What's on
Do you want to know what’s on during your stay - or an idea of what there is to see and do in the local area? Then we’ve got you covered. Here on this page, we’ll be keeping you up to date with local events, places to visit and just about anything we think our guests would be interested in. In 2023 Lonely Planet listed Dumfries and Galloway as one of their Top 30 destinations - you can see some of their top recommendations here
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Winter 2025
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Christmas Markets
There are plenty of festive markets and events being held close to the cottage to help get you in the mood for Christmas. A few are listed here but check the links at the bottom of this page for up to date information and times.
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26th Nov - Castle Douglas Producers Christmas Market, Market Hill, Castle Douglas 10:00–14:00. Special festive edition of monthly producers market.
29th-30th Nov -Shambellie House Christmas Fayre New Abbey, DG2 8HQ. 11.00-15.00. Local crafts, gifts, food & drink.
30th Nov - Dumfries Christmas Lights & Market, Dumfries Town Centre Market from 10:00; Lights ~18:00. Stalls, rides, music, family event.
4th Dec - Wigtown “Winter Kist” Festive MarketWigtown, Louis McGuffie Gardens from 10:00. Local gifts, food & crafts.
5th Dec - Dumfries & Galloway College Christmas Market, Dumfries & Stranraer campuses, 16:00–19:00. Students & local makers.
6th Dec -Love Langholm Christmas Market, Langholm Town Hall, 09:00–13:00. Festive local produce & crafts.
6th Dec -Demijohn Christmas at Glenlair SteadingNear Castle Douglas10:00–19:00. Food, drink & gifts in a rural setting.
6th-7th Dec - Drumlanrig Castle Christmas Fair (Day 1)Thornhill, from 11:00. Food, drink & crafts in heated marquee.
7th Dec - Dumfries Farmers’ Market – Festive Edition. Dumfries Railway Station Pavilion, 10:30–14:30. Extra stalls, Christmas produce
14th Dec - Moffat Farmers’ Market Christmas Special, Moffat Town Hall, 10:30–14:30. Last regular market of the year
Mid-Dec (TBC) Annan Harbour Christmas Market, Annan Harbour Trust~10:30–14:00Festive version of monthly harbour market
Mid-Dec (TBC) Castle Douglas Festive Lights & Christmas Event, Castle Douglas Main Street. Afternoon–Evening Lights switch-on, stalls, Santa’s grotto
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KircudbrightDark Space Planetarium
Kirkcudbright Planetarium hosts a variety of special events, lectures, workshops, and guest talks. They also have regular cinema screenings to be enjoyed in the Planetarium.
​Closeburn Castle Ghost Hunt
Join Haunted Rooms at Closeburn Castle for a night of ghost hunting you'll not soon forget! This castle, dating back to the mid-13th century / early 14th century and nestled within 20 acres of the secluded Scottish countryside, is the oldest tower house in Scotland and one of the oldest continuously inhabited buildings in the country.
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Star Gazing Nights - Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest
With early nights and crisp skies, Winter is prime time for celestial wonders. Add blankets and flasks for a magical evening at Galloway International Dark Sky Park.
Wild Swan Feeds
WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire, DG1 4RS
Experience the sights and sounds of hundreds of swans, ducks and geese at the daily swan feeds! Plus a variety of changing exhibitions and events held throughout the year
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​Scotland’s Gardens Scheme - gardens open for charity
There are lots available, so please check the website for latest information on opening www.scotlandsgardens.org
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Please check before visiting any of the events for costs and if booking is necessary.
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Some other sites which you may find useful when planning your stay include:
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Events in and around Dumfries & Galloway
Things to do and see in Dumfries & Galloway
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Regularly updated with lots of information about events in Dumfries & Galloway
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Dumfries & Galloway! What's going on?
Upcoming events in Dumfries & Galloway
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