With the festive season now upon us, families in Scotland will be looking for exciting events and activities to keep themselves busy over Christmas. Luckily, we've compiled a list of great things to do throughout December and the Christmas holidays, which people of all ages will be able to enjoy.
1. Chilled Dawgz’s annual Christmas Market
Chilled Dawgz dog day care in Glasgow is delighted to announce the return of its annual Doggy Christmas Market. The last market was held in 2019 before the pandemic and was a huge success. This year's Doggy Christmas Market promises to be even bigger and better.
Visitors will find all you could need to spoil your canine chum over the festive period, you can choose from something your pup can wear to some delicious treats for your four legged friend to eat.
The festive stockings will also be full of festive goodies this year.
Your pup will also get a chance to meet ‘Santa Paws’ and get their picture taken. There will even be a few goodies for the humans too.
Where to go: Unit 48-49 Dalsetter Business Centre, 42 Dalsetter Avenue, Glasgow, G15 8TE
2. Experience Christmas at Edinburgh Zoo
Step into Christmas and visit Edinburgh Zoo this winter to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved!
See over 2,500 incredible animals from around the world, including the UK’s only giant pandas, Scotland’s only sloths and their tall herd of giraffes. Spend the day learning about the zoo’s mischievous meerkats, paddling penguins and fabulous flamingos with daily keeper talks.
You can also join in the festive fun with the zoo’s delightful Christmas events! Meet Santa and Mrs Claus, get crafty at wreath-making workshops and indulge in BRRilliant breakfasts.
Book your tickets today – your wild day out awaits!
Where to go: 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS
Get in touch: Book tickets at edinburghzoo.org.uk or follow @edinburghzoo
3. Festive afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms
Spend an afternoon in the Charles Rennie Mackintosh inspired tea rooms and gift shop.
Choose from the famous afternoon teas, Scottish fayre and delightful treats, all baked in-house. Looking for that ideal gift? Choose from a selection of vouchers, some Mackintosh inspired gifts and a wide range of loose-leaf tea.
See our full menu, make your reservations, order vouchers and choose a gift from the webshop below.
Where to go: 97 Buchanan Street Glasgow G1 3HF
4. Winter Wonderland at Heathall Garden Centre
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Heathall Garden Centre is delighted to announce that its Winter Wonderland is back.
Let your home and garden twinkle this Christmas. There’s so many stunning feature pieces to choose from at the garden centre.
Bring the kids along to meet Santa, there are a few dates in December to choose from. Santa will be there on Saturday and Sunday from December 10 to 11 and 17 to 18, from 10am to 3pm. There’s no booking necessary just turn up!
Where to go: Edinburgh Road, Dumfries, DG1 1SE
Get in touch: Visit heathhallgardencentre.co.uk or call 01387 263 101
5. A Very Kelburn Christmas
This Christmas, Kelburn is delighted to be partnering with Wylde Thistle to present a Very Kelburn Christmas!
On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11, and on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18, from 11am to 7pm, and on Friday, December 16 from 4pm to 8pm, the historic courtyard of Kelburn will be transformed into a beautiful artisan market.
The market will be packed with exquisite gifts, finest culinary cuisine, and drinks to tempt the most discerning taste buds.
Alongside the Artisan Market, Santa will be in his headquarters, the elves will be assessing good behaviour and the Christmas Fairy will be granting wishes in the magical Secret Forest.
Quite simply, this is Christmas in one place, filled with beauty and charm! Santa and the Christmas Fairy will also be visiting Kelburn on the additional dates on Thursday 22 and Friday 23.
Where to go: Fairlie, Ayrshire, KA29 0BE
6. Castle of Light – A Kingdom of Colours
Prepare to see the jewel in Edinburgh’s skyline sparkle and glisten this festive season as Castle of Light- A Kingdom of Colours is back for its third year.
Don’t miss the chance to watch extraordinary projections dance from the castle walls and immersive illuminations guide you throughout the castle in a sea of twinkling lights and colourful displays.
You can also get the chance to meet the main man in red … Rex Rampant, the castle lion that is!
Visit on selected dates until Friday, December 30. Adult tickets cost £20, concessions and family tickets available too.
Where to go: Edinburgh Castle, The Esplanade, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
