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SPRING is the perfect time to get out and about, visit Scotland’s brilliant local attractions – and make memories that will last a lifetime.
With hundreds of places to visit - from museums and art galleries to nature reserves, music, food and drink festivals and everything in between - there’s a host of fun days out that are ideal for the whole family.
And great value deals, like Good Journey discounts on selected attraction entry fees when you travel by train or bus, mean you won’t have to blow the budget either.
Michael Golding, Chief Executive Officer at the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions, said: “Visitors travel from all over the world to experience Scotland’s incredible attractions, yet we often overlook the outstanding places that are right on our doorstep.
“From history and heritage to culture, adventure, and family fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
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BRIGHTEN YOUR AUTUMN AND WINTER WITH HIDDEN-GEM EVENTS ACROSS SCOTLAND
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“Choose anything from pork medallions, which are really lean, to juicy pork chops for meals you can have on the table in less than 30 minutes.
“Pork is so versatile which makes it a great option when you’re looking to create tasty dinners without all the fuss.”
Mum Hayley, 33, is based at The Butcher The Baker in Dundee. She reckons pork is often overlooked because we think it’s tricky to cook – or because we’re not sure what meals to make with it.
She adds: “In reality pork offers exceptional value.
“It has a rich flavour and tenderness that rivals expensive cuts of other meats when cooked and prepared properly.
“I’m always happy to help customers with cooking advice and recipe ideas or to prepare the meat with spice mixes or marinades to save them prep time at home.”
ardkinglas gardens
Cairndow, Loch Fyne, Argyll
DISCOVER a multi award-winning sound and light show that uses dazzling visual displays, innovative design and music to transform Faskally Wood into a truly magical setting. In this year’s Luminara show, which sees nature and technology co-exist in perfect harmony, you can explore the forest trail for an unforgettable experience accessible to wheelchairs and prams and perfect for the whole family.
THE ENCHANTED FOREST
Pitlochry, Perthshire: October 2 – November 2
MARVEL at this spectacular event featuring a thrilling town centre-wide parade at 7pm each night with professional artists, costumed and choreographed community groups, large puppets and sound and light. There’s also a live stage, street performers, lighting displays, street food stalls and family-friendly entertainment.
PAISLEY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
Renfrewshire: October 24 – 25
GET ready to be blown away at this full-throttle celebration of colour, light and sound, with cutting-edge pyrotechnics, immersive live entertainment and an epic fireworks display set to music – as well as a spectacular laser show and a live bonfire. Expect an electric atmosphere at this after-dark adventure bursting with surprises.
Fawkes Festival
Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston Edinburgh: November 2
TAKE a stroll along this awe-inspiring after-dark trail with breathtaking colour-changing light displays set to instrumental music. Round off your festive walk with a hot drink and marshmallows toasted at the fire pit or grab a bite to eat from one of the street food vendors. Look out for Santa and make sure to give him a wave!
CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh: November 20 – December 30
CELEBRATE the night when the veil between the spirit world and the mortal world disappears and beckon in the new winter season at this traditional fire festival. Visitors can warm their chilly feet by the fire in the Iron Age Village, listen to stories and songs and watch as wicker burns on the beach. Costumes are encouraged and all ages are welcome.
SAMHAIN FESTIVAL
the Scottish Crannog Centre, Dalerb, Perthshire: October 31
KICK off your Christmas countdown at this fun, family-friendly event packed with live entertainment including choirs, dancers and talented musicians, kids’ fairground rides, Santa at SEA LIFE, festive food and drink stalls, sparkling selfie spots and a fabulous market with unique gifts, crafts and delicious treats.
loch lomond christmas FESTIVAL
Balloch: December 6 – 7, 10am – 5pm
HEAD to this pretty coastal town for the biggest winter party in the west – with festive lights, music and holiday cheer. Events include a Victorian Market, Reindeer Parade, ceilidhs, workshops for kids and a light show. Pick up a Chrisrtmas gift for a loved-one, enjoy restaurants and bars or book a whisky tour and tasting at Oban Distillery.
Oban Winter Festival
Oban, Argyll and the Isles: November 14 – December 21
THE city has a raft of festive fun on offer for families this winter. The city square will sparkle at the heart of the celebrations as it’s transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors will explore traditional market stalls with crafty gifts and delicious street food and drink and there’s also a fair to entertain the kids. The fun kicks off on November 16 with a fun day including live music, a Santa Dash 5k run and the tree light switch on.
LIGHT it up
THE city has a raft of festive fun on offer for families this winter. The city square will sparkle at the heart of the celebrations as it’s transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors will explore traditional market stalls with crafty gifts and delicious street food and drink and there’s also a fair to entertain the kids. The fun kicks off on November 16 with a fun day including live music, a Santa Dash 5k run and the tree light switch on.
