Create your festive season itinerary with our guide for Kilmarnock. Discover all the top holiday events. For those who know Kilmarnock well and those just discovering it, our guide is your passport to yuletide adventures.
One highlight this season is Edinburgh's Christmas, where the city transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with festive markets and enchanting rides. The magical Starry Nights at Dean Castle invites visitors to experience the grounds illuminated with twinkling lights, creating an unforgettable evening stroll. And the Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it offers a dazzling display that brings the lights of the city to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Kilmarnock
- Edinburgh's Christmas (Edinburgh)
- Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On (Glasgow)
- Starry Nights at Dean Castle
- Aberdeen Christmas Village (Aberdeen)
- Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park (Dalkeith)
- Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular (Blairdrummond)
- Stirling Festivities (Stirling)
- Glamis Castle Christmas Market and Breakfast With Santa (Glamis)
- Conifox Christmas Experience (Kirkliston)
- Beecraigs Starry Nights (Linlithgow)
See these and even more events listed below!
Kilmarnock Holiday Light Displays
Starry Nights at Dean Castle
What to Expect:
Immersive lighting trail with festive lights and sound installations.
Description:
Starry Nights at Dean Castle features an immersive lighting trail with festive lights, lasers, and sound installations. Enjoy Cocktails and Carols, Santa's Grotto, and festive food while exploring Singing Trees, a fairy den, and other themed areas.
Where: Kilmarnock | More Info: Starry Nights at Dean Castle
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. Visitors can explore the beautifully lit forest, enjoy the Festive Food Village, Carols & Cocktails area, Festive Funfair, and Santa’s Grotto. The event features 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
Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light displays.
Description:
Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations features a mesmerizing display of colour and light, created in collaboration with lighting experts Blachere. The event includes thousands of lights and Christmas decorations, a Santa meet and greet experience, festive market stalls, and a heated bar area. Visitors can also enjoy children's rides and a variety of food and drink outlets.
Where: West Calder | More Info: Five Sisters Zoo Illuminations
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 joyous event in George Square, featuring live music, sing-alongs, and a preview of the Pavilion Theatre's panto Beauty and the Beastie. The illumination of the festive decorations marks the start of Glasgow's winter festivities.
Where: Glasgow | More Info: Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On
Monteviot Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive light and sound experience in a historic garden setting.
Description:
Monteviot Lights is a spectacular winter light trail event held at Monteviot House and Gardens near Jedburgh. The event features a captivating Christmas theme, transforming the gardens into a beautifully illuminated natural oasis. Visitors can embark on a magical after-dark journey through the stunning gardens and woodland, where dazzling light installations accentuate the natural beauty. Families can create lifelong memories together as they immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere.
Where: Jedburgh | More Info: Monteviot Lights
Kilmarnock Holiday Markets and Shopping
Traquair House Christmas Fayre
What to Expect:
Festive celebration with Santa's luxurious grotto and diverse 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
Giffnock Village Christmas Event
What to Expect:
Interactive festive activities with a variety of entertainment options.
Description:
Giffnock Village Christmas Event features a Christmas market, street performers, live music, dance performances, Santa's grotto, and Christmas craft activities.
Where: Giffnock | More Info: Giffnock Village Christmas Event
Edinburgh's Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas Markets with craft stalls and festive food.
Description:
Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the city centre into a vibrant destination for festive family fun, featuring traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, live outdoor events, and delicious food and drink.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Edinburgh's Christmas
Aberdeen Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Unique market with locally produced gifts and gourmet food.
Description:
The Aberdeen Christmas Village is a festive hub featuring an open-air ice rink, fairground rides, live music, and a curated market with local gifts, crafts, and gourmet food.
Where: Aberdeen | More Info: Aberdeen Christmas Village
Oban Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of traditional Scottish culture and festive activities.
Description:
Oban Winter Festival is a ten-day celebration in Oban, Scotland, featuring a bustling Christmas market, light displays, reindeer parades, and live music. The event includes activities like the Winter Woods event, showcasing ocean-inspired light installations, and Haggisfest, a competition for the best-tasting haggis.
Where: Oban | More Info: Oban Winter Festival
Kilmarnock Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Interactive dinosaur illuminations and festive train ride.
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 cracking Christmas show. The event includes a brand-new festive train ride and a delightful Christmas show, 'The Little Reindeer's Search for a Song'. Enjoy seasonal talks, Scotland's biggest Christmas tree, and marshmallow fire pits.
Where: Blairdrummond | More Info: Blairdrummond Christmas Spectacular
Glamis Castle Christmas Market and Breakfast With Santa
What to Expect:
Dine with Santa Claus in a historic Scottish castle setting.
