Can't wait for the holidays in Falkirk? Check out our guide to all the festive happenings! From Falkirk old souls to fresh faces, our guide illuminates the path to seasonal joy.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting Castle of Light, where you can stroll through the historic grounds, transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland. The event features stunning light displays, perfect for all ages. Another highlight is Christmas at the Botanics, showcasing the beautiful plant life bathed in vibrant seasonal lights. And definitely don't forget Edinburgh's Hogmanay, a traditional celebration filled with lively music and festivities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Falkirk
- Castle of Light (Edinburgh)
- Christmas at the Botanics (Edinburgh)
- Edinburgh's Hogmanay (Edinburgh)
- Beecraigs Starry Nights (Linlithgow)
- Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular (Stirling)
- Conifox Christmas Experience (Kirkliston)
- Santa’s Woodland Experience (Balfron)
- New Lanark’s Christmas Experience (New Lanark)
- Rough Castle Christmas Experience
- Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park (Dalkeith)
See these and even more events listed below!
Falkirk Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at the Botanics
What to Expect:
Outdoor illuminated trail with festive lights and seasonal snacks.
Description:
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's illuminated trail featuring flickering candles, colour-changing lights, and festive snacks. Enjoy a stroll under the stars with seasonal treats and warm drinks.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Christmas at the Botanics
Beecraigs Starry Nights
What to Expect:
Immersive outdoor Christmas experience with interactive installations and festive entertainment.
Description:
Beecraigs Country Park transforms into a twinkling Christmas spectacle with stunning light displays, interactive installations, and festive entertainment. Explore beautifully lit forests, festive food villages, and Santa’s Grotto amidst classic Starry Night tunnels and festive attractions.
Where: Linlithgow | More Info: Beecraigs Starry Nights
Rough Castle Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive sound and light show along the Antonine Wall.
Description:
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas at Rough Castle, where a 1.4km illumination trail, reindeer from the North Pole, and festive entertainment await. Enjoy funfair attractions, seasonal treats, and a sound and light adventure that brings the history of the site to life.
Where: Falkirk | More Info: Rough Castle Christmas Experience
Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light displays.
Description:
Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations features a spectacular display of thousands of lights and Christmas decorations, with illuminated animal sculptures and festive market stalls. Visitors can enjoy children's rides, a heated bar area, and meet Santa in the festive grotto.
Where: West Calder | More Info: Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
Dean Castle Starry Nights
What to Expect:
Immersive lighting trail with lasers and festive sound installations.
Description:
At Dean Castle Country Park, Starry Nights offers an immersive Christmas experience with festive lights, lasers, and sound installations. Enjoy Cocktails and Carols, Santa's Grotto, and a variety of interactive exhibits like Singing Trees and Candy Cane Lane. The event also features a festive food village, funfair, and Christmas campfire.
Where: Kilmarnock | More Info: Dean Castle Starry Nights
Brodie Illuminated
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail highlighting estate plants and castle projections.
Description:
Explore Brodie Estate after dark with an illuminated trail through the Playful Garden, Shrubbery, and Woodland. The 16th-century castle will be brought to life with projection, light, and sound, featuring whimsical characters and delicious street food options.
Where: Forres | More Info: Brodie Illuminated
Falkirk Holiday Markets and Shopping
New Lanark’s Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Ice rink and Santa's Grotto in a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Description:
New Lanark transforms into a Scottish winter wonderland with a brand-new ice rink, Santa's Grotto, classic Christmas films, and an indoor Christmas Market featuring local vendors.
Where: New Lanark | More Info: New Lanark’s Christmas Experience
Traquair House Christmas Fayre
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration with Santa's grotto and local artisan stalls.
Description:
Traquair House Christmas Fayre features beautifully decorated house, Santa's luxurious grotto, puppet shows, carol singers, silver bands, face painting, and local stalls selling gifts, crafts, and Christmas treats.
Where: Innerleithen | More Info: Traquair House Christmas Fayre
Oban Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Vibrant holiday market with local artisans and traditional Scottish cuisine.
Description:
Oban Winter Festival is a ten-day celebration in the picturesque coastal town of Oban, featuring a variety of activities, including holiday markets, live music, reindeer parades, and stunning light displays. The event showcases local artisans, traditional Scottish cuisine, and festive installations, making it a vibrant and inclusive experience for all ages.
