Many of the Christmas events around Stirling are so good, and so very popular, that they sell out fast. So why not take just ten minutes right now to book a few events in advance, then sit back and relax! After all, it’s only October!
Dance the night away at Stirling’s Christmas and Hogmanay ceilidhs
Macrobert’s panto extravaganza is bolder and brighter than ever
Rapunzel: A Hair-braiding Adventure
The annual Macrobert Panto Extravaganza sells tickets like hot-cakes, so it’s wise to choose your dates now. This year’s panto is written by, directed by and starring the fabulous Johnny McKnight in ‘Rapunzel: A Hair-braiding Adventure’. Poor Rapunzel’s been locked up in a tower her entire life with no telly, no Wi-Fi and no dry shampoo! But she has dreams – of walking barefoot around the mythical land they call Tullibody, of meeting her one true love and singing a love duet, and of getting her hair cut. But one day the lonely Rapunzel has a surprising visit in her tower – Prince Rocco is armed and dangerous with a pair of scissors and a plan. The show runs 22 Nov to 31 Dec. For more information, visit: https://macrobertartscentre.org/event/rapunzel-a-hair-braiding-adventure/
Santa Steam Trains
The fabulous Santa Steam Train at Boness & Kinneil Railway (30 Nov to 22 Dec) is a magical day out for everyone in the family. And tickets sell out very fast, so do book now! Board the steam train, don your antlers, and enjoy the entertainment on board from musicians, carollers and magicians before a visit from Santa himself. Presents for the children and mince pies galore. What could be better? For more information, visit: https://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/santa-trains/
Family Christmas Ceilidhs
The Tolbooth Christmas ceilidhs on 14 December are such a popular date in Stirling’s Christmas calendar, that they draw visitors from all around and sell out quickly. But what better way to spend the lead up to Christmas than celebrating the festive season with friends and family in traditional Scottish style? Don’t worry if you’ve never been to a ceilidh before, a caller will talk you through the dances and ensure a fun time for all. The afternoon ceilidh is particularly good for families with children, while the evening ceilidh is perfect for those who want to dance the night away. For more information, visit: https://stirlingevents.org/tolbooth-event/family-christmas-ceilidh/ and https://stirlingevents.org/tolbooth-event/evening-christmas-ceilidh/
Carols at the Castle
Get festive at Stirling Castle on 15 December with a spot of mulled wine and the National Youth Choir of Scotland, as the Castle prepares to Deck the Halls with an evening of Christmas Carols in the Great Hall. A traditional, atmospheric, and memorable night for the lead up to Christmas. And there’s a discount for Historic Scotland members. But don’t delay buying tickets! For more information, visit: https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/whatson/events/carols-at-the-castle/
Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook
Couldn’t get tickets for Carols at the Castle? Then join Phil Cunningham and friends at the Albert Halls instead, for his annual festive bonanza on 15 December. An undisputed highlight of the Albert Halls’ programme last year, Phil, John McCusker, Ian Carr, Kevin McGuire and the songbook brass band perform a heady mix of favourite classics and contemporary carols and tunes. For more information, visit: https://stirlingevents.org/albert-halls-event/phil-cunninghams-christmas-songbook/
A Christmas Carol
It’s just not Christmas without this one! On 20-22 December, Stirling Castle is proud to present a magical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic ‘A Christmas Carol’, brought to you by Chapterhouse Theatre Company in the Castle’s Great Hall. Cosy up with your mince pie and mulled wine as Scrooge’s frozen heart begins to melt and he finally embraces the festive spirit. 10% discount for Historic Scotland members, too. For more information, visit: https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/whatson/events/a-christmas-carol/
Hogmanay Ceilidh
Stirling’s signature Hogmanay event is the Hogmanay Ceilidh at the Albert Hall, Stirling on 31 December. So, book early to avoid disappointment. With dinner and dancing led by Ian McCallum and his band, entertainment and a full bar, there really is no better place to see in the New Year. Co-hosts Anita MacKenzie and John Wilkinson, with dancers from The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, will provide a warm welcome to make sure that you bring in 2020 with a smile. For more information, visit: https://stirlingevents.org/albert-halls-event/hogmanay-ceilidh/
Get into the Christmas spirit with carols at the castle