As we slowly inch closer to winter, it is hard not to start thinking about Christmas . The festive season has many highlights, but few are as magical as Scotland's Christmas markets. The most well-known and popular Christmas markets in Scotland are found in Edinburgh and Glasgow. However, there are countless other festive fairs taking place across the country that are just as worth your time. One Christmas event will be held at Drumlanrig Castle on the Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway , around an hour out of Glasgow by car. All throughout December, the grand estate will be transformed into a winter wonderland—with a host of festive events and activities for all ages. One of the highlights of Drumlanrig Castle's festive programme is without a doubt its Christmas Market. Taking place on December 6 and 7, the market will be set against the picturesque backdrop of the castle . Visitors will be able to enjoy a dedicated Christmas shopping experience that brings together a wide variety of stalls and businesses. Located in a heated marquee, the event will feature artisan stalls, local crafts, and bespoke gifts. Also available at the Drumlanrig Castle Christmas Market will be a selection of warming seasonal treats. On-site catering vans will be selling festive food and mulled wine, while there will also be a marshmallow toasting station. The gardens and grounds on the estate will be open on both days of the market, providing the opportunity to explore the scenic winter landscape. There will also be guided tours of the castle itself on both December 6 and 7, where you can learn all about the history of Drumlanrig. Additionally, the Drumlanrig Castle garden team will be offering Christmas wreaths for visitors to take home with them. There will even be the opportunity to make your own wreath on November 29. The wreath-making workshop will be headed by Drumlanrig's Head Gardener Robbie Black. Participants will gather natural materials from the estate's gardens, before crafting their own festive door decoration and enjoying a hearty soup and roll lunch afterward. Meanwhile, for younger visitors, Drumlanrig Castle will be hosting a Santa's Grotto between December 5 and 21. Little ones can step into a world of Christmas magic and meet Saint Nick himself, as well as share their wish list, get a festive photo, and receive a gift to take home. Another highlight for children will be the Breakfast with Santa experiences between December 5 and 21. As they tuck into pancakes at the Drumlanrig Castle Tearoom, Santa Claus will stop by tables to say hello and offer photo opportunities. Drumlanrig Castle will also be hosting Festive Craft Workshops on December 2, 9, and 16. Held in the estate's Stableyard, little ones will be able to craft festive decorations and keepsakes to take home. Meanwhile, children can enjoy face-painting and horse-drawn carriage rides with the Blackstone Clydesdales. Additionally, a charity tombola run by Cash for Kids will add a community spirit to the celebrations. Drumlanrig Castle is also home to a number of holiday cottages and self-catering apartments. Visitors can rent these out for a "festive overnight stay" over the winter season. More information can be found on the Drumlanrig Castle website .
The hidden gem Scottish Christmas market at castle just an hour out of Glasgow
As we slowly inch closer to winter, it is hard not to start thinking about Christmas . The festive season has many highlights, but few are as magical as Scotland's Christmas markets. The most well-known and popular Christmas markets in Scotland are found in Edinburgh and Glasgow. However, there are countless other festive fairs taking place across the country that are just as worth your time. One Christmas event will be held at Drumlanrig Castle on the Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway , around an hour out of Glasgow by car. All throughout December, the grand estate will be transformed into a winter wonderland—with a host of festive events and activities for all ages. One of the highlights of Drumlanrig Castle's festive programme is without a doubt its Christmas Market. Taking place on December 6 and 7, the market will be set against the picturesque backdrop of the castle . Visitors will be able to enjoy a dedicated Christmas shopping experience that brings together a wide variety of stalls and businesses. Located in a heated marquee, the event will feature artisan stalls, local crafts, and bespoke gifts. Also available at the Drumlanrig Castle Christmas Market will be a selection of warming seasonal treats. On-site catering vans will be selling festive food and mulled wine, while there will also be a marshmallow toasting station. The gardens and grounds on the estate will be open on both days of the market, providing the opportunity to explore the scenic winter landscape. There will also be guided tours of the castle itself on both December 6 and 7, where you can learn all about the history of Drumlanrig. Additionally, the Drumlanrig Castle garden team will be offering Christmas wreaths for visitors to take home with them. There will even be the opportunity to make your own wreath on November 29. The wreath-making workshop will be headed by Drumlanrig's Head Gardener Robbie Black. Participants will gather natural materials from the estate's gardens, before crafting their own festive door decoration and enjoying a hearty soup and roll lunch afterward. Meanwhile, for younger visitors, Drumlanrig Castle will be hosting a Santa's Grotto between December 5 and 21. Little ones can step into a world of Christmas magic and meet Saint Nick himself, as well as share their wish list, get a festive photo, and receive a gift to take home. Another highlight for children will be the Breakfast with Santa experiences between December 5 and 21. As they tuck into pancakes at the Drumlanrig Castle Tearoom, Santa Claus will stop by tables to say hello and offer photo opportunities. Drumlanrig Castle will also be hosting Festive Craft Workshops on December 2, 9, and 16. Held in the estate's Stableyard, little ones will be able to craft festive decorations and keepsakes to take home. Meanwhile, children can enjoy face-painting and horse-drawn carriage rides with the Blackstone Clydesdales. Additionally, a charity tombola run by Cash for Kids will add a community spirit to the celebrations. Drumlanrig Castle is also home to a number of holiday cottages and self-catering apartments. Visitors can rent these out for a "festive overnight stay" over the winter season. More information can be found on the Drumlanrig Castle website .
