CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Twice the festive fun: Starry Nights Illuminated Christmas Experience makes highly anticipated return

Event that welcomed huge crowds at Dean Castle, will add a sprinkle of stardust with magical festive fun held at both the original venue and a new location at Beecraigs Country Park.

Twice the festive fun: Starry Nights Illuminated Christmas Experience makes highly anticipated return

Article Source: Starry Nights
Last Updated: 2 October 2024 13:17

Starry Nights, one of Scotland's most popular festive illuminated Christmas experiences will make a highly anticipated return this December, following last year’s huge success at Dean Castle, Kilmarnock. Guests will be able to enjoy twice the fun this year, when the Christmas wonderland returns to Dean Castle and at Beecraigs Country Park.

Produced by GC Live, delivered by 21CC Group and sponsored by popular national home builder Taylor Wimpey, Starry Nights promises an immersive outdoor experience for all ages, with stunning light displays, interactive installations, and dazzling festive entertainment.

Dean Castle in Kilmarnock will once again provide a beautiful backdrop for the event when this wonderful venue embraces the spirit of Christmas and a wonderland of excitement, enhanced by dazzling illuminations and heart-warming attractions for family and friends alike.

Visitors will enjoy an enchanting journey through the grounds of the castle, travelling through an array of magical installations including Scotland’s longest Starry Tunnel, Fenwick Fairies, the mischievous Grinch, Candy Cane Lane, Singing Trees, and a Snowball Blizzard - perfect for children…and all those young at heart!

For the first time ever, Beecraigs Country Park in West Lothian will also be transformed into the Starry Nights festive wonderland where audiences are invited to meander the beautifully lit forest, featuring a host of brand new and exciting Christmas-themed attractions.

In addition to the festive lights, lasers and captivating sound installations that will adorn the grounds at both locations, guests can gather around the Christmas Campfire to enjoy mulled wine and Christmas treats, complemented by a Festive Food Village filled to the brim with delicious food and drink, interactive entertainers, a Festive Funfair and cosy Carols & Cocktails performances to brighten even the darkest of evenings.

Geoff Crow, Director of GC Live said: “We are so excited to add a new Starry Nights location to our event portfolio, following the overwhelmingly positive response to last years’ experience. With our additional venue at the beautiful Beecraigs Country Park we are giving even more families across Scotland the chance to enjoy the magic of Christmas this year. We have plenty of festive surprises for everyone and we are looking forward to spreading the Christmas cheer once more and supporting local communities in the process.”

The experiences at both locations will take approximately 1-2 hours, depending on how long visitors stop to enjoy each installation, enjoy the live music, the delicious food and drink on offer and the festive atmosphere. Guests are welcome to experience the trail route as many times as they like.

Tickets for Starry Nights at Dean Castle are available Friday to Sunday during the run, with the addition of Thursday 19 December and Monday 23 December. Prices start at £11.50 for children (3-15) and £17 for adults, with the option to add a visit to Santa’s Grotto from £9. Children under 24 months go free. Various time slots are available, with advance booking recommended.

Tickets for Starry Nights at Beecraigs Country Park are available from the 6th to 23rd December and start at £12.50 for children (3-15) and £18 for adults, with the option to add a visit to Santa’s Grotto from £9. Children under 24 months go free. Various time slots are available, with advance booking recommended.

Specially adapted experiences suitable for those with additional support needs (ASN) including autism and other sensory processing disorders will run at 3.45pm at Starry Nights Dean Castle and 4pm at Starry Nights Beecraigs Country Park, providing a relaxed experience for the magical Christmas entertainment with subdued sound and lighting effects.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.starry-night.co.uk

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Escape The Past
The Chocolatarium

Latest Edinburgh News

Hibs women support Scottish charity with Nuby this Christmas

Hibs women support Scottish charity with Nuby this Christmas

Two Hibernian Women players have helped bring festive cheer to local families this Christmas, donating Santa Surprise Boxes to a Scottish charity on behalf of baby brand Nuby.

READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.

READ MORE
Hauf and hauf revival as Edinburgh drinks partnership hits the pub

Hauf and hauf revival as Edinburgh drinks partnership hits the pub

A modern twist on a traditional Scottish serve is being poured across Edinburgh this festive season, as two of the city's leading independent drinks producers announce a flavour-led collaboration.

READ MORE
Opening New Years Day: Turner in January triumphantly returns to the National Galleries of Scotland

Opening New Years Day: Turner in January triumphantly returns to the National Galleries of Scotland

Following the incredible success of last year's blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland's own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!

READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!

READ MORE
Historic Edinburgh pub set for major investment in the New Year

Historic Edinburgh pub set for major investment in the New Year

A much-loved Belhaven pub in the heart of the Old Town is set to ring in the New Year in style with a brand-new look and elevated offering as it undergoes a significant programme of refurbishment.