Where: Oban | More Info: Oban Winter Festival
Aberdeen Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Unique market with local producers and creatives.
Description:
The Aberdeen Christmas Village is a vibrant holiday event featuring an open-air ice rink, fairground rides, live music, and a curated market selling gifts, crafts, and gourmet food. The event is organized by Charlie House and takes place in the heart of the city, offering something for every taste and age.
Where: Aberdeen | More Info: Aberdeen Christmas Village
Dundee Christmas Market WinterFest
What to Expect:
Full-scale outdoor ice rink with special aids for young ones.
Description:
Dundee's WinterFest at Slessor Gardens features a Big Wheel, vintage funfair, traditional Bavarian bar, and a full-scale ice rink. Enjoy over 20 Christmas stalls and festive activities suitable for all ages.
Where: Dundee | More Info: Dundee Christmas Market WinterFest
Falkirk Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Castle of Light
What to Expect:
Immersive light displays and historical storytelling on Edinburgh Castle walls.
Description:
Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle features immersive light displays, interactive installations, and historical storytelling. Walk in famous footsteps, dance through ages in Crown Square, and meet Rex the loveable lion. The event includes BSL tours, audio descriptive tours, and an autism-friendly timeslot.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Castle of Light
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
What to Expect:
Spectacular fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle.
Description:
Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a four-day celebration featuring live music, street theatre, and fireworks, culminating in a world-famous Street Party with live bands and DJs, and a Concert in the Gardens with headliners like Texas and special guest Callum Beattie.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with festive train ride and dinosaur illuminations.
Description:
Join Blair Drummond Safari Park for a Christmas Spectacular featuring Santa's sleigh fly-bys, mischievous elves, festive food and drink, dinosaur illuminations, and a brand-new festive train ride. Enjoy seasonal talks, Scotland's biggest Christmas tree, and marshmallow fire pits.
Where: Stirling | More Info: Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular
Falkirk Other Holiday Activities
Conifox Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and festive characters.
Description:
Step into Santa's Living Room to meet the big man himself and snap a family photo. Each child receives a Golden Christmas Coin to exchange for a gift or teddy at the Make-a-Teddy Factory. Enjoy cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, explore the Magic Forest with Frosty the Snowman, and attend Reindeer Flying School and Elf School. End your visit with festive food and drinks, and fun at Taylor's of Edinburgh Christmas Funfair.
Where: Kirkliston | More Info: Conifox Christmas Experience
Santa’s Woodland Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive woodland experience with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a festive woodland setting where Santa and his friends await. Explore the charming surroundings, enjoy seasonal treats, and experience the joy of the holiday season.
Where: Balfron | More Info: Santa’s Woodland Experience
Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park
What to Expect:
Interactive festive activities with an outdoor ice rink and Santa sessions.
Description:
Winterfest at Dalkeith Country Park offers a variety of festive activities, including an outdoor ice rink, Elf Storytelling, the Festive Doddie Dash, and Kids' Christmas Workshops. Visitors can also join Santa for a special group session in the Christmas Cabin and participate in wreath-making workshops.
Where: Dalkeith | More Info: Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Alloa (8 miles)
- Cumbernauld (9 miles)
- Bathgate (9 miles)
- Stirling (10 miles)
- Airdrie (12 miles)
- Livingston (12 miles)
- Coatbridge (13 miles)
- Dunfermline (13 miles)
- Bellshill (16 miles)
- Motherwell (17 miles)
- Wishaw (17 miles)
- Bishopbriggs (18 miles)
- Hamilton (19 miles)
- Cambuslang (20 miles)
- Meikle Earnock (20 miles)
- Rutherglen (20 miles)
- Glasgow (21 miles)
- Bearsden (22 miles)
- East Kilbride (22 miles)
- Edinburgh (23 miles)
- Clydebank (25 miles)
- Renfrew (25 miles)
- Kirkcaldy (25 miles)
- Newton Mearns (26 miles)
- Glenrothes (27 miles)
- Paisley (28 miles)
- Musselburgh (29 miles)
- Perth (30 miles)
- Vale of Leven (31 miles)
- Greenock (38 miles)
- Kilmarnock (39 miles)
- Irvine (43 miles)
- Dundee (45 miles)