Enjoy the festive magic of Irvine with our holiday guide. Whether you're a familiar face in Irvine or seeing it fresh, our guide is your key to holiday cheer.
Popular events abound this season, such as Edinburgh's Christmas, where charming markets and festive lights create a vibrant atmosphere. This event sets the stage for a delightful shopping experience, surrounded by the spirit of Christmas. Another highlight is Edinburgh Hogmanay, renowned for its lively street parties and spectacular fireworks that ring in the New Year. And the Castle of Light is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it transforms the historic fortress into a dazzling spectacle of illumination. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Irvine
- Edinburgh Hogmanay (Edinburgh)
- Edinburgh's Christmas (Edinburgh)
- Castle of Light (Edinburgh)
- Royal Botanic Gardens Christmas Lights (Edinburgh)
- Irn-Bru Carnival (Glasgow)
- Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On (Glasgow)
- Forth 1 Big Wheel (Edinburgh)
- Festival Theatre Pantomime (Edinburgh)
- Aberdeen Christmas Village (Aberdeen)
- Stirling Christmas Markets (Stirling)
See these and even more events listed below!
Irvine Holiday Light Displays
Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Live music and panto preview with state-of-the-art lighting and projection show.
Description:
The Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On is a family-friendly event hosted by Glasgow Loves Christmas, featuring live music, sing-alongs, and a preview of the Pavilion's panto Beauty and the Beastie. The event marks the start of Glasgow's winter festivities with the illumination of George Square and the City Chambers.
Where: Glasgow | More Info: Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On
Oban Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and traditional music performances.
Description:
Oban Winter Festival is a ten-day celebration in Oban, Scotland, featuring markets, music, reindeer parades, and dazzling light displays. The event includes the Winter Woods Event, showcasing unique light installations, and the Finale Concert with renowned traditional musicians.
Where: Oban | More Info: Oban Winter Festival
Monteviot Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive light trail in a historic garden setting.
Description:
Monteviot Lights is an outdoor illuminated journey through the stunning gardens and woodland of Monteviot House, featuring dazzling light installations that accentuate the natural beauty of the Scottish Borders.
Where: Monteviot | More Info: Monteviot Lights
Royal Botanic Gardens Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Illuminated botanical garden with seasonal snacks and Father Christmas appearances.
Description:
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh presents a spectacular Christmas light trail featuring flickering candles, colour-changing lights, and festive snacks. The trail is designed for all ages and supports the garden's plant conservation work.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Royal Botanic Gardens Christmas Lights
Five Sisters Zoo Christmas Illuminations
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light and animal exhibits.
Description:
Five Sisters Zoo Christmas Illuminations feature a mesmerizing display of colour and light, with thousands of lights and Christmas decorations illuminating the zoo grounds. The event includes a Santa meet and greet experience, children's rides, food and drink outlets, and market stalls selling crafts and gifts.
Where: West Calder | More Info: Five Sisters Zoo Christmas Illuminations
Irvine Holiday Markets and Shopping
Edinburgh's Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas Markets with local and international vendors.
Description:
Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the city centre into a vibrant destination for festive family fun, featuring traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, and live outdoor events.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Edinburgh's Christmas
Dundee Christmas Maker Markets
What to Expect:
Supporting Scottish designers with high-quality, sustainable products.
Description:
Dundee Christmas Maker Markets showcase high-quality, covetable design pieces from over 70 Scottish independent designers and makers. The event features textiles, print, illustration, ceramics, and jewellery, all in a plastic-free zone.
Where: Dundee | More Info: Dundee Christmas Maker Markets
Stirling Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local Scottish brands and live music.
Description:
Stock up for the festive season in the splendour of Stirling Castle's Great Hall, featuring stalls showcasing local Scottish brands, crafts, and fine foods and drink. Enjoy wonderful music from a brass band and indulge in delicious mince pies and mulled wine.
Where: Stirling | More Info: Stirling Christmas Markets
Aberdeen Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Unique market with local producers and gourmet food.
