Stirling Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade & Festive Programme
Christmas is just around the corner, and we’re taking a look at Stirling’s magical festive programme this winter! We have plenty of events to see Santa, get into the festive spirit with Christmas Markets and wreath making, as well as your festive nights out! Check out the programme below!
Christmas Light Switch-On Parade
Festive Outdoors Adventures
Your Festive Night Out
Stirling Christmas Light Switch-On Parade!
Saturday 15th November 2025
Santa and Mrs Claus visited Stirling on Saturday 15th to switch on the Christmas Lights. There were accompanied by Lord Provost Rosemary Fraser, the City of Stirling Pipe Band, Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band, Christmas street performers and characters, Stirling Scouts Cubs & Beavers. During the day there was Christmas Caroling at the Roundel, the farmers market with lots of treats and street performers to entertain the crowd. If you have missed this event find out where else you can see Santa!
Enjoy Stirling’s festive programme packed with activities and entertainment for the whole family.
Festive Outdoors Adventures
1st & 2nd January New Year Festive Cruises on Loch Katrine
Enjoy a ‘New Year Celebration Cruise’ aboard the steamship Sir Walter Scott, taking in the magical scenery of Loch Katrine and the Trossachs. Cruises depart at 11:30hrs, 13:00hrs and 14:30hrs on the 1st and 2nd of January, and last for one hour. Enjoy traditional Scottish music on board with the Ian Muir band, with a complimentary dram or glass of prosecco. Hot drinks and something a little stronger available from our on board bar; well it is New Year!
Celebrate the season together!
27th – 31st December: Winterlight at the Albert Halls
The Albert Halls Stirling presents Winterlight – a dazzling new winter festival that will light up your December evenings with spectacular live music, featuring some of the biggest acts in Scottish music.
Get ready to dance with friends to some of the best live music Scotland has to offer including headliners Skerryvore, Mànran, Elephant Sessions and special guests, Maria McAveety, Kinnaris Q and Beluga Lagoon (Solo) as we close off 2025 in style and build up to the bells together in the heart of Stirling.
31st December: Hogmanay at Stirling County
Celebrate the end of 2025 in style and bring in 2026 in the sparkling grand marquee at Stirling County RFC. You will enjoy a welcome drink on arrival followed by a delicious 3 course meal. Live music will be provided by The Mini Guns band, who are back by popular demand after an outstanding performance last year.
31st December: Gartmore Hogmanay Ceilidh
Get ready to celebrate in spectacular style as the Gartmore Ceilidh lights up the calendar for 2026.
The Gartmore Hogmanay Ceilidh is not just a dance; it’s a journey through Scottish history. With every reel, jig, Strip-the-Willow and Dashing White Sergeant, you’ll feel the rhythm of generations past. Featuring one of Scotland’s best ceilidh bands (The Burns Brothers), this event will have your feet tapping and your heart soaring all night long. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or trying your first Gay Gordons, our welcoming atmosphere ensures everyone can join in the fun.
Expect the finest traditional music to keep the energy electric! Legendary musicians, stirring accordions, and uplifting fiddle tunes will fill the air, reminding us why Scotland is the home of some of the world’s most extraordinary music.
31st December: Hogmanay Bash 2025 at Killearn Village Hall
Bring in the New Year in style at the second annual Hogmanay Bash for families, hosted by Natalie James.
31st December: Hogmanay Highland Fling at The Stirling Highland Hotel
Bid farewell to the old and embrace the new with an evening filled with fabulous dining and then a party with superb live entertainment.
Groove to the beats with our resident DJ or enjoy some good craic with our Ceilidh Band.
Listen to the Piper as the bells chime at midnight.
Enjoy a plate of hearty stovies after the bells.
31st December: Family and Friends Hogmanay party at Riviera at Lux
Hogmanay with your loved ones and enjoy the live music and entertainment along with an arrival drink and not forgetting a wee dram.
Family and Friends Hogmanay party with a Mary Poppins to keep the kids entertained.
Let’s bring in the New Year together with great music, delicious food, and awesome company.
31st December: Hogmanay Party at the Stirling Court Hotel
Welcome the New Year in sparkling style with the Hogmanay Party and Stay package. Dinner starts at 7.30pm and will include a delicious three course meal, followed by our live ceilidh band. A lone piper signals the New Year in traditional Scottish style as you welcome in 2026 with a complimentary glass of fizz, then it’s back to the dance floor with classic tunes and chart-topping tracks from the resident DJ until 2am.
31st December: Hogmanay Party at the Foresters Arms
Bring the family and your friends for a celebration at the Foresters Arms. Your night will include a welcome drink on arrival, 3-course New Year’s Eve feast and live music to carry you right through the bells.
Limited tickets available- book your table: [email protected] or 01786 281 051.
31st December: Hogmanay at Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing Brewery
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing Brewery – Hogmanay style! Get ready to ring in the New Year with great beer, good company, and a festive atmosphere. A drink and snack are included in your ticket! Don’t miss out on this special evening at Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing Brewery!
2nd January: Mànran and Beluga Lagoon (Solo) at McLaren Hall, Killin
Continue the festive celebrations with Manran and Beluga Lagoon (Solo) at McLaren Hall in Killin. The concert with start at 7:30pm.
