Australia
Daylesford Highland Gathering
December 7, 2025
Victoria Park and Vincent St., Daylesford
https://www.daylesfordhighland.com/
The Daylesford Highland Gathering has something for everyone, whether you are embracing your Scottish roots or are just interested in the culture. The event features music, dancing, food, and even swordsmanship!
St. Andrew's Day Ceilidh
December 13, 2025
Mackay, QLD
https://www.facebook.com/events/1997312957774372
St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and he is celebrated worldwide. Though this event takes place after November 30, it still celebrates the spirit of Scottish culture. The event features music, dancing, and a buffet.
Hogmanay Hootenanny 2025
December 31, 2025
Trevallyn, Tasmania
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1345417
Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year’s celebration. This event captures the spirit of Scotland through bagpipes, a Ceilidh, and food. There will even by live music by the Stovies and other special guests.
Brittany
Mise en lumière
December 6, 2025
Ploudalmézeau Town Hall Square
https://www.ploudalmezeau.fr/sortir-et-bouger/lagenda/mise-en-lumiere/
This event features of the lighting of the Christmas tree in
the town square. It will have music, dancing, and food for purchase. The
highlight of this event is the arrival of Santa Claus. It is an event for the
whole family to enjoy!
Trans Musicales
December 3-7, 2025
35000 Rennes
https://www.lestrans.com/
This music festival features a wide range of musicians across
several performance stages. Visitors will be able to find something they enjoy.
Guests should be aware that the event is cashless. More information on this can
be found on the festival’s website.
No Border Music Festival
December 4-14, 2025
Divers lieux, Divers lieux, 29200 Brest
https://www.festivalnoborder.com/-Le-festival-.html
The No Border Music Festival seeks to break down barriers
and promote local musicians. It features music, dance, theatre, debates, and
more. The goal of the festival is to expand participants’ horizons.
Winter Night in Landerneau
December 5, 2025-January 4, 2026
29800 Landerneau
https://www.tourisme-landerneau-daoulas.fr/agenda-animations-evenements/evenements-temps-forts/nuit-dhiver-landerneau/
During this event, the entire city is lit up every day. The
event features a sight and sound show, artisans and crafters, and more. It is
the perfect holiday season event for the whole family to enjoy together.
Corrida de Noël
December 21, 2025
29810 Plouarzel
https://www.plouarzel.fr/la-corrida.html
This event features a number of races for the family to
participate in. There are races for kids and adults alike. Prizes are awarded
to the team with the most racers across the finish line. The event will end
with fireworks after the races.
New Year's Eve Dance Party
December 31, 2025
Salle polyvalente du bourg, 29810 Plouarze
https://www.swingpennarbed.fr/page/1181835-presentation
This annual event features music, dancing, and food. There
is a full menu of food that can be seen on the event’s website. Music will be
provided by Swing Penn Ar Bed and the
food will be provided by Traiteur Garcia in Saint Renan.
Canada
Celtic Xmas in the Country ft Joel Lee
December 6, 2025; 1PM
Wellington Hall, 3922 Corunna Avenue, Nanaimo, BC
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acclaim-celtic-dancers-presents-celtic-xmas-in-the-country-ft-joel-lee-tickets-1964302961034
This event is a fresh take on Celtic culture with country
musician Joel Lee. It will also feature Acclaim Celtic Dancers and other
special guests. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the link above.
Ireland
Dublin Art Book Fair 2025
December 4-13, 2025
Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, 5-9 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02
AC84, Ireland
https://www.templebargallery.com/exhibitions/dublin-art-book-fair-2025
This annual event is Ireland’s leading art book fair. It features a variety of art books, including limited edition books. The event focuses on small publishers, both from Ireland and from around the world.
Stillgarden Christmas Market 2025
Saturday, 6 December 2025
D08 EWK2, Inchicore, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin, D08 EWK2, Ireland
https://stillgardendistillery.com/stillgarden-xmas-market
This Christmas market features artisans who put
sustainability at the heart of what they do. From repurposed metal jewelry to natural
skincare and more, there are plenty of things to check out. There will be a café
open for food and beverage purchases.
Winterval Truck & Tractor Parade
December 7, 2025
Waterford City, Co. Waterford
https://winterval.ie/event/tractor-parade
This festive parade features trucks and tractors decked out
in twinkling lights and other decorations. While the event is free, the
organizers are collecting monetary donations for Tinteán Housing, a charity
helping those facing homelessness.
The Santa Express Mullingar
December 13 - 14, 2025
Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
https://9thwestmeathscouts.com/santa-express-2025
This festive experience features a one-hour ride through the
Westmeath countryside on a holiday train. The magic begins on the train
platform, where participants are greeted by characters like the Grinch and Olaf.
