From light shows to grottos, the run-up to Christmas is all about dark nights, cosy drinks and gathering with family and friends.

Princes Street is the hub for Edinburgh’s Christmas (until Sunday 4 January), with the traditional markets and attractions like the LNER Big Wheel drawing the crowds. An all-new community programme at the Ross Bandstand includes Red Hot Chilli Pipers headlining a free day of fun on Fair Saturday (29 November), part of a global movement that celebrates artists, culture and social projects in response to the naked commercialisation of Black Friday. The Silent Disco Christmas Cracker (Saturday 13 December) looks like fun too, and you’ll find the ice rink and polar bar at George Street. 

In Glasgow, the refurb of George Square means changes to the traditional celebrations. Glasgow’s Winter Wonderland (Friday 21 November–Sunday 4 January) will be split over two sites: Glasgow Green has an ice rink, Big Top Festive Live and the scarier rides, while St Enoch Square has a family-friendly feel, including a solar-powered giant wheel (with wheelchair access).  Both spots have market stalls and plenty of food and drink to help you make a day of it. The traditional Christmas tree and nativity scene moves to the Cathedral Precinct, and a new festive light trail will see the city sparkle. Heading indoors, Glasgow Science Centre is screening classic festive films in The Planetarium dome, as well as full-dome experiences that set classic albums like Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon to 360° visuals.

When it comes to light shows, east coasters are spoiled for choice. As well as Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns, Castle Of Light: Fire And Ice will see Edinburgh Castle all lit up and lovely (Friday 21 November–Sunday 4 January).  Christmas At The Botanics also returns (Thursday 20 November–Tuesday 30 December), with an all-new light trail bringing drama to the gardens, with lots of hot chocolate stops and more than enough prettiness to fill up your camera roll. 

If you want to combine the festive fuzzies with a bit of art, Christmas At Jupiter has an expanded programme (Saturday 6–Sunday 14 December). They’ve got Christmas movies, the ever-popular Christmas Fair (weekends only), Santa, elves and all the rest. For the first time, the sculpture park will be open for the duration, so you can view the art, too. If you’ve never visited The Real Mary King’s Close, December is a great time to give it a whirl: they’ve added A Victorian Christmas experience to their standard tour (Saturday 6–Sunday 28 December). 

Finally, don’t let Christmas get you down. Laugh off the stress of deciding who sits next to Uncle Mike at dinner, or simply avoid talking to your colleagues by having office drinks while watching comedy. Christmas At The Stand comedy specials (Edinburgh & Glasgow, dates vary) will see you right. 

This article comes from WishList 2025, our guide dedicated to making your festive season a little more special. Pick up your copy now from wherever you get your copy of The List. Main picture: Craig Duncan. 

Red alert

What better way to get into the seasonal spirit than a visit to the big Christmas kahuna himself? Here are some of the best spots to let Santa know what you want in your stocking

Santa’s Stories (part of Edinburgh’s Christmas) sees the main man setting up home in West Princes Street Gardens for the duration. After a group story, each wee one will get to meet Santa and receive a special gift. If you’ve put off writing the Santa letter, there’s a post box and letter-writing station. Elf Adventures at St James Quarter is also worth a look: storytime, elf school and reindeer food-making are all available on a drop-in basis. Further afield, Craigie’s Farm, Archerfield Walled Garden and Conifox Adventure Park all have visits from the man in the red suit.

Glasgow’s Winter Wonderland on Glasgow Green has a pretty Santa grotto with bookable visits. If you’re exploring Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square, you can also drop by the grotto in the St Enoch Centre. Santa’s Snowy Hideaway includes a gift, face-painting, crafts and a photo op, with all proceeds going to Street Soccer Scotland.

Finally, don’t forget good old Dobbies. As well as grottos in their stores, there are lots of different experiences for the young and the young-at-heart, including Santa breakfasts and (our fave) Santa Paws sessions for four-legged fur babies.