Description:
The Breakfast With Santa event at Glamis Castle allows visitors to dine with Santa Claus while enjoying a splendid afternoon tea in the castle's elegant surroundings.
Where: Glamis | More Info: Glamis Castle Christmas Market and Breakfast With Santa
Jack and the Beanstalk – Panto
What to Expect:
Interactive pantomime with a giant cast and audience participation.
Description:
Jack and the Beanstalk – Panto features a talented cast, spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, and amazing special effects. The show includes a British Sign Language Interpreted performance and relaxed performances for all audiences.
Where: Clarkston | More Info: Jack and the Beanstalk – Panto
It's a Wonderful Life Screening
What to Expect:
Emotional journey through George Bailey's life.
Description:
Join us for two special screenings of Frank Capra's 1946 classic, It's a Wonderful Life, at Eastwood Park Theatre. George Bailey's life is beset with personal and professional problems, but with the help of his guardian angel, Clarence, he sees what Bedford Falls would be like without him, leading to a profound reconsideration of his life.
Where: Giffnock | More Info: It's a Wonderful Life Screening
Dunfermline Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Traditional family-friendly pantomime with a giant cast and special effects.
Description:
The Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline presents Jack and the Beanstalk, a classic Christmas pantomime featuring a talented cast, lavish sets, and beautiful costumes.
Where: Dunfermline | More Info: Dunfermline Christmas Events
Kilmarnock Other Holiday Activities
Conifox Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday 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, Passport Control, and a journey through 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: Kirkliston | 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. Explore the beautifully decorated trails, 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:
Outdoor ice rink and festive activities.
Description:
Winterfest at Dalkeith Country Park offers a variety of festive activities, including an outdoor ice rink, Santa sessions, Elf Storytelling, and Kids' Christmas Workshops.
Where: Dalkeith | More Info: Winterfest At Dalkeith Country Park
A Very, Merry, Clarkston Christmas
What to Expect:
Community-driven festive celebration with a range of activities.
Description:
A Very, Merry, Clarkston Christmas is an annual celebration featuring a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, music, and community events, all set in the charming town of Clarkston.
Where: Clarkston | More Info: A Very, Merry, Clarkston Christmas
Festive Wreath Making at The Mum Club
What to Expect:
Hands-on wreath-making workshop with natural materials.
Description:
Create your own festive wreath using natural materials and creative techniques, perfect for decorating your home during the holiday season.
Where: Busby | More Info: Festive Wreath Making at The Mum Club
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Redhurst Hotel
What to Expect:
Hands-on wreath making with all materials included.
Description:
Create your own handmade Christmas wreath at Redhurst Hotel, using all materials provided and no experience necessary.
Where: Busby | More Info: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Redhurst Hotel
Busby Hotel Christmas Party Nights
What to Expect:
Indulgent 3-course meal and DJ party night.
Description:
The Busby Hotel Christmas Party Nights offer a delightful evening with a glass of fizz on arrival, an indulgent 3-course festive meal, and a DJ party night. Perfect for getting everyone involved in your office Christmas party.
Where: Busby | More Info: Busby Hotel Christmas Party Nights
Stirling Festivities
What to Expect:
Traditional Highland games with a festival-style atmosphere.
Description:
The Stirling Highland Games International Gathering is a cherished annual cultural sporting event in central Scotland, blending tradition, athletic competition, and entertainment. It features iconic heavyweights like the caber toss, elegant Highland dancing, and track and field events, including Adaptive Heavyweights. The event also includes a bustling marketplace with artisan food and drink producers, an immersive Heritage Walking Tour, and Creative Arts performances.
Where: Stirling | More Info: Stirling Festivities
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Irvine (6 miles)
- Ayr (12 miles)
- Newton Mearns (13 miles)
- Paisley (15 miles)
- East Kilbride (16 miles)
- Renfrew (18 miles)
- Rutherglen (19 miles)
- Cambuslang (19 miles)
- Glasgow (20 miles)
- Clydebank (20 miles)
- Meikle Earnock (20 miles)
- Hamilton (21 miles)
- Bearsden (22 miles)
- Bishopbriggs (23 miles)
- Motherwell (23 miles)
- Bellshill (23 miles)
- Wishaw (25 miles)
- Vale of Leven (25 miles)
- Coatbridge (25 miles)
- Greenock (25 miles)
- Airdrie (27 miles)
- Cumbernauld (30 miles)
- Falkirk (39 miles)
- Bathgate (39 miles)
- Stirling (41 miles)
- Livingston (43 miles)
- Alloa (44 miles)