Refreshments are available.
A Night for Palestine with Amble & Special Guests
December 19, 2025
Killarney, Co. Kerry
https://gleneaglearena.ie/gigs/a-night-for-palestine-with-amble-special-guests
This concert will feature beloved Irish bands such as Beoga,
Clare Sands, and Lumiere. All proceeds from the evening will go to ACLAÍ
Palestine and will also provide food parcels for displaced families in Gaza.
New Year's Festival
December 30, 2025-January 1, 2026
Dublin, Ireland
https://nyfdublin.ie/
This event is Ireland’s biggest New Year’s event. It
features concerts, music trails, fireworks, and more. Some concerts and events
do not require a ticket and will say so on the schedule, but other events are
ticketed.
Isle of Mann
Santa's On A Bike
December 6, 2025
Plan.com HQ, Victoria Street, Douglas
https://www.visitisleofman.com/whats-on/santas-on-a-bike-p1328931
This annual event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday
season and raise money for charity. The bike ride invites participants to dress
up, decorate their bikes, and ride the bike route to raise money for Rebecca’s
House Children’s Hospice.
ManxSPCA Christmas Fair
December 6, 2025
The Hub, Onchan Community Centre, Onchan, Onchan, IM3 1AP
https://www.visitisleofman.com/whats-on/manxspca-christmas-fair-p1773721
Like other Christmas craft fairs and markets, this one has local
artisans selling unique gifts. However, with the ManxSPCA Christmas Fair, each
stall is supporting the ManxSPCA to help animals in need.
New Zealand
Waipu Highland Games
December 31, 2025
Waipu Celtic Barn, 39 The Centre, Waipu, Waipu 0510
https://www.waipuhighlandgames.co.nz/
This annual festival is a great way to end the year on a fun
note. They offer competitions, music, dancing, and other activities for the whole
family to enjoy. Tickets are available the day of the event, but it is
recommended that visitors buy their tickets in advance online.
Scotland
Sparkle and Shine Carol Concert
December 4, 2025
Dean Parish Church, 65--67 Dean Path, Edinburgh, EH4
3AT
https://sparkle-and-shine.raiselysite.com/
This festive concert features the ESMS Junior School Choir
and the Monktonhall Brass Band. Tickets can be purchased in advance and include
a free glass of wine, juice, and mince pie. There will also be raffles and
glitter tattoos.
Dundee Mountain Film Festival
December 5-7, 2025
University of Abertay, Kydd Building, Bell Street, Dundee,
DD1 1HG
https://dmff.co.uk/
This film festival is considered to be Scotland’s pioneering
mountain film festival. This year is its 40th year and it boasts
international speakers, films, and exhibitions. The films and presenters are invited,
and it is not a competitive festival.
“Written in Light” Christmas Charity Concert
December 12, 2025
Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ
https://www.spiders4ukraine.org.uk/events
The “Written In Light” charity concert is a concert that is
raising money for those impacted by the war in Ukraine. The concert will
feature Christmas carols by Scottish and Ukrainian singers, the moving play “Life
in One Suitcase,” and more.
Festive Silent Disco
December 14, 2025
City Halls & Old Fruitmarket, Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1
1NQ
https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/festive-silent-disco
The Festive Silent Disco takes place in an 1800s Victorian
market and features three DJs on three channels, each playing different types
of music. Participants will receive light-up headphones on entry and can switch
between the stations as they wish.
Edinburgh International Magic Festival
December 17 - 30, 2025
Various venues: Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 1TE
https://magicfest.co.uk/
This year marks the 16th Edinburgh International
Magic Festival. It features a wide array of magicians from around the world.
Tickets are available at the event, but it is recommended that tickets be
purchased online in case they sell out.
Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony
December 31, 2025
Stonehaven High Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2XN
https://stonehavenfireballs.com/
The Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony is a fiery way to celebrate
the incoming year. Approximately 40 men and women parade the streets, swinging
balls of fire around their heads. A fireworks display follows the parade.
United States
Pipes of Christmas
December 5-6, 2025
Church of the Covenant; 67 Newbury St, Boston
https://pipesofchristmas.com/
The Pipes of Christmas concert series debuted in 1999 and
has since raised money to support the arts. The concerts happen in multiple
cities on different days, so check the website to see if there is one near you!
Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival
December 12 - 14, 2025
McDade, TX
www.sherwoodforestfaire.com
This Texas festival features live music, an archery
tournament, and even Hawk Walk. There will also be a Highland Games that
participants can sign up to compete in. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there as
well.
-Celtic Events: October 2025: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/09/celtic-events-october-2025.html
-Celtic Events: September 2025: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/08/celtic-events-september-2025.html