What's cool this season
From twinkling lights and festive markets to roaring fires and sparkling skies, Scotland comes alive in winter. Celebrate traditional Scottish events like Hogmanay, St Andrew’s Day, and Burns Night, enjoy toe-tapping music, delicious food, fascinating culture, and exciting outdoor adventures.
Winter festivals
Experience Scotland at the most wonderful time of the year at dazzling, heart-warming winter festivals held across the country.
Hogmanay & New Year breaks in Scotland
Discover spectacular events, including Edinburgh’s iconic Torchlight Procession, and join in heartfelt Auld Lang Syne.
St Andrew's Day
Mark St Andrew’s Day in style with timeless Scottish traditions, laughter and lively ceilidhs, including The Big Hoolie in St Andrews itself.
Burns Night
Celebrate the Bard on 25 January with Burns suppers like the Big Burns Supper in Dumfries, beloved traditions, and tasty Scottish recipes.
Christmas across Scotland's towns and cities
Experience the magic of Christmas across Scotland, where towns and cities sparkle with festive lights, bustling markets, and cheerful celebrations.
Edinburgh Christmas markets and winter festivals
Take to the ice beneath the stars, browse twinkling markets, sip mulled wine, and enjoy dazzling views from the Big Wheel.
Christmas & winter festivals in Glasgow
Ride the observation wheel, glide the Clydeside ice rink, and explore 50+ chalets at the Glasgow Christmas Market.
Christmas & winter events in Aberdeen
Skate the ice rink, ride the Ferris wheel, explore markets, and soak up festive cheer at Aberdeen Christmas Village.
Christmas & winter festivals in Inverness
Explore vibrant artisan markets, enjoy festive rides, and stroll the illuminated streets of Inverness this holiday season.
Perth's Christmas & winter festivals
Markets, magic, and merry vibes – Perth is a Christmas wonderland! Grab artisan gifts, enjoy the lights switch-on, and sip mulled wine with friends.
Oban Winter Festival
Experience the magic of Oban Winter Festival, where twinkling lights, festive markets, and live music bring the town to life each holiday season.
Fiery Scottish traditions
Burning of the Clavie
Celebrate the New Year with fire, tradition, and spectacle in Burghead’s iconic January festival.
Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony
A fiery Hogmanay's tradition lighting up the streets of Stonehaven.
Up Helly Aa fire festivals
Join Shetland's Up Helly Aa celebrations! Enjoy torchlight parades, live music, and Viking-inspired fun for all ages.
Music and dance events to brighten the season
From toe-tapping ceilidhs and festive concerts to lively street performances and candlelit carols, Scotland comes alive with rhythm and cheer this winter.
Ceilidh at the Kelpies
© Falkirk Council / Brian Vass
Festive fun to lift the spirits
Feel the music, embrace the magic, and celebrate the joy of the season!
Glowing evenings: immersive light experiences
As the nights grow longer, Scotland comes alive with a magical glow – dazzling sound and light shows transform streets, forests, gardens, and historic sites, adding colour and sparkle to your evenings.
10 Magical sound and light shows in Scotland
Explore events across Scotland that celebrate sound, light and more during the darker autumnal and winter months.
Step inside Santa’s magical grotto
Explore Scotland’s magical grottos for festive fun, cheeky surprises, twinkling lights, and treats galore. Perfect for little elves and big kids at heart.
Christmas at Abbotsford House
© Brightlight Media / Phil Wilkinson
Discover the magic
These grottos bring the magic of Christmas to life, transforming festive traditions into unforgettable memories.
Christmas pantomimes to delight everyone
Step into a world of festive fun, laughter, and lively music with a traditional Christmas pantomime – the ultimate way to celebrate the season!
Perth Theatre and Concert Hall
© Perth Theatre and Concert Hall / Mihaela Bodlovic
Get into the Christmas spirit
Beloved stories, colourful costumes, cheeky humour, and plenty of audience fun.
Christmas pop‑up markets & craft fairs
Enjoy handmade gifts, artisan food and drink, and seasonal treats in heritage settings and enchanting halls nationwide.
Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair
© Hopetoun House
Seasonal artisan fairs
Discover Scotland’s Christmas fairs bursting with festive spirit.
More spectacular winter moments
From literary celebrations and film festivals to quirky food competitions and outdoor adventures, Scotland offers a rich mix of events to enjoy this winter season.
Scotland Six Nations
Cheer on Scotland in the 2026 Six Nations, where thrilling rugby, roaring crowds, and unforgettable moments await.
Scottish Snowdrops Festival
The annual Scottish Snowdrop Festival is the perfect way to round the winter season off.
Fort William Mountain Festival
Expect a programme of inspiring talks, engaging film events, and a fabulous line-up of guided outdoor events.
Granite Noir 2026
Held annually in Aberdeen, Granite Noir is inspired by the incredible popularity of crime fiction.
Wild Writers Festival
The festival is a celebration of outstanding writing about the living world and our place within it.
Glasgow Film Festival
The Glasgow Film Festival boasts a varied programme of films including exciting new releases and cult classics.
Inverness Cocktail Week
Get ready for a week of expertly crafted cocktails and exciting mixology masterclasses at Inverness Cocktail Week.
Cullen Skink World Championships
Set in a lovely village by the coast, Cullen Skink World Championships is a unique, fun food event focused on one iconic Scottish dish.
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Commonwealth Games
Die Commonwealth Games 2026
© Glasgow 2026
23 July – 2 August 2026
Uniting over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing in 10 sports, the 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring 11 unmissable days of world-class action to the heart of Glasgow – be part of the excitement!
Register now for ticket updates and be part of the action.
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