DUBBED as the town’s most spectacular event Paisley Halloween Festival is back for 2025.
And organisers have promised it will be bigger, brighter and more fantastical than ever.
The event brings the community together with Kibble School, RickUs Community Choir and STAR Project among the many local organisations that take part.
And Pauline Allan, Events Manager at Renfrewshire Council, says her team aims to create positive and memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
She said: “Our approach to the programming of our events has always had community collaboration at its heart and this year is no different. Paisley Halloween Festival is one of our largest events and offers plenty of opportunities for people to flex their creative muscle and participate in the shaping of the festival.
“Local people will play a pivotal role in the success of Paisley Halloween Festival through making costumes and props for the parade, performing in their local community groups on the stage or in the parade or by signing up for one of the varied volunteer roles to support the event delivery.
”Pauline says creativity and culture are at the heart of the area’s events.
She added: “Whether it be through participating in the festival or coming along to enjoy the event as a spectator our events play an important role in bringing all our communities together and promoting a sense of civic pride.”
Aberdeen: March 14 – 15, 2025
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SPOOKTACULAR
She said: “Our approach to the programming of our events has always had community collaboration at its heart and this year is no different. Paisley Halloween Festival is one of our largest events and offers plenty of opportunities for people to flex their creative muscle and participate in the shaping of the festival.
“Local people will play a pivotal role in the success of Paisley Halloween Festival through making costumes and props for the parade, performing in their local community groups on the stage or in the parade or by signing up for one of the varied volunteer roles to support the event delivery.
”Pauline says creativity and culture are at the heart of the area’s events.
She added: “Whether it be through participating in the festival or coming along to enjoy the event as a spectator our events play an important role in bringing all our communities together and promoting a sense of civic pride.”
comic con scotland
comic con scotland
Aberdeen: March 14 – 15, 2025
comic con scotland
Aberdeen: March 14 – 15, 2025
THE BIG HOOLIE
St Andrews, Fife: November 29
WHERE better to celebrate St Andrew’s Day than in the town itself? Expect an unforgettable day packed with fun – with everything from a live music stage, an exhilarating outdoor ceilidh, a community market and a spectacular fireworks display.
THE BIG HOOLIE
St Andrews, Fife: November 29
WHERE better to celebrate St Andrew’s Day than in the town itself? Expect an unforgettable day packed with fun – with everything from a live music stage, an exhilarating outdoor ceilidh, a community market and a spectacular fireworks display.
Hayley Glen - The Butcher The Baker, Dundee
Credit - Kenny Lam
Credit -Dylan Glynn
Credit -Dylan Glynn
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Credit -xxxxxxxxx
Credit -xxxxxxxxx
Credit -xxxxxxxxx
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Credit -Paul Reid
Credit -Jamie Simpson
FROM festivals to fun days out Scotland has it all going on this autumn and winter.
Whether you’re looking for a spooktacular Halloween experience, want to catch up with your favourite superhero or want to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, there are brilliant events that are good for the mind, body and soul.
Get set to be amazed at iconic venues, caught up in the atmosphere of excited crowds, inspired by stunning scenery that’s the backdrop to so many events or blown away by outdoor light shows, live music and festive food and drink.
Choose from a fantastic range of accommodation, with everything from boutique hotels and city centre apartments to cosy lochside cottages, yurts and treehouses.
With a wealth of events and festivals to choose from, you’ll find plenty that’s perfect for the whole family.
THE ENCHANTED FOREST
Pitlochry, Perthshire: October 2 – November 2
Credit - VisitScotland/Kenny Lam
DISCOVER a multi award-winning sound and light show that uses dazzling visual displays, innovative design and music to transform Faskally Wood into a truly magical setting. In this year’s Luminara show, which sees nature and technology co-exist in perfect harmony, you can explore the forest trail for an unforgettable experience accessible to wheelchairs and prams.
MARVEL at this spectacular event featuring a thrilling town centre-wide parade at 7pm each night with professional artists, costumed and choreographed community groups, large puppets and sound and light. There’s also a live stage, street performers, lighting displays, street food stalls and family-friendly entertainment.
Credit -Dylan Glynn
PAISLEY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
Renfrewshire: October 24 – 25
STEP into the Botanic Gardens for an all-new 60-minute blockbuster light and sound show and explore the icons of Glasgow’s past and present in a spooky celebration of the city’s 850th anniversary. Some will give you chills, some will make you laugh – all will light you up. Head to the street food village for pizza, hot chocolate and churros.
Credit -GlasGlow
glasglow
Botanic Gardens, Glasgow: October 24 – November 9
CELEBRATE the night when the veil between the spirit world and the mortal world disappears and beckon in the new winter season at this traditional fire festival. Visitors can warm their chilly feet by the fire in the Iron Age Village, listen to stories and songs and watch as wicker burns on the beach. Costumes are encouraged and all ages are welcome.
