FREE and Cheap Christmas Events for Children and Families in Scotland 2017

Click here for our 2018 Christmas Events in Scotland

With presents to buy, stocking the cupboards for the family Christmas dinner, not to mention the flurry of festive social events with friends, family, and colleagues alike, the festive season can be an expensive time. However, it is possible to enjoy all this time of year has to offer without spending a fortune. Here are a few ideas to help you cut the cost, but not the cheer this Christmas.

EDINBURGH

24 Doors of Advent

When and Where: Across the city, 1 – 24 December 2017

Cost: Free

With a new location to explore every day, Edinburgh’s annual 24 Doors of Advent really is an event which can keep you and the family entertained right the way through December. From McEwan Hall, to the BT Murrayfield Stadium, and even The Scottish Parliament, this event gives you the chance to explore buildings in the city which are ordinarily closed to the general public.

Christmas Markets

When and Where: East Princes Street Gardens (18 November – 6 January) and George Street (17 November – 24 December)

Cost: Free

There is nothing like a walk through the Christmas markets to really get you in the festive spirit. With a range of crafts and trinkets for sale, you can do any last minute Christmas shopping or simply enjoy a warming glass of mulled wine.

Santa Land

When and Where: Princes Street Gardens, 18 November – 6 January

Cost: Attractions vary

Santa Land promises great fun for all the family. With a range of family-friendly rides, a Christmas tree maze,  a Santa Train, and even an ice wall to be scaled, there is plenty going on to keep the little ones entertained all afternoon.

Winter Windows

When and Where: Across the city, 18 November – 26 December

Cost: Free

In an annual tradition, Edinburgh’s Winter Windows is back for another year. Spread out across five locations throughout the city, each window has been designed by pupils from local school’s all embodying the theme of the 2050 Edinburgh City Vision.

Santa’s Grotto

When and Where: George Street, 18 November – 24 December 

Cost: From £8

Children will not want to miss the chance to visit Santa in person, tell him their Christmas wishes, and receive a small gift. Tickets must be bought in advance.

Ice Rink

When and Where: St Andrew’s Square, 26 November – 6 January

Cost: From £5

Each session allows for a 45 minutes skate around the Melville Monument in St Andrew’s Square. Although photographs cannot be taken by those on the ice, there is plenty of room for spectators to snap away. Skate hire is included in the price.

The Ice Adventure

When and Where: George Street, 26 November – 24 December

Cost: From £7

This walk through piece of installation art takes you on a journey through frozen Scotland. Filled with spectacular ice and snow sculptures, and even an ice bar, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. With temperatures plummeting to -10 C, make sure you wrap up warm before entering.

Nativity Carol Concert

When and Where: St Andrew’s Square, December 3, 3.00pm

Cost: Free

Gather round the nativity scene in St Andrew’s Square to enjoy traditional carols sung by the Exile Gospel Choir accompanied by musicians and The Edinburgh Signing Choir.

GLASGOW

Christmas Markets

When and Where: George Square & St Enoch, 9 November – 29 December

Cost: Free

The Christmas Markets return once more to George Square and St Enoch, with a wide selection of gifts, crafts, and food on offer. The entertainment on offer includes a giant Big Wheel and a carousel for all the family to enjoy. The St Enoch Christmas Market is open until 22nd December, with the one at George Square remaining open until 29th December.

Blessing of the Crib

When and Where: George Square, 6 December, 6.30pm

Cost: Free

This free event is a mainstay in Glasgow’s festive calendar. Gather underneath the Christmas lights in George Square and be entertained by a choir singing traditional Christmas carols. Attended by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, this popular event is sure to put you in the festive spirit.

Santa Dash

When and Where: George Square, 10 December, 9.30am.

Cost: £15 to run; Free to watch

The annual 5k Santa Dash will once again see the streets of Glasgow taken over by a crowd of runners in Santa suits. Whether you are running or cheering on from the side-lines, this is a much-loved event in Glasgow’s social calendar and is one not to be missed.

Baby’s First Christmas

When and Where: Glasgow City Chambers, 2 December

Price: Free

Celebrate your new-borns first Christmas with this popular event. Baby’s will have their picture taken with the Lord Provost before receiving a silver trinket to take away to mark the occasion. Registration for this event is vital as the invites are given on a first come first served basis.

Helensburgh Winter Festival

When and Where: Helensburgh, 2 – 3 December

Cost: Free

This free event takes place over the first weekend in December. With an ice rink, Santa’s grotto, and 100 stalls of crafts, food, and art, there really is something for the whole family to enjoy. Running until 4pm on both days, the activities start at 10am on Saturday and midday on Sunday.

Reindeer at Holmwood House

When and Where: Holmwood House, 2nd, 3rd, 9th, and 10th December

Cost: £6 for children; £4 for adults

Santa is returning to Holmwood House, and he is bringing his reindeer with him! With sing-a-longs, a craft room, and tasty food for sale, there is enough to keep the whole family entertained all afternoon. The entry price includes a gift from Santa himself.

Riverside Christmas Festival

When and Where: Riverside Museum, 2 – 3 December

Cost: Free

This annual Christmas event provides a weekend of completely free entertainment. There will be a traditional fairground full of family friendly rides and carousels which are free for the whole family to enjoy. There is also a Christmas Market where you can pick up a range of unique crafts and trinkets, before taking a trip to see Santa in The Tall Ship Grotto. With over 20,000 visitors last year, this year’s event is shaping up to be a highlight of the festive calendar.
Christmas at the GFT

When and Where: Glasgow Film Theatre, throughout December

Cost: £5.50 per ticket

Throughout the month of December the Glasgow Film Theatre is showing re-runs of a host of Christmas films. With favourites such as Elf, The Muppet’s Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Scrooged being shown, this is the perfect way to get in the festive spirit.

Ricky McWhittington – A Traditional Glasgow Pantomime

When and Where: Various venues across the city, 28 November – 16 December

Cost: £2.50 – £5.00 per ticket

With a sweet shop in downtown Glasgow swarmed by a plague of rats, can anyone save the day? Ricky McWhittington is a unique pantomime full of songs, laughter and festive cheer. The show is touring around various community centres around the city from the 28th November and is a great value day out.