardens offers a family-friendly Christmas experience with a vintage funfair, traditional Bavarian bar, and a full-scale ice rink. Enjoy rides, over 20 Christmas stalls, and festive activities suitable for all ages.
Where: Dundee | More Info: Dundee Christmas Market WinterFest
Dumfries Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Swing Into Christmas with the Down for the Count Orchestra
What to Expect:
Lush big band with strings recreating iconic swing era music.
Description:
The Down for the Count Orchestra presents a vibrant holiday celebration featuring the music of Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra in a 30-piece big band with strings setting. Expect faithful recreations of swing era classics and original arrangements of jazz and festive standards.
Where: Dumfries | More Info: Swing Into Christmas with the Down for the Count Orchestra
Christmas Parties at The Crichton
What to Expect:
Delicious Christmas Carvery and live DJ entertainment.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with delicious Christmas Carvery, dancing, and entertainment by our resident DJ Mike Wells at Easterbrook Hall.
Where: Dumfries | More Info: Christmas Parties at The Crichton
Absolute Classics Series - KARINE GEORGIAN, CELLO & JOHN LENEHAN, PIANO
What to Expect:
Classical music performance by a celebrated cellist and pianist duo.
Description:
Renowned cellist Karine Georgian and versatile pianist John Lenehan will perform a captivating concert at Easterbrook Hall, featuring a diverse repertoire including Beethoven Variations and Debussy's Sonata.
Where: Dumfries | More Info: Absolute Classics Series - KARINE GEORGIAN, CELLO & JOHN LENEHAN, PIANO
Castle of Light
What to Expect:
Interactive light and sound installations on historic Edinburgh Castle.
Description:
Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle features immersive displays, interactive installations, and music, bringing Edinburgh's stories to life on the castle walls.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Castle of Light
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
What to Expect:
Multi-day celebration with live music, street theatre, and fireworks.
Description:
Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a four-day festival featuring the Concert in the Gardens with headliners Texas and special guest Callum Beattie, the world-famous Street Party with live bands, DJs, street theatre, and unforgettable fireworks, and a packed New Year's Day with free events including live music and family activities throughout the city centre.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Dumfries Other Holiday Activities
Brodie Illuminated
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail with projection, light, and sound effects.
Description:
Explore Brodie Estate after dark on an illuminated trail through the Playful Garden, Shrubbery, and Woodland. The 16th-century castle comes alive with projection, light, and sound, featuring whimsical characters and delicious street food options.
Where: Forres | More Info: Brodie Illuminated
Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony
What to Expect:
Traditional fireball parade and fireworks display.
Description:
The Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony is a unique Hogmanay event where approximately 40 men and women parade down the High Street, swinging fiercely flaming balls around their heads, followed by a fireworks display.
Where: Stonehaven | More Info: Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Carlisle (29 miles)
- Workington (30 miles)
- Whitehaven (36 miles)