Description:
The Aberdeen Christmas Village is a vibrant holiday event featuring an ice rink, fairground rides, live music, and a market selling gifts, crafts, and gourmet food. It is organized by Charlie House and takes place in Broad Street and Marischal College Quadrangle.
Where: Aberdeen | More Info: Aberdeen Christmas Village
Irvine Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Castle of Light
What to Expect:
Interactive light and sound show on historic castle walls.
Description:
Castle of Light is an immersive after-dark walking trail at Edinburgh Castle featuring state-of-the-art light installations and storytelling projections that bring Scotland's history to life. The event includes interactive installations, music, and the opportunity to meet Rex the loveable lion in the Great Hall. Visitors can also grab a drink or snack from the café or street food vendors.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Castle of Light
Edinburgh Hogmanay
What to Expect:
World-class live music and fireworks celebration.
Description:
Edinburgh 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 Hogmanay
Dunfermline Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Family-friendly pantomime with a giant cast and special effects.
Description:
The Alhambra Theatre presents Jack & The Beanstalk, a classic Christmas pantomime featuring an all-star cast, including Ian 'Sheepie' Smith. The show promises laughter, special effects, and fantastic costumes, making it a delightful family event.
Where: Dunfermline | More Info: Dunfermline Christmas Events
Festival Theatre Pantomime
What to Expect:
Traditional pantomime with audio description and British Sign Language services.
Description:
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott, and Jordan Young in the spectacular family pantomime Cinderella at the Festival Theatre. This traditional pantomime features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, and beautiful costumes. Cinderella goes from rags to riches, outwits her wicked sisters, and meets her Prince Charming.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Festival Theatre Pantomime
Irvine Other Holiday Activities
Forth 1 Big Wheel
What to Expect:
Panoramic views of Edinburgh from 42 meters high.
Description:
The Forth 1 Big Wheel is a large, mechanical Ferris wheel in East Princes Street Garden, offering panoramic views of Edinburgh's New Town and the Firth of Forth. It features 36 enclosed, weather-proof pods and is a temporary structure raised during the Edinburgh Festivals and Edinburgh's Christmas.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Forth 1 Big Wheel
Irn-Bru Carnival
What to Expect:
Over 65 rides and attractions, including classic stalls and an inflatable play area.
Description:
The IRN-BRU Carnival is Europe's largest indoor funfair, offering a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, including thrill rides, classic stalls, and an inflatable play area for children.
Where: Glasgow | More Info: Irn-Bru Carnival
Santa's Grotto at Dobbies Edinburgh
What to Expect:
Train-themed Christmas experience with interactive elements.
Description:
At Dobbies Edinburgh, children can embark on a Little Seedlings train-themed journey, complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa. The experience includes snowy scenes, woodland characters, and hidden nutcrackers, culminating in a chance to share wishes and receive a wrapped gift from Santa.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Santa's Grotto at Dobbies Edinburgh
Santa's Grotto at Dobbies Braehead
What to Expect:
Interactive train-themed journey with Santa.
Description:
At Dobbies Braehead, Santa's Grotto offers a Little Seedlings train-themed journey where children can interact with Santa and his elves, experience snowy scenes, and find hidden nutcrackers. The event includes fun activities, photo opportunities, and a wrapped gift from Santa.
Where: Braehead | More Info: Santa's Grotto at Dobbies Braehead
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Kilmarnock (6 miles)
- Ayr (11 miles)
- Newton Mearns (16 miles)
- Paisley (17 miles)
- Renfrew (20 miles)
- East Kilbride (21 miles)
- Clydebank (22 miles)
- Rutherglen (22 miles)
- Glasgow (23 miles)
- Greenock (23 miles)
- Cambuslang (23 miles)
- Bearsden (24 miles)
- Vale of Leven (24 miles)
- Meikle Earnock (26 miles)
- Bishopbriggs (26 miles)
- Hamilton (26 miles)
- Bellshill (28 miles)
- Motherwell (28 miles)
- Coatbridge (30 miles)
- Wishaw (31 miles)
- Airdrie (31 miles)
- Cumbernauld (34 miles)
- Falkirk (43 miles)
- Bathgate (44 miles)
- Stirling (44 miles)