Our luxury self-catering holiday resort is set on the east side of Loch Lomond, less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow and Stirling. Both cities glitter and shine during the festive season, and both put on a great selection of Christmas shows. So, if you’re looking for some live entertainment to enjoy during your stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront, check out these top festive shows.

Christmas Shows Glasgow 2024

The Nutcracker

6th December – 30 Dec 2024

Theatre Royal, Glasgow, G2 3QA

Immerse yourself in Tchaikovsky’s spellbinding ballet to get you in the Christmas spirit. Meet the Nutcracker Prince and the Rat King in Scottish Ballet’s visual feast which will entertain the whole family. The Nutcracker is a festive treat to remember long after your stay by Loch Lomond is over.

Royal Scottish National Orchestra: A Christmas Carol

1st December 2024

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, G2 3NY

Christmas can only mean one thing – time for a Christmas Carol! This version is performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and there are no humbugs to be found here. Guaranteed fun is to be had here – no matter what that Scrooge says. Book tickets here.

The Muppets: A Christmas Carol in Concert

2nd December 2024

SEC Armadillo, Glasgow, G3 8YW

Fancy even more Christmas Carolling? Of course you do! Disney’s much loved 1992 musical comedy, The Muppet Christmas Carol, will be live in concert at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow this December. The music score from the film will be performed live to the film by an orchestra. A must for lovers of the original film and little ones who have yet to experience it!

Tickets prices start at £35.20.

Love Actually in Concert

9th December 2024

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, G2 3NY

It’s a quintessential Christmas film, and we all love it. This year, why not enjoy your traditional Love Actually viewing with a live orchestra performing the soundtrack alongside the movie? Its an experience like no other, and is totally worth the trip to Glasgow this December! It’s the Christmas show that absolutely must be on your list.

Tickets start at £36.40.

The Rat Pack at Christmas

16th December 2024

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, G2 3NY

Fancy a bit of crooning this year? Let Frank, Sammy and Dean (or as close as you can get) take you through their greatest hits. From White Christmas and Baby It’s Cold Outside to Mack the Knife and New York New York, your feet will be a-tappin’ in no time.

Tickets are available from £27.44.

The Big Christmas Party… Live!

20th December 2024

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, G2 3NY

It’s Chriiiistmaaasss! If you are looking for the place to be to get you well and truly into the Christmas mood, then the Big Christmas Party is it! Performers will be belting out the classics like Last Christmas, All I Want for Christmas and, of course, Merry Christmas Everyone. Join them in this party of parties.

Tickets are £27.44.

Peter Pan

23rd November – 5th Jan 2025

King’s Theatre, Glasgow, G2 4JN

It wouldn’t really be Christmas without some classic “he’s behind you!” and a delightful panto dame. For those who love a bit of pantomime Christmas tradition, Glasgow has a right treat for you this year in the form of a smashing Peter Pan performance.

Tickets start at £13, and the event is on throughout December.

Christmas Shows Stirling 2024

Snow White

27 November – 31st December 2024

Macrobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA

In this reimagining of the classic story, The Baroness Fantasia De’Wharff hires Nanny Maria Shut-Yon-Trapp to control her seven naughty step-children. But when Nanny Maria discovers that the evil Fantasia is planning on murdering Snow White, will she step up and be a hero?

Get ready to scream “She’s behind you!” at the top of your voice in another fantastic production at the Macrobert Arts Centre.

Tickets from £22.

The Jingle Belles Ultimate Christmas Party

21st December 2024

The Albert Halls, Albert Place, Stirling FK8 2QL

Sing your heart out at this Christmas party! Enjoy seasonal songs from Slade, Wizzard, Mariah Carey, Shakin’ Stevens and even more. This fantastic evening out will be sure to put even the grumpiest person into a Christmas cheer.

Tickets from £25.

Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook

20th December 2024

Albert Halls, FK8 2QL

Phil Cunningham is one of Scotland’s most beloved musicians, and he’s bringing some Christmas cheer to Stirling in 2024. Featuring the vocals of Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson and Kris Drever, this night of music and banter os one not to be missed by music lovers.

