What’s on in Inverness this Christmas?

September 9, 2024

As the summer holidays in Scotland come to an end, and we look forward to the beauty of autumn in the magical Highlands… We begin to ponder on the magic of winter in the highlands, and more specifically, Christmas! And where better to bring the magic of Christmas to life than with a visit to Inverness! Just an hour’s drive from our luxury Scottish self-catering accommodation in Fort Augustus, there is plenty to see and do here. So let us share just a few of the best things to do in Inverness and around Loch Ness at this most wonderful time of year…

Where to see highland cows in Inverness in the winter? A cow walks in the snow.

The best Christmas fairs at Eden Court

On the 15th – 17th November 2024 and the 29th November – 1st December 2024

Pop along the River Ness to Eden Court for some of the best Christmas Fairs the Highlands have on offer. With two dates to enjoy, here you can enjoy stalls featuring Scottish crafts and wonderful gifts. Enjoy street food and refreshments and all the magic of Christmas in Inverness. The perfect way to kick off the festive season in Inverness. Explore this event.

A lady looks at her purchases happily outside a Christmas market in Inverness.

Eden Court Christmas panto, Scotland

Looking for a fantastic Christmas Panto in Scotland? Stay with us and visit Eden Court from the 4th December 2024 – 5th January 2025 for a fantastic show!

Oh yes you must! What’s Christmas without a Christmas pantomime? Back to the Highlands again for the biggest theatrical festival of the year. Join us over the festive season, into the new year for a magical holiday with a fantastic fun show for all the family. Relax in the wilderness on a Loch Ness holiday with us, then pop in for a Christmas show in Inverness, to see Jack and the Beanstalk at Eden Court Theatre. In true family panto style, the panto is set to enjoy the dastardly villain, hapless comic, hilarious damsel in distress, fabulous songs. Plus, some wonderful costumes with lots of slapstick fun!

A child enjoying the Christmas pantomime in Scotland.

Naughty elves in Inverness – Elf on the Shelf Hunt

Dates to follow – this event is normally held on the 1st weekend in December. Here the Elf on the Shelf Hunt in the Victorian Market offers a fantastic day out for all the family. Whilst you visit the market, and enjoy your Christmas shopping and festivities, the kids can search the historic shopping centre looking for Santa’s naughty elves, whilst noting down their names. And with prizes to be won, you’re in for a treat! Remember to pick up an entry form from Elf HQ within the market when you arrive.

An Elf On A Shelf sits wrapped in lights by a Christmas Calendar.

Scottish and Highland Christmas shopping

Looking for a Highland gift with a Highland twist? Buy the perfect Christmas gifts on a Highland Shopping adventure around Loch Ness. Escape the crowds and turn your shopping into an experience! Christmas shopping around Loch Ness is a really special treat. From luxury Highland wears and unusual gifts around the loch, to all the high street brands in Inverness. This festive season head to Campbells of Beaully and shop for tartans and tweeds in the footsteps of the Royals. Or head to Eagle Brae for some really special gifts and handpicked wears. And then there is the beautiful An Talla, where you can pick up luxury, one off local art pieces and crafts, as well as jump on a cruise of Loch Ness.

And when you reach the bright lights of Invernss, enjoy shopping from top fashion brands at Eastgate Shopping Centre and stocking fillers from the newly renovated Victorian Market. Wrap up your Christmas in Inverness and around Loch Ness with a really special slant on retail therapy.

Where to see Highland Cows in Scotland
Eagle Brae shop items photoshoot, Eagle Brae, November 2020

New Year or Hogmanay in the Highlands of Scotland

And once Christmas is over, and you have had your fill of presents and good food, it’s time to bring in the bells! Join us for a good knees up and enjoy Scottish New Year celebrations. Hogmanay as we call it is one of the best nights out in Scotland! Every pub and local restaurant will be enjoying the festivities. And with amazing bands playing throughout Inverness, you can enjoy fabulous food and drink whilst you toast to the New Year. This year’s main event is hoped to take place on Church Street with all the businesses coming together!

But if all you want to do is relax, in beautiful historic Scottish surroundings, then join us and snuggle up for a wonderful night in

The Boathouse restaurant with Fort Augustus Abbey in the background
Games room at abbey holidays loch ness in the Scottish Highlands
Stunning views of Loch Ness and the surrounding mountains from Monastery 10 accommodation at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness
The open plan living, dining and kitchen in the Strath Glass accommodation at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness
Bed detail and quirky side table in the bedroom in Monastery 10 accommodation at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness
The cosy living room with a log burning stove in Taigh Nan Caorach accommodation at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness
The double bedroom with a dramatic stone archway in The Dunfermline accommodation at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness
The kitchen and dining with stunning stone archway in The Dunfermline accommodation at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness
Stunning views of Loch Ness and the surrounding mountains from the living room windows of Monastery 10 accommodation at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness

So, join us for a holiday on Loch Ness, near Inverness this year for a festive season to remember! Check out our latest Festive Offers and book your Christmas and New Year holidays in Scotland today!