Here are 10 Christmas markets and fairs taking place across Scotland to look out for this season.
Bowhouse Christmas Market
St Monans, Fife
December 13 to 15
All year round the team at Bowhouse runs one of Scotland’s finest food and drink markets, showcasing the best of local retailers from the East Neuk of Fife and beyond.
They’re going all out for their festive edition with an extra day and a list of vendors that will help you find the perfect selection of stocking fillers and foodie treats to make Christmas day snacking even more special.
Christmas Weekend at Nick’s
Port of Menteith
December 7 and 8
Celebrity chef Nick Nairn has planned a programme full of festive fun at his Port of Menteith restaurant from themed long table feasts to a lively New Year’s Eve bash.
Get into the spirit with a visit to the gorgeous lakeside venue during its Christmas Market weekend for a chance to take in live cooking demonstrations, peruse the homeware section at Home by Julia Nairn or “simply soak in the atmosphere” while enjoying a spot of lunch.
Ingram Street Christmas Market
Ingram Street, Glasgow
December 14,15 and 21
Just a short walk away from the city’s two main Christmas markets at the St Enoch Centre and George Square, this year a well-known restaurant group is planning a celebration of its own.
For the first time, Bow Hospitality will host a market event in the outdoor space of The Merchant Steakhouse on Ingram Street.
There, you’ll find a seasonal bar, live entertainment, a Santa’s grotto and local vendors specialising in ‘bespoke gifts and holiday treasures’.
Hopetoun House Christmas Fair
Hopetoun House, South Queensferry
November 29, 30 and December 1
The annual fair returns to this stunning stately home In South Queensferry next weekend offering a ‘welcome release from the pre-Christmas rush of high street shopping’.
If you find yourself peckish after discovering each of the 50 exhibitors, pay a visit to The Big Blu Pizza Van, Papa’s loaded fries or the Flat Flat White Mobile Coffee Van.
Christmas Shopping Fair
Stirling Castle
December 3
Could there be a more magical setting to take in a brass band performance while tucking into a mince pie and mulled wine?
The Christmas Shopping Fair returns to Stirling Castle in the first week of December this year, bringing together independent Scottish brands, crafts and fine foods and drink in the splendour of the Great Hall, Palace Apartments, and Chapel Royal.
Tickets for this one are selling out fast, so be sure to book your slot in advance to avoid disappointment.
Eden Court Christmas Fair
November 29, 30 and December, 1
This world-renowned theatre on the banks of the River Ness is preparing for a three-day Christmas bonanza.
There’s sure to be plenty of gifting inspiration, but for any foodie the real draw of this event are the food and drink producers offering everything from pickles and preserves to freshly ground coffee beans or craft beers and spirits.
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival
December 7 and 8
Kick off the festive season with a day trip to Loch Lomond Shores for this free-to-attend festival.
There will be plenty to keep young ones entertained including Frozen-themed funfair rides and Santa visits while elsewhere you’ll be able to stock up on fresh produce or sit back and relax over an afternoon cup of tea with a range of festive bakes at Café Zest.
Riverside Christmas Market
Riverside Museum, Glasgow
November, 30 to December, 1
Over 60 stalls are already confirmed to attend this Christmas Market event in one of Glasgow’s best-loved museum spaces.
The team behind the event promises you’ll be ‘spoilt for choice’ with a range of sweet treats, handcrafted gifts and even festive decorations to ensure your tree is looking its best.
When you’re all done with shopping, be sure to stop by Events Square outside the venue to take in a collection of 20 vintage vehicles including buses and fire engines.
Oban Winter Festival
Various locations across Oban
Running now until November, 30
The early birds at the Oban Winter Festival have already been celebrating the season for over a week, but there’s still time to catch the final days of a jam-packed programme of events across the seaside town.
Highlights range from markets at the Oban Distillery to freshly made waffles at the Oban Chocolate Factory or a ‘Haggis Festival’ where Scottish butchers will go head to head to win the coveted ‘Golden Haggis Award’.
Whitekirk Hill Christmas Fair
November 22 to 24
If you just can’t wait any longer for your first festive outing of the year, make your way to Whitekirk Hill Resort just outside of Edinburgh this weekend.
The Christmas fair takes place over three days at the venue with a ‘superb range of Scottish products’ like Damn Fine Cheese, chutney from Spice Harmony and locally produced honey.