Tickets from £26.

Elsewhere in Scotland . . .

If you want to make the most out of your festive trip to Scotland, you should take a train or drive over to Edinburgh for the iconic Christmas market. You could even get tickets for a panto in Edinburgh and make a whole day of it! The options are endless if you’re looking for Christmas shows in Glasgow and Scotland.

If you fancy seeing one of these great Christmas shows during your festive break at Loch Lomond Waterfront, remember to book your tickets in advance, as they may sell out. We hope you have a magical time!

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Christmas celebrations in Scotland

Christmas in Scotland is a joyful time filled with festive traditions, family gatherings and delicious food. Scots celebrate Christmas with as much enthusiasm as anywhere else. Homes are decorated with lights and Christmas trees. Traditional Scottish treats like shortbread and mince pies are popular, while Christmas markets and events bring a festive atmosphere to towns and cities across the country.

Christmas was banned for 400 years!

Did you know Christmas was once banned in Scotland? In the 1600s, the Scottish Parliament stopped all Christmas celebrations. They believed the holiday was too closely linked to Catholic traditions and a bit too rowdy! For nearly 400 years, Christmas wasn’t officially celebrated in Scotland and it wasn’t until 1958 that it became a public holiday again. Thankfully, things have changed and now Christmas is widely celebrated, just like in many other parts of the world.

Winter Solstice

Long before Christmas, the ancient Scots celebrated the winter solstice, marking the return of longer days. They would bring greenery like holly and ivy into their homes to symbolise life during the dark winter. Mistletoe was also important as it represented fertility. Today this tradition carries on with mistletoe hung in doorways, for people to share a kiss under it.

The Yule log

The Yule log is another tradition that dates back to Scotland’s winter solstice celebrations. Burning the Yule log in the fireplace symbolised bringing warmth and light back into the home during the darkest time of the year. Nowadays, the tradition has evolved and many Scots place candles in their windows during Christmas, continuing the idea of bringing light into their homes.

Burning Rowan

A unique Scottish Christmas tradition is burning a twig from the rowan tree. The rowan tree is thought to protect against evil spirits and burning a twig during Christmas helps clear away bad feelings and encourages harmony between family and friends.

Hogmanay is Scotland’s New Year celebration

As Christmas ends, the focus shifts to Hogmanay, Scotland’s famous New Year’s Eve celebration. Christmas and Hogmanay traditions are in Scotland’s history and Hogmanay is an exciting time filled with traditions.

First Footing

One of the most popular Hogmanay traditions is the First Footing. After midnight, the first person to enter your house is thought to bring good luck for the New Year. They often bring a gift like shortbread or whisky, symbolising good cheer for the year ahead.

Auld Lang Syne

Hogmanay wouldn’t be complete without a rendition of Auld Lang Syne. This famous song, written by Scotland’s poet Robert Burns, is sung at the stroke of midnight. Everyone joins hands to sing it, saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new one. It’s a tradition that’s loved not just in Scotland but all over the world.

Fire Rituals

Fire plays a big part in Hogmanay traditions. Torchlight processions, bonfires and fireworks are all used to welcome the New Year and drive away darkness. Many Scottish families also light their fireplaces on New Year’s Eve, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere as they gather to celebrate with loved ones.

Celebrate Christmas and Hogmanay at Loch Lomond Waterfront

If you’d like to experience these wonderful Christmas and Hogmanay traditions for yourself, why not book a stay at Loch Lomond Waterfront? Whether you’re looking for a cosy Christmas getaway or a fun-filled Hogmanay celebration, we’ve got everything you need for a magical festive season.

Santa knows where to find us, so you can rest assured that the kids will get their Christmas visit! Plus, we’ll be putting on a fireworks display at midnight on the 31st of December to welcome the New Year in true Scottish style. A Hogmanay break at Loch Lomond Waterfront is the perfect way to relax, recharge and make new memories.

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