“"The annual Christmas Lights Switch On event is always a brilliant occasion that brings families into the city centre to watch Santa and his helpers mark the beginning of the festive period and get everybody into the Christmas spirit with the days becoming darker. We have an excellent calendar of events taking place in and around the Council area this winter, including the return of the Winterlight festival at the Albert Halls for fans of the best in Scottish traditional music and the return of Stirling’s Hogmanay fireworks display to bring in the bells for the new year. We’re determined to make Stirling’s Hogmanay celebrations something that all communities can be proud of and take part in. The creation of Stirling’s Hogmanay Events Fund offers a chance for community groups and businesses to enhance the celebrations for everybody."
Stirling Gears Up for Festive Season with Christmas Lights Switch-On and Hogmanay Fund
The city announces its annual Christmas lights event, a new Santa Tractor Trail, and a fund for Hogmanay celebrations.
By Kirsty Lennox
••2 min read
AI
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Stirling will officially begin its Christmas countdown with the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event on Saturday 21 November, featuring entertainment, a Santa Tractor Trail, and festive activities.
The city centre will be alive with activity on Saturday 21 November for the annual Christmas Lights Switch On. The event will include costumed performers and entertainment from Central FM on Port Street, with presenters and local musicians set to appear. A new addition this year is the Santa Tractor Trail, where Mr and Mrs Claus will travel in specially decorated tractors from Stirling Castle into the city centre.
Festive family activities and choir performances will also take place at the Albert Halls from 2pm. The Winterlight music festival will return to the Albert Halls for its second edition following a successful inaugural event last December. Additionally, Hogmanay will be celebrated with a fireworks display at the National Wallace Monument.
Stirling Council has also launched the Stirling’s Hogmanay Events Fund, open for applications from local creatives, event organisers, community groups, and businesses until Friday 27 November. Grants of up to £500 are available to support new events across the Stirling Council area between 28 December and 3 January.
Further information on all winter events is available at www.stirlingevents.org.
Based on information from the official source: Stirling Council (02/11/2026)
