Christmas and Hogmanay in St Andrews and The East Neuk
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is all spending time with those you love, meandering through markets, enjoying a tipple, and eating all your favourite foods. If you are visiting St Andrews or the East Neuk this winter, there is plenty on throughout December. Join us to unwrap the best activities and events to make your Christmas and New Year’s the best one yet.
Christmas Markets
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of a Christmas Market, and bag some last minute gifts for loved ones.
Bowhouse
The Bowhouse Christmas Market weekend will be held on the 9th & 10th December, featuring an array of Scottish food and drink traders, as well as local crafters. Other activities include meeting Bowbridge Alpacas, wreath making and gingerbread decorating.
Open from 10am – 4pm.
Balgove Larder
Balgove’s famous Night Market make a return for a Christmas special. Enjoy a festive evening, browse all the local traders and stock on up the essentials for your festive indulging.
The Christmas themed Night Market will take place on 5th December from 4pm.
Balgove Larder will also be hosting Christmas wreath workshops on the 2nd, 9th and 16th December.
Edinburgh Market
Running for 7 weeks, Edinburgh’s historic city centre transforms in to a winter wonderland. Renowned for it’s impressive scale, you can enjoy Christmas market stalls, funfair rides, live outdoor events, delicious food, ice skating, and much more!
Edinburgh is easily accessible from St Andrews, with a train directly from Leuchars.
Taking place between Friday 17th November and 6th January 2024.
Edinburgh Christmas (edinburgh-christmas.com)
Winter Fest in Dundee
Back for another year, Slessor Gardens in Dundee will be scattered in an array of stalls and activities, including a big wheel and ice skating.
Taking place from 24th November – 1st January 2024.
Dundee is just a short 25 minute drive from St Andrews, across the Tay Bridge. There are also direct busses available from St Andrews bus station, which is in walking distance to all of our in-town properties.
Festive Feasting
Boasting a diverse culinary scene, St Andrews’ local eateries showcase their seasonal specialities. Indulge your tastebuds in a gastronomic journey that captures the essence of the holidays.
Forgan’s
Breakfast with Santa – 3rd & 17th December
Christmas menus throughout December
Christmas and Hogmanay dining with drink packages available
Hotel Du Vin
Afternoon tea with a festive twist throughout December
Christmas and Hogmanay dining available
The Saint
Festive menu available throughout December, until Christmas Eve
Christmas Nights Out at The Saint, St Andrews | Book Here (the-saint-bar.co.uk)
The Rufflets
Christmas Day lunch available for a more formal dining experience
The Russacks
Festive afternoon tea available throughout December until the 23rd.
Christmas Day lunch overlooking The Old Course, and Hogmanay Celebrations, with a 6-course dining experience, live music and fireworks on the rooftop terrace.
Festive – Rusacks St Andrews (marineandlawn.com)
The Old Course
Another for a more formal event, enjoy Christmas Day or Hogmanay celebrations at The Old Course Hotel.
Festive Celebrations | Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa | St Andrews
Festive Activities
Byre Theatre Panto
A festive tradition for many, the Cinderella panto will be taking stage at the Byre Theatre from 30th November – 31st December. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Bingo
‘Bingo Babes’ Christmas Spectacular, taking place at The Vic from 8pm. Tickets are £10/person, and including sharing nachos and a jingle bomb on arrival. Expect spot prizes, their infamous drag queens and some festive surprises!
BINGO BABES CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR – The Vic St Andrews
The Scottish Deer Centre
Just a short drive away, The Scottish Deer Centre is hosting ‘Reindeerinch’s Grotto’, their paraody of The Grinch.
Tickets are £15.95 per child, which includes a humours gift. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Try their limited edition Christmas Crepes, along with a warming mulled wine. Cosy up beside the open fire, toasting marshmallows whilst listening to Christmas tales read by one of Santa’s elves.
Reindeerinch’s Grotto – The Scottish Deer Centre
Ceilidh
Experience one of Forgan’s unforgettable Ceilidh nights with a festive twist throughout December. Expect roaring live music, Scottish jigs and the odd dram thrown in, of course! Ceilidh’s are £10/person.
Take the kids along to enjoy the fun, there will be a kids Ceilidh taking place on 10th December from 10:30am, tickets are £6.95.
With so much to enjoy (and eat!), there is no doubt that paying a visit to St Andrews or The East Neuk this festive season will be a special one. Whether you are seeking a secluded escape for yourself and a loved one, or are planning that all awaited family get together, we have a huge selection of homes perfectly suited to all individual needs.
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