Celebrations, observances and holidays are starting to ramp up in Scotland as we begin the home stretch toward the end of the year!
Celebrating is what we do really well in Scotland, and if there is one day of the year where you’ll hear a lot of noise from us, it’s St Andrew’s Day (30 November) when Scots and Scots-at-heart celebrate the patron saint of Scotland and our national day with a holiday and fantastic events, which showcase the very best of Scottish culture.
Enjoy a lively programme of events and festivals happening towards the end of November, featuring uniquely Scottish line-ups of music, dance, food and drink.
ST ANDREW’S DAY 2019 Events:
NOVEMBER IN ST ANDREWS
Held in and around the land of MacDuff, the Fife town that bears our patron saint’s name, Savour St Andrews offers a range of innovative food and drink events throughout November. Events in previous years have included Get a flavour of what Fife has to offer at the Chefs Taster Lunch at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews while On St Andrew’s Day itself, top chefs from around the area, have joined forces to offer you a St Andrew’s Day dinner like no other.
ST ANDREW’S FAIR SATURDAY, ACROSS SCOTLAND
For the first time ever, Scotland will be celebrating Fair Saturday on the last Saturday of November with events all over the country. Fair Saturday is a global movement which began in Bilbao, Spain, in 2015. The proceeds will go towards worthy charities and causes which promote fairness and sharing around the world. There are over 70 events to choose from, ranging from dance and theatre to live music, some of which are ticketed, but many are free to attend with a donation.
THE SALTIRE FESTIVAL, EAST LOTHIAN
The Saltire Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2019. To mark this milestone there will be plenty of exciting new events, alongside tasty treats at a range of food and drink experiences, fantastic live music and plenty of opportunities to delve into the past with history-themed experiences.
OBAN WINTER FESTIVAL
Head to the beautiful town of Oban on Scotland’s west coast in November to enjoy a huge range of fun events at the Oban Winter Festival, including traditional ceilidhs, whisky tastings, foodie markets, and a reindeer parade.
ST ANDREW’S DAY IN STORNOWAY
The winter festivities at Stornoway’s cultural hub, An Lanntair, will take place from November – January 2020, starting off with an action-packed week of St Andrew’s Day fun, including cinema, food and drink taster sessions, a quiz night and, of course, the best contemporary and traditional music.
Paisley First Winterfest
23rd November – 30th December 2019, Paisley
Be sure to get your winter woolies on and grab the rest of the family to embrace the festivities. Santa and his reindeer get a day off on Christmas Day but you can be sure of a jolly welcome throughout the winter.
Dundee Mountain Film Festival
28th – 30th November 2019, Dundee
Showcasing an international programme of speakers, as well as award winning films and exhibitions, held in Discovery Point, and Bonar Hall, Dundee.
Grand Snowflake Ball
30th November 2019, Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central
4 course dinner, a wonderful floor show, and dancing to a big band sound.
Christmas Party Night
30th November 2019, Dirleton, East Lothian
Spectacular dinner and dancing until the wee small hours at Archerfield Walled Garden.
The Flag Walk
30th November 2019, Drumpellier Country Park, Coatbridge
St Andrews day walk, two routes to choose from: A Wee Dauner (1 mile) or A Big Birl (3 miles). Everyone taking part will receive a Saltire flag to carry to celebrate the day.
DECEMBER 2019 Events:
Edinburgh Santa Run
1st December 2019, West princes Street Gardens
Santa’s will run, walk and stroll around West Princes Street Gardens, raising money to grant the Wishes of children for When You Wish Upon a Star.
Jingle Bell Fun Run
1st December 2019, Barshaw Park, Paisley
Wear jingle bells on your hats, jackets, gloves, shoes or wherever you choose, and be part of an amazing Jingle Bell orchestra! Bells will be provided. Fancy dress is optional.
Dundee Santa Dash
1st December 2019, Dundee City Square
We will once again be raising money for The ARCHIE Foundation and are hoping to get over 1000 “Santas” taking part and getting into the Festive Spirit.
Edinburgh’s Christmas
16th November 2019 – 4th January 2020, Edinburgh
Centred around Princes Street Gardens. The Light Night, the Traditional German Christmas Market, Santa’s Reindeer Garden, The Edinburgh Wheel, The Great Scottish Santa Run and Winter Wonderland and more, for the ultimate festive experience.
Christmas Shopping Fayre
3rd December 2019, Stirling Castle
Showcasing the very best of local Scottish brands, crafts and fine foods and drink.
The Big Sleep Out
7th December 2019, Edinburgh
Charity event, raising money with a worldwide sleep out to end homelessness globally.
Christmas Charity Festival
7th – 8th December 2019, Edinburgh
Great Scottish Events is a not-for-profit Social Enterprise. The main aim is to organise events on behalf of Scottish Charities, and the charities keep 100% of all money raised. Over 30 charity stalls, 5K and 10K runs, Christmas Walk, Tinsel Walk, The Santa Toddle, and The Santa Parade. Great fun for the whole family while helping deserving charities.
Breakfast With Santa
7th – 8th December, Airdrie
Includes: Breakfast, children’s entertainer, meet Santa, reindeer dust and selection box.
Glasgow Santa Dash
8th December 2019, Glasgow
Santa Claus is coming to town. Step into your Santa suit and join him and thousands of other Santas for a festive 5K run!
Glasgow Christmas Markets
9th November – 23rd December 2019, St Enoch Square
Lots of food and drink plus traders from across the globe, as well as closer to home, selling artisan products and high quality crafts.
Peter Pan
14th – 31st December 2019, SEC, Glasgow
A swashbuckling family adventure as the Jolly Roger navigates the perilous high seas and throws anchor in the Clyde.
Santa Fun Run & Elf Dash
15th December 2019, Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith
Run as Santa Claus for a most worthy cause. Our festive Santa fun run through the magical woodlands of Dalkeith Country Park.
Santa And The Snow
16th November – 24th December 2019, INTU Braehead
Sing along on the New-for-2019 Polar Express Snow Train as you travel from INTU Braehead to Santa’s Workshop. Dance beside the Penguin Band and watch Santa’s Elves making toys for all the children around the world.
Santa Fun Run & Elf Dash
15th December 2019, Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith
Run as Santa Claus for a most worthy cause. Our festive Santa fun run through the magical woodlands of Dalkeith Country Park.
Irn Bru Carnival
20th December 2019 – 12th January 2020, SECC Glasgow
Europe’s largest indoor fun fair, with over 60 rides and attractions, as well as new and exciting additions for thrill seekers, families and more kids rides than ever.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
30th December 2019 – 1st January 2020, Edinburgh
The world’s greatest New Year party with days and nights of amazing events and fun, with the traditional torchlit procession, street performers, fireworks, concerts, ceilidh, and of course, the big Hogmanay party itself.
Hogmanay Midnight Fireworks
31st December 2019, Stirling Castle
Spectacular fireworks display and hot food vendors in the grounds of Stirling Castle.
Hogmanay Ceilidh
31st December 2019, Archerfield Walled Garden, Dirleton
Enjoy the party with a cocktail on arrival, a delicious 4 course dinner, fizz at the bells, Auld Lang Syne, and dancing til the wee hours.
Whether you can join us in person or celebrate in spirit, I invite you to take a look at the links I have provided to know more of each celebration and observance.
The very best to you and yours in December with a happy St. Andrews Day, a joyful Christmas and a rousing Hogmanay!
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