Credit -The Scottish Crannog Centre
SAMHAIN FESTIVAL
the Scottish Crannog Centre, by kenmore, Perthshire: October 31
HEAD to this pretty coastal town for the biggest winter party in the west – with festive lights, music and holiday cheer. Events include a Victorian Market, Reindeer Parade, ceilidhs, workshops for kids and a light show. Pick up a Christmas gift for a loved-one, enjoy restaurants and bars or book a whisky tour and tasting at Oban Distillery.
Credit -Oban and Lorn Tourism Alliance/Sheila McIntyre
Oban Winter Festival
Oban, Argyll and the Isles: November 14 – December 21
THE city has a raft of festive fun on offer for families this winter. The city square will sparkle at the heart of the celebrations as it’s transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors will explore traditional market stalls with crafty gifts and delicious street food and drink and there’s also a fair to entertain the kids. The fun kicks off on November 16 with a fun day including live music, a Santa Dash 5k run and the tree light switch on.
Credit -VisitScotland/Kenny Lam
Dundee Christmas
Dundee: November 16 to December 31
TAKE a stroll along this awe-inspiring after-dark trail with breathtaking colour-changing light displays set to instrumental music. Round off your festive walk with a hot drink and marshmallows toasted at the fire pit or grab a bite to eat from one of the street food vendors. Look out for Santa and make sure to give him a wave!
Credit -VisitScotland/Kenny Lam
CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh: November 20 – December 30
KICK off your Christmas countdown at this fun, family-friendly event packed with live entertainment including choirs, dancers and talented musicians. There are kids’ fairground rides, Santa at SEA LIFE, festive food and drink stalls, sparkling selfie spots and a fabulous market with unique gifts, crafts and delicious treats.
Credit -Loch Lomond Shores
loch lomond christmas FESTIVAL
Balloch: December 6 – 7
CELEBRATE all things pop culture at this brilliant event. Meet your heroes, watch the fabulous cosplayers strut their stuff on stage, pose for selfies with unique props or set builds from your favourite shows and movies, test your skills in the retro and modern gaming areas or browse the stalls for special gifts.
Details of all events are correct at the time of publishing, but event information can change so it’s best to check dedicated websites before planning your visit.
Credit -Paul Reid
comic con scotland
Aberdeen: March 14 – 15, 2026
SPOOKTACULAR
Credit -Jamie Simpson
DUBBED as the town’s most spectacular event Paisley Halloween Festival is back for 2025.
And organisers have promised it will be bigger, brighter and more fantastical than ever.
The event brings the community together with Kibble School, RickUs Community Choir and STAR Project among the many local organisations that take part.
PAULINE ALLAN
And Pauline Allan, Events Manager at Renfrewshire Council, says her team aims to create positive and memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
She said: “Our approach to the programming of our events has always had community collaboration at its heart and this year is no different. Paisley Halloween Festival is one of our largest events and offers plenty of opportunities for people to flex their creative muscle and participate in the shaping of the festival.
“Local people will play a pivotal role in the success of Paisley Halloween Festival through making costumes and props for the parade, performing in their local community groups on the stage or in the parade or by signing up for one of the varied volunteer roles to support the event delivery.”
Pauline says creativity and culture are at the heart of the area’s events.
She added: “Whether it be through participating in the festival or coming along to enjoy the event as a spectator our events play an important role in bringing all our communities together and promoting a sense of civic pride.”
three of the best
Credit -VisitScotland/Kenny Lam
LOOKING for more? Here are three of Scotland’s most popular events this season.
THE BIG HOOLIE
St Andrews, Fife: November 29
WHERE better to celebrate St Andrew’s Day than in the famous Fife town itself? Expect an unforgettable fun-packed day – with everything from a live music stage, an exhilarating outdoor ceilidh, a community market and a spectacular fireworks display.
ONE of the greatest outdoor celebrations of New Year’s Eve in the world with a knees-up that lasts for days. Events include the Torchlight Procession, on December 29, a live Concert in the Gardens with headline act Wet Leg, a massive outdoor street party, stunning fireworks and a mass joining of hands to belt out Burns’ Auld Lang Syne just after midnight…
EDINBURGH'S HOGMANAY
Edinburgh: December 29 - january 1
CELTIC CONNECTIONS
Glasgow: January 15 – February 1 2026
BANISH the winter blues at this annual celebration of folk, roots and world music with its brilliant mix of Scottish and international artists, exciting new performances and unique showcases. Enjoy the camaraderie between musicians at the Festival Club – home to many a late-night collaboration or spontaneous musical session.
HEAD TO VISITSCOTLAND.COM
FOR MORE EVENT IDEAS AND INSPIRATION