Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

Article Source: TASTE
Last Updated: 7 November 2025 11:18

The festive season brings more than twinkling lights and Christmas markets. It’s a chance to gather, celebrate and make memories. Whether you’re planning a day out with the little ones, a creative morning with friends or a lively night of music and dancing, there’s something for every taste and pace in this round up of experiences that promise to make the season feel special.

Dance the night away at Radisson Blu Glasgow’s festive parties
On the 19th and 20th December, the ballroom at Radisson Blu Glasgow fills with live music from Unison Anthems and Carbon Copy, a DJ spinning throughout the evening and a three-course seasonal feast. Guests are greeted with a glass of fizz, and tables enjoy a complimentary wine and beer package for these dates only, keeping the celebrations flowing.

Earlier on 19th December, the suite hosts a festive lunch. Friends or colleagues can gather over a three-course meal, fizz in hand, while the resident DJ keeps the atmosphere lively. Tables for lunch also receive the same complimentary drinks package, so the midday gathering sparkles just as much as the evening.
Book by email: events.glasgow@radissonblu.com
View more: HERE

Deck the halls with wreath making at Hamilton Park
On 29th November, Hamilton Park offers a hands-on start to the festive season with a wreath making session led by award-winning florist Eoin Irving-Knowles. Guests can tuck into mince pies and a festive drink before crafting their own seasonal wreaths, using foliage designed to last for months and adding delicate adornments along the way. It’s a relaxed, creative morning to share with friends, family, or colleagues, and a way to take a little of the season home.
View more: HERE

Bring the little ones to meet Santa at Hampden Park
Hampden Park is serving up a Christmas experience with a twist this year. Families can enjoy Breakfast with Santa at Scotland’s national stadium, where little ones can meet Santa himself and take home a special gift. Between face painting, a festive disco and a surprise appearance from Roary the Lion - Scotland’s beloved mascot - there’s plenty to keep the energy high. Parents can relax with a filled breakfast roll before the whole family heads off for an exclusive behind-the-scenes stadium tour.
View more: HERE

Festive sing along at Hard Rock Cafe, Edinburgh
Kick off the season with the little ones at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh. On the big screen, enjoy the heartwarming holiday classic The Muppet Christmas Carol while tucking into a full breakfast. Festive dress-up is encouraged: Christmas jumpers, Santa hats, and sparkles are all welcome, making it a fun, seasonal start to the day.
View more: HERE

Browse festive market stalls at Knipoch House Hotel, Oban
Knipoch House Hotel opens its door for its Christmas markets this festive season, welcoming visitors with local stalls, seasonal treats, live music and Santa themed activities for kids. The first weekend coincides with the Oban Christmas lights switch-on on 22nd November, making it the perfect time to soak up the town’s festive energy. Beyond the markets, the hotel invites guests to linger with its three-course festive menu, running from 15th November to 23rd December. Expect seasonal favourites from smoked salmon pate to roast turkey with all the trimmings.
View more: HERE

Ring in the bells at Duisdale House Hotel, Isle of Skye
Duisdale House Hotel welcomes guests to celebrate Hogmanay with a full evening of Scottish tradition and festivities. The night begins with Champagne on arrival, followed by a piper leading guests into a seven-course dinner. Evening entertainment continues with live music and a lively ceilidh, culminating in fireworks at The Bells. The celebrations carry on until 1am, with bedtime bacon rolls providing a final festive touch. Non-residents are welcome to join, making it a memorable way to see in the New Year on the Isle of Skye.
View more: HERE

An enchanting Hogmanay Escape at the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
Ring in Hogmanay at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews with the Hogmanay Escape and Enchanting NYE package. The two-night stay begins with a Champagne welcome and dinner in the Road Hole Restaurant or Conservatory. As midnight approaches, guests gather in the Swilcan Loft for the Hogmanay party, complete with a disco, bagpiper, and front-row views of the fireworks over St Andrews.

New Year’s Day starts with a full Scottish breakfast, with time to relax or visit the Kohler Waters Spa, before dinner in the Road Hole Restaurant. A simpler two-night stay is also available for those who prefer to enjoy the celebrations without the dinner or party.
View more: HERE

Champagne Picnic Brunch Series in the Old Course Hotel’s Winter Garden, St Andrews
The Old Course Hotel is bringing a touch of sparkle to the salon with its Winter Garden Champagne Brunches, relaxed and feel-good afternoons filled with festive cheer. Set against the backdrop of the Winter Garden in the Conservatory, guests can enjoy a winter-inspired picnic spread paired with three glasses of Veuve Clicquot Champagne or French Bloom, a refined alcohol-free alternative. With live DJ sets and a cosy atmosphere, the brunches on 23rd November and 7th December promise the perfect blend of music, bubbles and seasonal warmth.
View more: HERE

Thistles' Santa’s Grotto, Stirling
Thistles Stirling is bringing back its sell-out Santa’s Grotto to help raise vital funds for local charity Strathcarron Hospice. Event goers will have the chance to meet Santa, make reindeer food, receive a gift and see Santa’s elves, whilst also exploring what Thistles has to offer this festive season.

Returning to the centre on the 29th of November until Christmas Eve, all proceeds from the Grotto ticket sales will go directly to Thistles' long-standing charity partner, Strathcarron Hospice.
View more: HERE

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Lanarkshire News

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Michel Roux unveils new laidback menu at Crossbasket Castle

Crossbasket Castle, one of Scotland's most enchanting five-star destinations, has unveiled a new Market Menu at its Foveran's restaurant.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Beat the Street CamGlen winners announced!

The Beat the Street challenge taking place across Cambuslang and Rutherglen has now concluded and the winners have been announced!

Pumpkin drive for pigs at the National Museum of Rural Life to reduce waste this Halloween

Visitors to the National Museum of Rural Life are being encouraged to donate their Halloween pumpkins and turnips on November 1st.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Theme park set to host Miss Rachel shows

M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, in partnership with Wicked Entertainment, is to host Miss Rachel inspired shows following sell out performances earlier in the year.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Community group celebrates four years of success thanks to green funding

A once little-known and unmanaged woodland in South Lanarkshire is now a vibrant outdoor learning space, thanks to a £117k renewables grant.

Enjoy the inaugural Haunted Hatchlings Duck Dash: Curse of the Black Lade at New Lanark World Heritage Site this Halloween

For the first time this Halloween, the quiet world heritage village of New Lanark will gather for a Haunted Duck Race down the 'eerie' Lade, the water channel conveying water to the mill-wheel.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Motherwell shopper scoops cash for CHAS in Aldi Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland's much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Motherwell, and one lucky local winner has raised £456.89 for CHAS while picking up the same amount in for herself.

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

Sponsored Links

Latest Lanarkshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings