Dovecot Studios will present a major new exhibition of Scotland’s textile treasures, many of which have never been on public display. Curated in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, the exhibition will be the first time these textiles are presented together as significant works of art in their own right. ‘Stitched: Scotland’s Embroidered Art’ ... Read more

Ten days of activities, films and light shows to celebrate the winter season. The coastal town gets festive with a series of activities, films and light shows to celebrate the fluffy white season that carries the year to a close. Info: www.obanwinterfestival.com

is a festival where a venn diagram of artforms come together, cross-pollinate and collide: poetry, spoken word, live music, hip hop, songwriting, film, sound, gaming, visual art and concrete poetry, at Edinburgh’s iconic Summerhall. Info: www.pushtheboatout.org

The Lauriston Christmas magic show is back! Witness startling magic and uplifting mystery, inspired by history and legends of the city of Edinburgh, in the lavish, historic setting of Lauriston Castle. Info: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Lauriston-Castle.aspx

A festival celebrating the water of life. Meet the makers and celebrities of the whisky world and have a wee dram of a range of malts and other spirits. Info: www.drambusters.com

The single most important awards ceremony for folk and trad musicians, bands and artists- a celebration and showcase Scotland’s flourishing traditional music scene at Inverness Leisure Centre . Info: www.projects.handsupfortrad.scot/scotstradmusicawards

St Giles is well known and also celebrates 900 years of existence. It is one of several large churches that developed in, or close to, the centres of Royal Burghs, and this talk describes their development as an illustration of the development of royal burghs. It will focus primarily of St Giles which has a ... Read more

This momentous musical showcase of Scottish traditional music will return to the OVO Hydro. Info: www.ovohydro.com

One of the masters of Scottish contemporary folk is joined by a selection of special guests for a showcase of modern and traditional Christmas music, at Eden Court. Info: www.philcunningham.com

Join revellers from around the globe at incredible events featuring spectacular live music concert, unforgettable fireworks, Street Party extravaganzas and free New Year’s Day family events. Info: www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Join in the fun and enjoy the party atmosphere of a traditional Scottish Hogmanay at the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra's annual festive concert. Full of well known tunes with a few surprises, there will be singing, piping and plenty of fiddling as we toast the old year and bring in the new at Usher Hall. Info: ... Read more

Bring in the bells with family and friends at The View, Oban's largest town centre venue. Enjoy Oban's biggest Hogmanay celebration, with entertainment from their popular DJ. Info: www.obanview.com

There is no better way to end the year than with a traditional ceilidh in the heart of Glasgow, and why not do it in style by coming along to The Ferry on the banks of the River Clyde on the eve of the New Year. The marvellous Coila Ceilidh Band will descend on Glasgow ... Read more

The Fireball Ceremony is Stonehaven’s unique way to welcome in the New Year and greet friends and neighbours. As the midnight chimes ring out on December 31st, approximately 40 men and women parade up and down the High Street swinging fiercely flaming balls around their heads. Info: www.stonehavenfireballs.com

A pagan fire festival unique to Burghead, which greets the New Year. The significance of the 11th January dates back to the 1750's, when the Julian calendar was reformed in Britain. Every 11th January the flaming Clavie (a barrel full of staves) is carried round the town followed by a large crowd. Info: www.burghead.com/clavie

The UK's premier celebration of Celtic music, with performances, workshops and events at various venues across Glasgow. Info: www.celticconnections.com

Scotland's biggest Burns Night celebration and Winter Fringe Festival which takes place in venues across Dumfries each January, including the Spiegeltent and the show Le Haggis. Info: www.bigburnssupper.com

Brimming with suppliers from far and wide, showcasing the finest Scotland, and the UK has to offer, this is the place to source those 2025 gifts, homewares, crafts, textiles, jewellery, fine food and drinks. Trade only event at the SEC. Info: www.scotlandstradefairs.com

To celebrate the birth of our national bard, Robert Burns, enjoy a traditional Burns Supper aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia. Info: https://shop.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/collections/events

Robert Burns, undoubtedly one of Scotland's literary greats, but what exactly was he on about? Come along to Edinburgh Castle to find out more about the bard and some of his works. Info: www.edinburghcastle.scot

A definitive whisky and cultural experience, this festival brings together a line up of some of the best exhibitors from across the whisky industry, with hundreds of whiskies and other spirits available to sample over each session at SWG3, Studio Warehouse, 100 Eastvale Place. Info: www.swg3.tv

