From ice rinks to German markets – this year’s top Christmas events in Scotland

THE festive season is fast approaching and December diaries are filling up – but Scots better leave room for some of the country’s top-rated winter events.

The Christmas period is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year.

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But the stress of Santa‘s imminent arrival can be an overwhelming prospect for many parents.

There are, however, plenty of events and activities on offer across the country for you to let loose and embrace the Christmas cheer.

From outdoor ice rinks to German markets and festive craft fairs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We’ve compiled a list of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in some of the most festive regions in Scotland.

Edinburgh

Christmas in Edinburgh is always a spectacle and this year its bound to be a cracker.

Running for six weeks, the festivities at the popular Christmas markets kick off on November 15 and wrap up after the Hogmanay celebrations on January 4.

While the classic family favourites will make a comeback, fresh and exciting additions are on the horizon.

As ever, the popular market stalls, Christmas Ferris Wheel, StarFlyer, Helter-Skelter and ice rink will all be making their return.

The latest addition to the event is the Christmas Tree Maze in St Andrews Square, where families can “lose themselves” among 450 illuminated Christmas trees.

Folk can chill out at the Polar Ice Bar, where you’ll enjoy ice-carved glasses amidst stunning ice sculptures in a brisk minus-eight degrees Celsius setting.

Youngsters will also have the chance to meet Santa at Santa’s Stories.

The LNER Big Wheel will offer panoramic views of the city, including Edinburgh Castle and Arthur‘s Seat.

Edinburgh Castle itself will get a winter makeover with enchanting installations and colourful displays.

For Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s world-famous Street Party will feature pipers, drummers, DJs, and a spectacular fireworks display from the castle at midnight.

Glasgow

The festive season in Glasgow will kick off with the annual Christmas Light Switch On at George Square on November 17, hosted by Clyde 1 presenters George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie.

Glasgow Winterfest at George Square starts on November 23, featuring food stalls, carnival games, and funfair rides until January 5.

St Enoch Square’s Christmas market opens on November 9.

The market filled with food stalls, carnival games and funfair rides will stay open until Sunday, January 5.

Then, St Enoch Square will take over after a short break from the action, with the famous Christmas market opening for business on Saturday, November 9.

It will remain open throughout the month of December, wrapping up just short of New Years, on December 29.

The legendary Irn Bru Carnival is also returning with waltzers, high-speed rollercoasters, and more from December 20 to January 12.

The Carnival’s popular Autism Friendly Sessions are also
returning.

These include reduced music levels, adjusted lighting, and where
possible, slower rides to create a more relaxed setting.

And a huge indoor Christmas market will take place at the Glasgow Club Bellahouston sport centre.

With 70 stalls, the “Jingle Bell-a-houston Christmas Market” will be packed with vintage and handmade treats.

The event takes place on Sunday, December 15 with doors open from 10 am to 1.30pm.

Entry will cost £1.50 while those under 16s go free when accompanied by an adult.

Dundee

Dundee has a string of different festivities on the go this Christmas time.

The city‘s Christmas Village transform City Square into “a vibrant Christmas hub”.

Complete with an ice rink, festive funfair and an immersive Santa experience, the event will run from November 21 until January 5.

And the Christmas Market will host local vendors offering a wide variety of unique gifts and festive delights.

Perth

Perth will start the festivities on Saturday November 23 with its annual Christmas Lights Switch On.

The city will turn into a winter wonderland with ice globes, stiltwalkers, pipe bands, and Santa’s Grotto.

And to top it all off, iconic noughties dance star Cascada will headline the event.

Stirling

Stirling’s Christmas countdown will begin with its light switch-on on November 16.

A parade, choir and panto entertainers will spread Christmas cheer across the streets of Stirling.

And Mr and Mrs Claus will even make an appearance.

The National Wallace Monument will house Santa each weekend for a magical story about William Wallace at Christmas.

Tickets are now available at £5 a person and include entry to the Monument.

And there will be a Christmas market on Sunday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1 at the city’s Albert Halls.

Later in the month, a number of big-name acts, such as Scots singers Eddi Reader and Karen Matheson, will play venues in Stirling.

And the Thistles Shopping Centre will have its very own Santa’s Grotto.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen’s Christmas village will return to the Granite City from November 14.

The popular market Curated in the Quad in the Marischal College Quadrangle will feature stalls offering gourmet food and drink, clothing, jewellery, and arts and crafts.

Organisers Charlie House work in partnership with local businesses and Aberdeen City Council to host the event.

And 100% of the profits from the stallholder fees go towards supporting children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

The Christmas Light-up Trail will see “a festive adventure” with 12 different twinkling decorations dotted across the city.