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.

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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Popeyes announces Fort Kinnaird opening date

Popeyes® UK fans in Fort Kinnaird can get their hands on the viral Chicken Sandwich from Monday 3rd November, with free Chicken Sandwiches for the first 100 in the queue.

Master of the Universe finds its new home outside the National gallery

Having lived at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two since the early 2000’s, Eduardo Paolozzi’s Master of the Universe finds its new home outside the National.

Gilded Saloon announce new weekly comedy night and autumn programme

The Gilded Saloon, Edinburgh’s latest arts venue has announced a brand new programme of autumn events ranging from a weekly comedy night, theatre, sketch shows, music, magic and more.

Dream job in Edinburgh up for grabs as Prezzo Italian searches for first ever Chief Tasting Officer

To celebrate the launch of its new George Street restaurant, Prezzo Italian is offering food lovers the chance to land what might be the city’s tastiest new role of ‘Chief Tasting Officer'.

Halloween is just around the corner and The Ivy Edinburgh has some scarily good things up their sleeve to help celebrate

This spooky season, take a stroll down the yellow brick road and into The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh as it transforms into The Ivy Emerald City.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Where Science Meets Santa: Winter Wonderland Returns to Dynamic Earth

This Christmas, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is transforming once again into a Winter Wonderland.

Get ready for Edinburgh Diwali 2025

Edinburgh city centre will be awash with colour on Sunday 2nd November as Edinburgh Diwali marks 10 years of uniting communities and celebrating diversity.

Festive line up announced for Lost Shore Surf Resort

Ho Ho Ho! Festive line-up announced for Lost Shore Surf Resort - Featuring visits from Mrs Claus and the return of the festive cinema.

Festival announces its new commission by Marc Brew

Imaginate has announced its next Expo-funded Festival commission will be by award-winning disabled dance artist and choreographer Marc Brew, as part of an increased focus on disabled-led work.

Virgin StartUp invites Scottish entrepreneurs to the Edinburgh Mentor Match

Scottish entrepreneurs are being invited to an electrifying free networking event on 27th October for National Mentoring Day at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

Scottish chef Tony Singh MBE joins Loganair as first ever Brand Ambassador

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has appointed celebrated Scottish chef Tony Singh MBE as its first-ever Brand Ambassador.

New year round Collaboration to make Outdoor Adventure accessible for All

The Yard, Foxlake and Wild Shore Dundee launch official partnership to deliver a year-round programme of inclusive activities, training, and support across three regions of Scotland.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

Casting announced for Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Kevin Clifton, Nick Hayes and Peter Duncan amongst the full cast announced who join previously announced Adèle Anderson (Fascinating Aïda) for Priscilla Queen of the Desert tour 2026.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

Cheers & Cheese to EU campaign brings a taste of European excellence to Edinburgh

Cheers & Cheese to EU campaign invites food enthusiasts to explore the rich flavours of Grana Padano PDO and Prosecco DOC in Edinburgh this October.

Fort Kinnaird gives hundreds of primary school pupils chance to design labels for homegrown honey

Over 115 local primary school students aged between five and 11 years old are due to take part in a competition run by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the jars of honey.

St James Quarter unveils a Magical Christmas 2025 Programme

St James Quarter, Edinburgh, is set to sparkle once again this festive season with a showstopping Christmas Programme for 2025.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Unveils Haunting Halloween Event with a Dramatic Twist

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is partnering with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and North Edinburgh Nightmares for a spine-chilling evening of storytelling, whisky, and elevated seasonal dining.

Cold Town House in Edinburgh crowned Best Beer Destination in Scotland

Edinburgh’s iconic castle-view bar has been crowned Scotland’s ‘Best Beer Destination’ for the first time at this year’s Scottish Beer Awards.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Community group for families effected by suicide say art can be empowering

With Friday 10 October marking World Mental Health Day, community group, Lothians Speak Their Name, have shared the ‘powerful’ effect that art has had since the passing of their loved ones.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Amber restaurant joins forces with The Real Mary Kings Close for Halloween programme

This October, The Real Mary King’s Close, one of the UK’s top-rated experiences on TripAdvisor, partners with Amber Restaurant for a Halloween experience on the Royal Mile.

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

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings