What's on around Christmas across Scotland's winter festivals?

A number of events are taking place in around the Christmas week.

What’s on around Christmas week across Scotland’s winter festivals?VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Across the country, Scots will be getting into the festive spirit with plenty on offer at multiple different events spanning the Christmas and New Year period.

Excited festival-goers have been able to enjoy the popular Christmas markets in Scotland’s biggest cities including Glasgow’s George Square and St Enoch’s Square and Edinburgh’s Princes Street since mid November.

But with just a few days to go until Christmas Day, here’s a look at the festivities taking place across the country in the run up to the big day.

Edinburgh

A view of Edinburgh Castle and the Balmoral Clock tower on Hogmanay on December 31, 2020.

The country’s biggest and most visited festive markets remain open around the week of Christmas, with events taking place in to the first week in January.

Visitors can enjoy a shot on the Forth 1 Big Wheel at East Princes Street Gardens and for the thrill seekers, the Around the World Starflyer is also available to ride for the price of £12 until the New Year.

Tickets are also available in the capital for the George Street ice rink experience with festive lights and illuminations also on show.

All markets in Edinburgh are closed on December 25 with limited opening hours on New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve, yet Edinburgh Castle will be lit up as part of the Castle of Light spectacular on limited dates with tickets required to be purchased in advance.

Glasgow

George Square Christmas Market in Glasgow.

Glasgow’s popular Christmas markets give festival goers a choice of attractions across the George Square and St Enoch’s Square sites.

Both remain open for visitors to enjoy the Winterfest ice rink and big wheel. including lots of vendors selling food, drinks and festive gifts. The two markets are still open, with the George Square site due to close on January 4, while the St Enoch’s Square market will close on December 30.

Elfingrove, the hugely popular festival with the UK’s biggest purpose-built ice skating rink, was unable to open this year but the event’s organisers are running the Itison drive in movies events until Christmas Eve with the likes of Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone showing.

The popular Irn-Bru carnival begins on Friday, December 22 and runs until Sunday, January 14 at SEC Centre with thrill rides and amusements for all ages, with tickets available online in advance and on the day.

The indoor fun fair is open from 12pm to 9pm most days during the festive period, with events such as Christmas Jumper Day and Princess and Superhero Theme Day all taking place.

Dundee

Dundee City Council

Christmas-themed events continue to take place across the city in the popular City Square but with the fun-filled festivities set to be capped off on December 23.

There are curling lanes, craft activities for children, and live music events taking place in the heart of the city.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen Christmas VillageAberdeen Inspired

The Aberdeen Christmas Village offers fun for all the family with festive fairground rides and an open air ice rink with snacks and refreshments are available to visitors.

There are also a number of community events including Nativity plays, and some dance and drama performances.

Stirling

Stirling Christmas lightsStirling Council

Stirling is hosting a number of festive events including their markets, theatre show and Santa’s Grotto all available to visit.

Stirling Castle is also open until Sunday, December 24 for a special afternoon tea session in the great hall of the site.

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