We don’t mean to startle you, but – apparently – September is the month in which many of us start planning our Christmas getaway. So, if you are one of those organised few, here is a handful of reasons why you should spend your festive break in Stirling!
Grab your magic wands for Weans in the Wood at Macrobert Stirling
Panto
Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without yelling ‘He’s behind you’ at least once. And the Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling never fails to deliver every year. With their customary cheeky spin on the old tales, Macrobert’s festive panto this year is ‘Weans in the Wood’. Follow the fortunes of Han No Solo, forest hooligan Little Red Riding Hood, and the wicked Sherffina of Nottingham. You’ll need your magic wand, dancing shoes and your singing voice at the ready. Book tickets here in plenty time – these invariably sell out: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/weans-in-the-woods/
Music
Phil Cunningham brings his massively successful Christmas songbook to Stirling for the first time this year. Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker and Phil Cunningham will lead you through a great fun night of modern and traditional Christmas music. This is what The Scotsman says: “Mix together some brass with some of Scotland’s top folk talent, sprinkle liberally with carols and festive favourites and the result is toastier than being baked in a mince pie.” Sound good? Then details are here: http://culturestirling.org/events/phil-cunninghams-christmas-songbook/
Dance
And when we say dance, we mean YOU dance. What better way to spend the lead up to Christmas than celebrating with friends and family with a traditional Scottish ceilidh at the Tolbooth, Stirling? Brian McAlpine and The Scottish Ceilidh All Stars will talk you through the dances and ensure everyone has fun. There are two ceilidhs – at 3pm and at 8pm on 10 December. And though both ceilidhs are open to all, the afternoon ceilidh is particularly popular with families. Ready to strip the willow? Then book early here: http://culturestirling.org/events/christmas-family-ceilidh/
Making Merry
Combine your visit to Stirling Castle with some brilliant festive activities for all the family on Sunday 4 December. The Castle’s crafty elves will help you have a go at creating everything from decorations to cards, crackers and baubles. There will be some fabulous festive entertainment with the Swinging Santas, too. And it’s all included in normal admission price: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/whatson/events/making-merry/
Santa
If you want to see the man in red, then you’ve several options in Stirlingshire. Here are two. Why not spend a day with Santa on a Steam Train at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway? The trip includes a gift from Santa for every child. At time of writing there are plenty of tickets left, but don’t delay, as these sell out fast: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/santa-trains/
If you don’t get the date you want on a Santa Steam train, how about a Woodland Santa Experience at Woodland Experiences in Balfron Station? Swap a steam train for a tractor ride to Santa in his log cabin, and you’ve got the idea. There’s a gift included for kids too, and the chance for some great hot food afterwards, provided by Skinners of Kippen. For more details, and booking, see: http://www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk/santa-experience/
Cake
If all the Christmas build-up is just a bit too much for you, take solace in cake at Dobbies Garden Centre, Stirling. Dobbies launch their Christmas Afternoon Tea online bookings from September 22 for Gardening Club members, and from 4 October for non-members. Their restaurants will be serving their tasty towers of festive treats from 22 November. Om nom. For more details, and how to book, see: https://www.dobbies.com/restaurant/christmas-afternoon-tea/
Photo credits:
- Stirling Castle at night: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=228762. Copyright © 2003, 2004, 2005 Finlay McWalter {{GFDL}} {{cc-by-sa-2.0}}
- Santa Woodland Experience: Image Courtesy of Woodland Experiences. Copyright © Woodland Experiences http://woodlandexperiences.co.uk/
- Weans in the Woods image supplied by Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling.
- Christmas afternoon tea image supplied by Crescendo PR for Dobbies Garden Centres.