From food & drink and cultural events to wildlife and action-packed adventures, Scotland has a packed schedule of events and experiences on offer this winter, with something to suit all travel tastes and budgets.
Great Tapestry of Scotland, Cockenzie House and Gardens, East Lothian: until 8th December
The stunning Great Tapestry of Scotland is a unique project to stitch the entire story of Scotland from pre-history to modern times. It is the World’s longest tapestry and one of the biggest community arts projects ever to take place in Scotland. The project took over two years to complete and required over 1,000 volunteer stitchers from all areas of Scotland, over 65,000 hours of stitching and over 300 miles of wool, all to depict 420 million years of Scottish history in 160 panels. Visit http://cockenzieheritage.co.uk/ for more information.
Edinburgh Christmas markets: 22nd November - 5th January
Everyone loves a Christmas market, and this year there are three to choose from. The European market is a traditional and romantic market, located in the picturesque setting of The Mound, where shoppers will find crafts, art, gift shops and gastronomic surprises. There’s also the Scottish Market in the heart of St Andrew’s Square, where traditional and modern Scottish gifts, foods and drinks will be on offer. While the adults are indulging in some locally produced culinary delicacies, the kids can enjoy the new Children’s Market where specialist stall holders will be selling toys and goodies, so kids (and big kids) can delight in finding a special gift.
Limbo, Speigaltent, St Andrew’s Square, Edinburgh: 22nd November 2013 - 4th January 2014
A festive celebration of otherworldly proportions, check out the greatest party ever between heaven and hell. Following critical acclaim in Adelaide, Australia and a sold out run at the Southbank Centre in London, Limbo brings heart-stopping illusions, mind-bending manoeuvres, breathtaking dance moves and thrilling live music from highly skilled performers to Scotland’s festive revelers.
Glasgow Loves Christmas:
Families, shoppers and festive folk are set to travel from far and wide to soak up the magical atmosphere in Glasgow this Christmas. Gearing up to welcome over 11 million visitors to the city over the Christmas season, Glasgow offers a jam-packed programme of festive events, stylish shopping and great places to eat and drink all against a glittering city centre backdrop.
Glasgow on Ice, George Square: From 23rd November
The Glasgow on Ice returns to George Square from Saturday 23rd November with more fun on the ice for all the family and the Christmas Marquee packed full of free live music, singing, festive films and much more!
Glasgow Christmas Market, St Enoch Square: 16th November - 23rd December
St Enoch’s Square will again host Glasgow’s Christmas Market, a showcase of gifts, crafts and food and drink from around the world, open from 10am – 8pm Mon – Weds, 10am - 9pm Thurs - Sat and 10am - 6pm on Sundays. Traders will travel from as far afield as Ecuador and Russia with one special visitor joining all the way from Lapland. 50 colourful stalls will offer a selection of gifts, artisan products and global cuisine set in the festive village of rustic cabins and stalls. This truly seasonal experience for all the family has something for everyone, from scarves, jewellery, hats and purses, to chutneys, cheeses and waffles. Browse round the stalls and fill your senses with the smells and sounds of Christmas as you sip Gluhweine or a warming hot chocolate. You'll be tempted by the fresh food on offer day and night including gourmet burgers, hog roast and traditional French crepes, come and enjoy the Christmas Market - it’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.
Experience Glasgow’s outstanding arenas
Glasgow is now home to a state-of the art live events venue, the SSE Hydro, which has an impressive events line-up over the coming months, including concerts from Deacon Blue, Fleetwood Mac, Rod Stewart, Stereophonics and Nickleback, to name a few. Glasgow is the host city for the Commonwealth Games 2014 and its iconic Emirates Arena is also worth a visit, even for the non-sports fans amongst us! Enjoy a tour of the Arena and take in the impressive Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, as well as the Sports Arena, which has capacity for over 7,000 spectators. The Arena is also home to Refresh Spa, where you can unwind after your tour and enjoy one of its many face or body treatments.
The Lion King, Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh: Until 18th January
Visitors to the east coast of Scotland can embrace their inner child as the award-winning musical, The Lion King roars into Edinburgh for a three-month run at the city’s Playhouse Theatre. Tickets are available priced from £25. An exclusive exhibition is also being held at City Art Centre, allowing visitors an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of the epic production. Exploring The Lion King - From Inspiration to Realisation will reveal the development, inspiration and realisation for the production, including full character costumes, masks and puppets, original maquette models, costume sketches, videos, and interactive touch screens. Tickets are free.
The home of golf
Scotland, the Home of Golf, has over 550 golf courses! Next year sees Scotland host the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, just one of its very fine courses. Scotland has five Open Championship courses; Carnoustie, St. Andrew’s, Muirfield, Turnberry – Ailsa and Royal Troon. Take in some of Scotland’s deep golfing history, with a round at Kingarrock Golf Course, Cupar, www.kingarrock.com where you can play hickory golf with the old style clubs and even in old style attire. Or before the wild winter weather is upon us, why not take a trip to the stunning Tobermory Golf Course, on the Isle of Mull. This breathtaking 9-hole course is set on the cliff tops above Tobermory Bay! www.tobergolfclub.com Due to the hilly nature of the course, it provides a real challenge to all golfers. Following your round, enjoy some relaxation in the cosy Clubhouse, where you will be sure of a warm welcome.
Go wild in Scotland
Visitors to the north Highlands are invited to take part in the Wild North Festival, which takes place throughout the winter across the region. The festival celebrates the wild character of the area by hosting a range of events, activities and special offers across many iconic settings. Events include a patchwork meadow art project (the only one in the UK), the red deer rutting, the Torridon walking festival at Wester Ross, the 2020 Vision theatre show and much more. Ticket and event information is available on the Wild North website www.northhighlandsscotland.com/wildnorth/
