Your 2026 festive guide for Inverness and Loch Ness
Find out all the festive activities, events, packages and celebrations on the run up and over Christmas in Inverness and Loch Ness.
From November onwards, Inverness and Loch Ness burst into seasonal life with artisan markets, sparkling lights, independent shops full of one-of-a-kind gifts, and wintery wanders wrapped up in some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery.
We have created this easy, bite-sized guide to visiting at this magical time of year!
Gift Shopping!
Christmas shopping here feels slower, friendlier, and full of makers whose work truly captures the spirit of the Highlands. We’re big champions of local independent businesses, producers, artists and creators. In the run-up to Christmas, you’ll find them dotted throughout festive markets, craft fairs, and their shops across Inverness and Loch Ness.
And if you’re not visiting during the festive season, don’t worry. A locally made gift is still a lovely way to bring a bit of the Highlands home. It’s the perfect reminder of your trip, or a brilliant way to spark excitement for someone planning their own visit soon.
Places to shop!
Here are some ideas for local independent traders and shops to find the perfect and thoughtful Highland gift in and around Inverness and Loch Ness.
- Ness Gifts - Dores Loch Ness
- An Talla - Dochgarroch
- Rebel Row - Inverness
- Loch Ness Hub - Drumnadrochit
- Simpsons Garden Centre - Inverness
- Loch Ness Gifts - Drumnadrochit
- Culloden Battlefield - Gift Shop
- Howden's Garden Centre - Inverness
- Clansman Hotel Gift Shop - Loch Ness
- Castle Gallery - Inverness
- Cocoa Bothy - Inverness
For even more shopping ideas, we also have our "Shop till you drop" guide
Local markets and fairs
In the lead-up to Christmas, Inverness and the surrounding villages come alive with festive markets and local fairs. These events are packed with Highland makers, artisan food producers, and creative crafters, the perfect place to discover one-of-a-kind gifts, seasonal treats, and handmade pieces you won’t find on the high street. You can enjoy wandering with a hot chocolate in hand, chat to the makers, and soak up that warm, community feel that makes Christmas in the Highlands so special.
Discover the markets and fairs below...
Fri 20 - Sun 22 November 2026
Saturday 21 November 2026
Fri 27 - Sun 29 November 2026
Fri 4 - Sun 6 December 2026
Saturday 5 December 2026
Sunday 6 December 2026
Saturday 5 & 19 December 2026
12th December 2026
Festive activities!
As the season gets underway, festive fun comes to life across Inverness and Loch Ness with plenty of activities to help you soak up the Christmas spirit. From getting hands-on at wreath-making workshops to joining Santa on a magical cruise across the loch, there’s something for everyone.
You’ll also find family favourites like ice skating sessions with Santa, creative craft events, and cosy community celebrations, all adding a little extra sparkle.
Here are a few suggestions for some festive fun ideas....
From 8th November - 16th December 2026
From 24th November to 15th December 2026
From 28th November - 19th December 2026
28th November and 6th December 2026
28th November 2026
- Meet the Maker – Winter Wreath Making with Fluraichean Flowers at Lochardil House Hotel
From 29th November to 5th December
From 1st - 13th December
From 3rd to 18th December 2026
From 6th to 13th December 2026
From 6th to 13th December 2026
6th December 2026
From 12th to 20th December 2026
From 12th to 24th December 2026
Discover everything that's on in November and December on our dedicated What's on page
Christmas traditions!
We don't miss out on all the festive traditions!
Panto, Christmas light switch on and more, here is what you need to know...
This year's Eden Court Pantomime is Cinderella! It runs from the 2nd December 2026 to the 3rd January 2027. Enjoy a wickedly good time at a classic family panto packed full of hilarious slapstick humour, audience interaction, hit songs, sensational dancing and plenty of festive joy.
The Inverness Christmas lights switch on will take place on Sunday 22nd November.
Festive foodie ideas!
From festive lunches to twinkly afternoon teas, the Highlands serve up plenty of seasonal flavours. It's the time of the year for sweet treats piled high, and cosy dining events perfect for celebrating with friends or simply soaking up the Christmas spirit. Whatever you’re craving, Inverness and Loch Ness have a delicious way to make it feel festive.
For something really unique and to get you right in the Christmas spirit, book your place at the Christmas Selection Box event at the Downright Gabbler. Delicious food and fantastic storytelling, a real seasonal treat for friends, family, or colleagues to enjoy!
Let's look at some festive afternoon tea and lunch options, because they are always a treat!
Where to stay
Are you dreaming of a grand hotel dressed head-to-toe in Christmas decorations or a quiet loch-side hideaway for mulled-wine nights in? Inverness and Loch Ness offer stays to suit every festive mood. You can enjoy an all-inclusive package so you don't have to think about a thing, or choose a festive getaway with pals for some bubbles and shopping, we have it all!
Click below to discover the full range of accommodation choices across the whole destination, or scroll a little further for some package ideas!
If you are looking to be well looked after with a well deserved and indulgent Christmas Package, there are some fabulous ones on offer!
Looking for something that is a gift an also a festive treat? What about a night away with the girls, including a little pampering? Who doesn't need a bit of pampering at Christmas?
Enjoy a break at the Palace Hotel and Spa in stylish rooms, with pampering treats, and full use of the luxury Leisure Club & Spa. It’s the perfect recipe for indulgence, relaxation, and plenty of fun with your besties.
Where to celebrate
Festive celebrations in Inverness and Loch Ness are wonderful! Soak up the atmosphere with locals, live music and a good dram, poured with warmth! Festive gatherings bring that buzz of tradition and good fun.
There are many party nights at local hotels on the run up to and during Christmas, but if you want something authentic and local, try out one of the many bars in and around Inverness who provide good drinks, live music and entertainment to enjoy. A few suggestions....
Inverness
- Macgregors Bar- Live traditional music and fantastic Sunday Sessions
- Piano Bar - Glenmoriston Town House Hotel - Drams and river views a plenty
- Castle Tavern - Good Pints and even better castle views
- Uile-Bheist Tap room - try out the brews where they are made
Traditional music venues in Inverness - Hootananny's, Highlanders Bar, An Seomar, The Gellions
Loch Ness and surrounding area
- Loch Ness Inn - Drumnadrochit
- Whitebridge Hotel - Whitebridge
- Cawdor Tavern - Cawdor
- Lock Inn - Fort Augustus
Festive switch off!
If Christmas for you means rest, reflection, and a bit of breathing space, Inverness and Loch Ness deliver it in spades, we can promise calm, scenic, and wonderfully peaceful.
Peaceful Self catering cottages, cabins with hot tubs and perfect rural retreats... just for you!
Wonderful wintery walks or tranquil moments on the waves of Loch Ness, there is so much quiet natural beauty to explore, before closing the door, putting on your PJ's and curling up by a wood burning fire with a book, a hot chocolate or warming dram.... perfection!
Do you have a festive event, activity or offer you want to add to this guide? If so please get in touch with the details.
