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

Kevin Quantum
The Chocolatarium
Hilton Glasgow
Wonder & Co
Mowgli
Fayre Play
Tea Green

Latest Edinburgh News

Heather On The Hill Festival Announced

Heather On The Hill Festival Announced

Edinburgh Summer Sessions is delighted to announce Heather On The Hill Festival, a brand-new family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22 August.

READ MORE
The Vittoria Group Launches Black Friday Offer

The Vittoria Group Launches Black Friday Offer

With Black Friday just a week away, the family run Vittoria Group is launching one of Edinburgh’s biggest, and most giftable, foodie offers with 50% off vouchers across all venues.

READ MORE
Free sweets at brand new Edinburgh store opening this weekend

Free sweets at brand new Edinburgh store opening this weekend

Sweet lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free treat on Saturday 22nd November, as Ambala opens its brand-new store on Gorgie Road.

READ MORE
United Airlines Celebrates Girls in Aviation Day at Edinburgh Airport

United Airlines Celebrates Girls in Aviation Day at Edinburgh Airport

United Airlines inspires girls to pursue careers in aviation by opening the doors to their operation at Edinburgh Airport.

READ MORE
Christmas arrives at The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Christmas arrives at The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.

READ MORE
First Look at the Magical Festival Transformation at Duck & Waffle

First Look at the Magical Festival Transformation at Duck & Waffle

This festive season, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh invites guests to leave the ordinary behind and step into the 'Chamber of Magic' - a world where wonder, mischief, and wizardry collide.

READ MORE
Celebrate the Festive Season with Caorunn Gin at the St James Quarter

Celebrate the Festive Season with Caorunn Gin at the St James Quarter

Caorunn, the award-winning small batch gin from the Scottish Highlands, has unveiled an exclusive festive pop-up stand at St James Quarter Edinburgh, running until 31st December 2025.

READ MORE
BBC Cbeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh Cinemas

BBC Cbeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh Cinemas

Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.

READ MORE
Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle this Friday at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice

Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle this Friday at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice

Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.

READ MORE
Celebrate The Autumn Internationals at The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh

Celebrate The Autumn Internationals at The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh

As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.

READ MORE
Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre

Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre

The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.

READ MORE
Four Major International Performances Go on Sale for Edinburgh International Festival 2026

Four Major International Performances Go on Sale for Edinburgh International Festival 2026

Following a record number of sold-out performances in 2025, audiences can book early for what promise to be must-see performances in 2026!

READ MORE
Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts

Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts

Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.

READ MORE
Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife

Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife

From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

READ MORE
The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady announced its Christmas 2025 programme

The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady announced its Christmas 2025 programme

The award-winnng Leddie Hotel in Aberlady has announced its Christmas 2025 programme, bringing together creative workshops, family experiences, live music and seasonal dining.

READ MORE
Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes

Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes

Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026

Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026

Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.

READ MORE
Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving

Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving

Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.

READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival  announces dates and submission details for 2026

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces dates and submission details for 2026

The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.

READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

READ MORE
Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes

Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes

The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.

READ MORE
King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh

King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh

King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.

READ MORE
Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November

Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November

This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.

READ MORE
Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland

Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland

Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.

READ MORE
Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant

Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant

Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.

READ MORE
Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom

Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom

Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.

READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

READ MORE
Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation

Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation

Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.

READ MORE
18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening

18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening

Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
Go Ape
WST
Children's Classic Concerts
MNB
Hilton Glasgow
Salvation Army

Sponsored Links

Kevin Quantum
The Chocolatarium
Hilton Glasgow
Wonder & Co
Mowgli
Fayre Play
Tea Green
Escape The Past
Go Ape
WST
Children's Classic Concerts
MNB
Hilton Glasgow
Salvation Army

Popular Events

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.
Coca Cola Christmas Truck Tour Edinburgh
Holidays are coming... the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour returns for Christmas 2025, kicking off with two stops in Edinburgh!
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!
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!
Christmas at the Botanics
Explore the sights and sounds of Christmas in this magical after dark experience when it returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh!

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