In the last days of November we’re looking our advent calendars square in the eye. But that needn’t mean a 24-day sentence of shopping, to-do lists, and stressing about the use-by date on your sage. Why not re-capture the slower pace of bygone Christmases, by visiting some of Scotland’s castles and stately homes? You’ll find there’s more than a little magic to be found…
Stirling Castle Great Hall: venue for many of its Christmas events
Edinburgh Castle befriends the ghosts of Christmas past
Stirling Castle: Stirling Castle begins the season of advent with its annual shopping fayre in the glorious surroundings of the Great Hall on 1 December with market stalls, fine foods, and festive drinks, all in warm and regal surroundings. The event runs from 6pm to 9pm and booking is essential. Tickets cost £5 while under 16s go free and there’s on-site parking for free too. Stirling Castle also hosts its increasingly popular ‘Carols at The Castle’ on 13 December. The Great Hall will welcome the Stirling singers of the National Youth Choir of Scotland, where they will sing traditional carols and modern Christmas songs. Doors open 6pm for a 7pm start. To book tickets for both these events, buy online from the Official Historic Scotland webstore. If it’s Christmas food you’re after, then head to the Castle for its ‘Midwinter Feast’ on 6 December 12.30-3.30pm. You will join the Queen, Mary of Guise, as she celebrates the season with her courtiers and friends, taking part in her royal feast, with court jesters, music and dancing. Tickets are included in the normal Castle admission price.
Edinburgh castle: Edinburgh Castle marks the last days of advent with its ‘Traditions and Tales of a Victorian Christmas’ on 21-23 December. This look back at Christmas past reveals the origins of the Christmas cracker, Christmas cards and other yuletide traditions, as well as exploring the season’s familiar and atmospheric tales. On 24, 27, and 31 December, join Mary Queen of Scots as she celebrates the 12 days of Christmas with her court. While Reformation Scotland shuns Christmas festivities, she will be having her own ‘Very Mary Christmas’ – undaunted! Both events are included in the normal admission price. You can book online here, where you may also be tempted by a Christmas lunch at the Castle!
Callendar House: Falkirk’s Callendar House is getting right into the festive spirit for 2015. There are ‘Christmas Afternoon Teas for Two’ throughout December, as well as brunches and afternoon teas with Santa too. The House will also transform its impressive kitchen into a working Victorian kitchen at Christmas, open to all visitors from Saturday 28 November. Help the cook stir the Christmas pudding and find out how the Victorians celebrated Christmas in houses just like Callendar House. In December, visitors can sample freshly made traditional festive fayre like mince pies, shortbread, Scotch Christmas Bun and clootie dumpling. If that’s not enough, there will be a ‘Victorian Spit Roast’ on 5, 12 and 19 December. It’s all free – arrive hungry! These are just a few of the events the House has planned – there are more details here.
Linlithgow Palace: For something a little bit different, take part in the Linlithgow Palace ‘Winter Warmer Walk’ at 1pm on Sunday 13 December. This guided walk from the Palace will explore Linlithgow Loch and Peel, its wildlife and heritage – sure to bring colour to your cheeks on a winter’s day. Booking is required, though the event is included in the normal Palace admission price. You can book and find more details here.
Linlithgow Palace and Loch in winter
Photo credits: Stirling Castle Great Hall: By Christian Bickel (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0 de (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons. Edinburgh Castle: Sarah Charlesworth [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Linlithgow Palace Snow: Stanley Howe [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.