11 Magical sound and light shows in Scotland

When? 3 October – 3 November 2024 

If you go down to the woods at night, you’re sure of a big surprise! Situated in Faskally Wood near Pitlochry, The Enchanted Forest is guaranteed to bring the wow factor. This year’s show, Symphony of Nature, celebrates the beauty of nature through a kaleidoscope of colour, dazzling lights and visuals, all choreographed against an original music score.  

Once you arrive, follow the illuminated trail and enjoy the show at your own pace. If you love it so much, you can even go round again and again! The aroma from the nearby food stalls will certainly make you work up an appetite. Dig into a selection of goodies including wood-fired pizzas, fish and chips and toasted marshmallows with gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options also available. 

Shuttle bus transfer is also available from Pitlochry’s town centre to Faskally Wood which runs throughout the evening. 

When? 25 October – 10 November 2024 

Things are about to get spooky this Halloween at Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Dress up for the occasion and explore ten epic worlds from the Haunted Hoose and Boneyard to Carnevil. The question is, will you receive a trick or treat? 

GlasGLOW is suitable for all ages, but younger visitors might want to skip Clowntown with an alternative route available for them to explore. To keep those rumbling tummies at bay, head to the Gourmet Street Food Village where hot chocolate and marshmallow skewers will go down a treat during the colder nights. 

Accessibility is also at the heart of the event. Relaxed ASN sessions are available at selected times for anyone with a sensory issue, giving visitors a wee bit more peace and quiet at a reduced capacity with lower noise levels. 

When? 26 October 2024 

A light show with a difference. If you’re feeling sporty, race against your opponents around the stunning Glen Tanar estate, all aglow with bright and colourful light displays to see you across the finish line. Choose from 8 km, 15 km or challenge yourself to a 15-mile race. Make sure to wrap up warm with extra layers including hats and gloves, a waterproof jacket and a trusty head torch. 

When? 5 – 12 November 2024 

Back for a second consecutive year is Winter, Wonder, Wander. Based at Duthie Park in Aberdeen, it is well-known for its impressive light displays and an opportunity to embrace the very best of autumn at night.  

This popular event is soon to be another sell out, so make sure to snap up your tickets quickly! 

When: 21 November – 30 December 2024

Discover a festive atmosphere in the Royal Botanic Garden. Take a wander along the illuminated trail where you’ll see colour changing light displays perfectly timed with instrumental music.  

Complete your walk with a hot chocolate or toast marshmallows by the fire pit. If you’re feeling a bit more peckish, make sure to grab a bite to eat at one of the street food vendors. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Christmas light show without Santa making an appearance. Make sure to give him a wave! 

When? 22 November 2024 – 4 January 2025 

Celebrations are in store for a very famous attraction. Edinburgh Castle turns 900 in 2024 with a special birthday edition of the Castle of Light. The light show will take you on a journey back in time where you’ll discover what life was like in the city from the 12th century right through to present day. Expect to see colourful and creative light installations which tell historic tales through the exterior castle walls. 

There will be special performances at a reduced capacity which will include a designated quiet space. British Sign Language interpreters and ear defenders will be provided to help manage noise levels. 

When? 23 November 2024 – 5 January 2025; 8 – 19 February 2025

As evening falls, Landmark Forest Adventure Park have lots of fun in store with its sound and light trail, Ancient Forest Twi-Lights. The 1 km woodland trail will send you on a quest around the park where you’ll be accompanied with pretty, twinkling lights glistening through the treetops. This year will feature the Red Squirrel Trail where you’ll ascend eight meters into the treetops with a bird's eye view overlooking the illuminated forest. The boardwalk makes it very accessible for wheelchair users to navigate around the park, and there are benches for those who wish to rest their tired legs.

Don’t worry if you missed the chance to visit over the festive period. Ancient Forest Twi-Lights will be back to brighten up your winter nights over the February half-term break.

When? 6 – 22 December 2024 

Shining bright in the Scottish Borders is Monteviot Lights. Watch the gardens turn into a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights and plant life decorated in jewel-like colour at every corner you turn. The 1.8 km trail which starts at Harestanes Visitor Centre will no doubt captivate young audiences as well as the young at heart. No trip to a Christmas light show is complete without some hearty local food and drink either so make sure to fill your boots. 

When? 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 December

Find yourself enchanted this winter at Brechin Castle in Angus for a night of spectacular Christmas lights and festive cheer. Bring the whole family and enjoy a wander through the illuminated trail, complete with twinkling optical illusions, sparkling lights and plenty of wintery scenes to admire across the 70-acre country park.

Elsewhere across the castle grounds, the giant maze, sledge run, crazy golf and zip slides will all be illuminated too, so you can count on this being a truly magical experience. Make sure you stop by the coffee shop for some warming drinks, hot chocolate, and toasted marshmallows over the festive fire pits too.

When? 13 – 23 December 2024

Helping to bring the magic of Christmas alive for the whole family is Starry Nights. This year, the outdoor immersive experience will take place at Dean Castle in Kilmarnock. Prepare to be dazzled with lots of surprises in store with an array of magical installations including The Starry Tunnel, Fenwick Fairies, the mischevious Grinch, Candy Cane Lane and Snowball Blizzard. Perfect for the young and the young at heart. Of course, it wouldn't be a light show without a pit stop for some hearty grub. Peruse around the Festive Food Village or enjoy a mulled wine round the campfire. The entertainment continues into the evening with a festive funfair filled to the brim with lots of family favourites.

Beecraigs Country Park in West Lothian will also be getting into the festive spirit this year with their own Starry Nights illuminated experience, all aglow with festive lights and the chance to meet Santa.

When? 6 – 9 February 2025 

Spectra should need little introduction, but in case you’ve missed it in previous years – it’s an award-winning Festival of Light taking place in Aberdeen. See the skies light up and iconic city centre locations bathed in colourful lights and vibrant illuminations, including spots like Marischal College, Union Terrace Gardens, and Aberdeen Art Gallery to name just a few. 

Bring your loved ones and experience a magical, artistic experience in the city centre at no cost. Featuring mesmerising large scale art installations and epic projections, you will be moved by the amazing, shimmering designs and spell-binding live performances. It’s certainly a great way to brighten up those darker wintry evenings.