In 1787 Robert Burns visited Stirling Castle, after which he returned to his hotel where he etched the now famous Stirling Lines. Join us at the castle that inspired these works to celebrate burns an' a' that, why not have a go at addressing the haggis. Info: www.stirlingcastle.scot

One of Scotland’s most unique winter festivals. The Up Helly Aa fire festivals are amongst the biggest annual celebrations in Shetland. Inspired by Shetland’s Viking past, communities across the islands come together for a night of guizing (dressing up), burning torches through the streets and dancing the night away to traditional Shetland music. Info: www.uphellyaa.org

A breakthrough exhibition which for the first time brings together the Scots, Irish, English and Welsh artists, along with their cutting-edge Continental peers, who collectively forged a new language of colour at the turn of the 20th century, at Dovecot Studios. Info: www.dovecotstudios.com

Winter School attracts around 150 dancers from the UK, continental Europe, North America and Australasia. Attendees enjoy a 4-star stay in the Atholl Palace Hotel, with a range of classes, social dances, tours and of course, the famous ball at Blair Castle. Info: www.rscds.org/events/winter-school-2025

All tuned up and ready to go, the Orchestra can't wait to take to the stage again in Perth Concert Hall and are delighted to be joined once more by the RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums, ably led by Pipe Major Ian Hughes. Info: www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com

The diverse programme celebrates cinema from around the world, as well as showcasing new talent and the best of Scottish film. Info: www.glasgowfilmfest.org

Once again the Fiddlers will be joined by fellow enthusiasts from all over Scotland to form an orchestra of around 100 players performing a varied program of traditional music from Scotland and beyond, at Eden Court. Info: www.eden-court.co.uk

Celebrate Glasgow's status as the funniest city in the world at venues across the city. Info: www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

Join the Rangers to learn more about the beautiful snowdrops, heritage trees and wildlife of this special site. Family friendly activities will be delivered throughout the day and there will also be two guided walks exploring Dryburgh Abbey. Info: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dryburgh-abbey  

Highland Young Musicians are thrilled to return to Eden Court Theatre with our 2025 showcase of the highest quality Highland youth music-making at Eden Court. Info: www.eden-court.co.uk

This exciting new event will bring together tartans, pipe bands, dancers, musicians, organisations, and individuals from Edinburgh, as well as across Scotland, and beyond - to celebrate the country's rich heritage, tartans, culture and inclusivity. Info: www.handupevents.co.uk/tartan-parade-scotland

Four captivating days, uniting individuals and organisations in a collective exploration to solve the mystery of Loch Ness and its elusive monster. Through a series of engaging events, you’ll search, debate, and delve into the mysteries that shroud this legendary loch. Info: www.lochness.com/the-quest

An annual gathering of whisky and Islay fans from across the globe, a ten day event that defines the whisky calendar. Info: www.feisile.co.uk

Scottish stars Skerryvore launch biggest show to date for 20th anniversary-celebrating two decades at the forefront of Scotland’s music scene at Floors Castle. Info: skerryvore.com/xx.

A celebration of sports and island communities. This week-long event will see athletes from up to 24 island groups from across the world compete in 13 exciting sports. Info: www.orkney2025.com

Outstanding Scottish and local talent will top the line up when the long-standing contemporary and traditional Celtic music festival returns. The festival will welcome Celtic giants Skipinnish, who have been celebrating a quarter of a century at the top of trad music this year alongside the Red Hot Chili Pipers, who will perform their signature ... Read more

Featuring the best of British Military with international performances from a global cast, at the incredible setting of Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Info: www.edintattoo.co.uk

The European Pipe Band Championships attract over 120 pipe bands from all over the world to compete in all grades. Info: www.rspba.org

Glasgow International Piping Festival-A week long celebration of piping culture from across the world with events such as captivating performances, workshops, and fun taking place across the city. Info: www.pipinglive.co.uk

Thousands of pipers and drummers in all grades from across Scotland, the UK and globe compete at the annual competition held at Glasgow Green. Info: www.theworlds.co.uk

Held at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park each September in the beautiful Cairngorms village of Braemar. The Gathering has been run in its present form since 1832. Queen Victoria attended in 1848, and since then it has been regularly attended by the reigning Monarch and members of the British Royal Family. ... Read more

A new Festival of Scotland. Set against a backdrop of Stirling Castle, a festival for all ages celebrating Scotland’s Past, Present and Future. Info: www.thesaltiregathering.scot

Held annually at Blair Castle, this is a celebration of solo piping excellence, tradition and expertise-also available to watch via online livestream. Info: www.thepipingcentre.co.uk/glenfiddich