Feel the joy of the festive season in Inverness! Our guide has all the top holiday events and activities. Whether you're an Inverness veteran or a first-timer, this guide will make your holidays unforgettable.
This year, the enchanting Castle of Light transforms into a dazzling spectacle, offering a visually stunning display of lights and projections against the historic backdrop of the castle. Meanwhile, the Eden Court panto brings a delightful twist to Christmas traditions, featuring lively performances that dazzle both children and adults alike. And don’t forget the Aberdeen Christmas Village, a delightful hub filled with festive stalls and merry entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Inverness
- Castle of Light (Edinburgh)
- Aberdeen Christmas Village (Aberdeen)
- Christmas at the Botanics (Edinburgh)
- Eden Court panto
- Dundee Christmas Market WinterFest (Dundee)
- Dean Castle Starry Nights (Kilmarnock)
- Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park (Dalkeith)
- Conifox Christmas Experience (Edinburgh)
- Oban Winter Festival (Oban)
- Kingsmills Hogmanay Dinner
See these and even more events listed below!
Inverness Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at the Botanics
What to Expect:
Award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail in a botanical setting.
Description:
The Christmas at the Botanics event features an illuminated trail with award-winning lights, festive food, and drinks, set in the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Visitors can enjoy flickering candles, colour-changing lights, and seasonal snacks while exploring the gardens.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Christmas at the Botanics
Brodie Illuminated
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail with projection, light, and sound effects.
Description:
Explore Brodie Estate after dark with an illuminated trail through the Playful Garden, Shrubbery, and Woodland. The 16th-century castle comes alive with projection, light, and sound, accompanied by whimsical characters and delicious street food options.
Where: Forres | More Info: Brodie Illuminated
Christmas at Crathes
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail and festive market stalls in a 16th-century castle setting.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Crathes Castle with an illuminated trail, Santa's Grotto, and festive market stalls amidst the beautiful walled garden.
Where: Aberdeenshire | More Info: Christmas at Crathes
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, including illuminated animal sculptures and festive market stalls. The event offers a variety of activities, such as meeting Santa, enjoying children's rides, and exploring the zoo's animal habitats in a new light.
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:
Dean Castle Starry Nights features an immersive lighting trail with lasers, festive lights, and captivating sound installations. Enjoy Singing Trees, a fairy den, Marshmallow Land, Candy Cane Lane, and more. The event includes Santa’s Grotto, roving entertainers, and a Carols & Cocktails space with classic carols.
Where: Kilmarnock | More Info: Dean Castle Starry Nights
Inverness Holiday Markets and Shopping
Eden Court Christmas Fairs
What to Expect:
Traditional Scottish crafts and local food vendors.
Description:
Eden Court Christmas Fairs offer a vibrant celebration with local artisans, crafts, and seasonal delights.
Where: Inverness | More Info: Eden Court Christmas Fairs
Aberdeen Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Unique market with arts, crafts, and gourmet food.
Description:
The Aberdeen Christmas Village is a vibrant celebration in the heart of the city, featuring an ice rink, fairground rides, live music, and a curated market with unique gifts and gourmet food.
Where: Aberdeen | More Info: Aberdeen Christmas Village
Oban Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local culture, festive markets, and community events.
Description:
Oban Winter Festival is a ten-day celebration in the picturesque coastal town of Oban, featuring a bustling Christmas market, live music performances, and family-friendly activities like ice skating and winter-themed workshops.
Where: Oban | More Info: Oban Winter Festival
Dundee Christmas Market WinterFest
What to Expect:
Full-scale 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. The event includes over 20 Christmas stalls and offers skating tickets online for £5 per person between Monday and Thursday.
Where: Dundee | More Info: Dundee Christmas Market WinterFest
Inverness Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Eden Court panto
What to Expect:
Family-friendly pantomime with a terrifying giant and fabulous musical numbers.
Description:
Eden Court's Jack and the Beanstalk is a family-friendly pantomime featuring a dastardly villain, hapless comic, hilarious panto dame, and fabulous musical numbers. The show includes a terrifying giant and a heartwarming tale of Jack's adventures to defeat the giant and win the heart of the girl he loves, turning the fortunes of the poor Trots around.
Where: Inverness | More Info: Eden Court panto
Kingsmills Hogmanay Dinner
What to Expect:
Highland Prime Beef Fillet and ceilidh rock entertainment.
Description:
Join us at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness for a memorable Hogmanay celebration featuring a 3-course dinner in the Conservatory Restaurant and Lounge, followed by lively music and dancing into the wee hours. Alternatively, indulge in a 5-course gala dinner in the Kingsmills Suite with ceilidh rock entertainment.
Where: Inverness | More Info: Kingsmills Hogmanay Dinner
Castle of Light
What to Expect:
Immersive light and sound show on historic castle walls.
Description:
Castle of Light is an immersive light and sound show at Edinburgh Castle, featuring state-of-the-art projections that bring Scotland's history to life. The event includes interactive installations, music, and mythical creatures, with a special access night for visitors with additional needs.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Castle of Light
Inverness Other Holiday Activities
Kingsmills Christmas parties
What to Expect:
Traditional Scottish hospitality and festive dining options.
Description:
Kingsmills Hotel offers a variety of Christmas celebrations, including festive dining, party nights, and Hogmanay celebrations. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, delicious seasonal food, and traditional Scottish hospitality.
Where: Inverness | More Info: Kingsmills Christmas parties
Conifox Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities for all ages.
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, check your Naughty or Nice status, and explore the Magic Forest with Frosty the Snowman and The Nutcracker. Visit the North Pole Post Room, attend Reindeer Flying School, and learn at Elf School. End your visit with festive food and drinks, and fun at Taylor's of Edinburgh Christmas Funfair.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Conifox Christmas Experience
Santa’s Woodland Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive woodland experience with Santa and his elves.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a festive woodland setting where Santa and his elves await, surrounded by twinkling lights and enchanting sounds.
Where: Balfron | More Info: Santa’s Woodland Experience
Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice rink and Santa's special group sessions.
Description:
WinterFest at Dalkeith Country Park offers a variety of festive activities, including an outdoor ice rink, Santa's special group sessions, Elf Storytelling, and Kids' Christmas Workshops. Visitors can also participate in Wreath Making Workshops and enjoy a magical start to the day with Breakfast with Santa.
Where: Dalkeith | More Info: Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park
Meet Father Christmas at Castle Fraser
What to Expect:
Wholesome Santa experience with a festive grotto.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at Castle Fraser, where you can write your letter and post it to the North Pole before visiting his traditionally decorated grotto inside the castle. Adults attend free with a child ticket, and car parking is £4 with free parking for National Trust Scotland members. Child tickets include a visit to Father Christmas and a gift.
Where: Sauchen | More Info: Meet Father Christmas at Castle Fraser
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Elgin (36 miles)