READ MORE
Castle of Light offers special priced tickets for spectacular closing night

Castle of Light offers special priced tickets for spectacular closing night

Experience the award-winning after-dark event at Edinburgh Castle one final time, with a special £10 ticket available for the final night (Sunday 4 January 2026).

READ MORE
Edinburgh Rugby scores new deal with city centre sports bar

Edinburgh Rugby scores new deal with city centre sports bar

Edinburgh Rugby has scored a new deal with one of the city’s most popular sports bars, which will see all the buzz from Hive Stadium pop-up in the Grassmarket.

READ MORE
A Goal So Good it is a Work of Art!

A Goal So Good it is a Work of Art!

It’s a winner! A spectacular new photograph is now on show at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait to celebrate Scotland’s men reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026.

READ MORE
First Footin goes Global with Live Streaming announced from iconic venues

First Footin goes Global with Live Streaming announced from iconic venues

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced the event will include live streaming for the first time, opening the New Year’s Day performances to audiences around the world.

READ MORE
Distillers Fair returns for its 25th year at the The Scotch Whisky Experience

Distillers Fair returns for its 25th year at the The Scotch Whisky Experience

This December, The Scotch Whisky Experience invites guests to raise a dram to a quarter-century of discovery as the Distillers’ Fair returns for its 25th year.

READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland celebrate the return of Surrealism collection

National Galleries of Scotland celebrate the return of Surrealism collection

Scotland’s world class collection of surrealist art is back home in Modern One and free to visit from 17th December 2025.

READ MORE
The Johnnie Walker Experience named Europe and The World Leading Spirit Tourism Experience again.

The Johnnie Walker Experience named Europe and The World Leading Spirit Tourism Experience again.

Two in a row: The Johnnie Walker Experience has once again been named Europe and The World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience at the 2025 World Travel Awards(WTA).

READ MORE
Dynamic Earth Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer

Dynamic Earth Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer

Dynamic Earth is pleased to announce the appointment of Gwilym Gibbons as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a rigorous and far-reaching recruitment process.

READ MORE
Edinburghs Christmas adds themed skating sessions

Edinburghs Christmas adds themed skating sessions

Edinburgh's Christmas has added new special themed skating sessions to run throughout the season.

READ MORE
Vue Edinburgh Omni set to dazzle with new Laser by Barco technology

Vue Edinburgh Omni set to dazzle with new Laser by Barco technology

Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.

READ MORE
Deer Park backs Livingston FC Community young footballers with kit sponsorship

Deer Park backs Livingston FC Community young footballers with kit sponsorship

Deer Park is helping to kickstart the footballing journey of young players by sponsoring new training kits, match kits, and rain jackets for the Livingston FC Community’s 2017 age group.

READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

READ MORE
Dance Base to celebrate 25th year in Grassmarket home

Dance Base to celebrate 25th year in Grassmarket home

2026 represents a landmark year for Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, as the organisation celebrates 25 years in its purpose-built home in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo welcomes second rare sloth bear

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes second rare sloth bear

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a second male sloth bear, named Rajath.

READ MORE
Innis & Gunn unveils 1875 Arctic Ale in tribute to legendary North Pole expedition

Innis & Gunn unveils 1875 Arctic Ale in tribute to legendary North Pole expedition

A ‘KNOCK-OUT’ new beer has been unveiled inside an ice sculpture in Edinburgh to celebrate 150 years since the legendary North Pole expedition it was originally brewed for.

READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister

National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister

To celebrate World Ice Skating Day on 14 December, the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.

READ MORE
Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

READ MORE
Enlightenment an Immersive Experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh

Enlightenment an Immersive Experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh

Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds

READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

READ MORE
Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang

Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is gearing up for a spectacular start to 2026 with a packed programme of festive events.

READ MORE
Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience awarded highest international honours in the whisky world

Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience awarded highest international honours in the whisky world

The Scotch Whisky Experience is proud to announce that Chief Executive Susan Morrison has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame,

READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

READ MORE
Isaac McHale and Stuart Ralston Burns Night in Edinburgh

Isaac McHale and Stuart Ralston Burns Night in Edinburgh

On Sunday 25th January, for one night only, Isaac McHale returns to his native Scotland for a Burns Night dinner with Stuart Ralston at his Michelin-starred Lyla.

READ MORE
Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year

Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year

Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Hostelworld
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Escape The Past
The Chocolatarium
Hostelworld
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Torchlight Procession
The spectacular Torchlight Procession will once again light up the city with a river of fire created by over 15,000 torch bearers and friends from around the world!
Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!
Castle Of Light
Make Castle of Light: Fire and Ice part of your festive plans and enjoy the largest annual projection show in the UK when it returns for its sixth year!
Edinburgh’s Christmas: The Polar Ice Bar
Take some time to ‘chill’ at the Polar Ice Bar, the coolest bar in the city, where your table, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice.
Edinburgh’s Christmas: Christmas Market
One of the most iconic Christmas Markets in Europe, Edinburgh's Christmas Market returns to East Princes Street Gardens showcasing the best in artisan festive products and goods from local makers!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall