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Discover Festive-ness in Inverness, this is your guide to Christmas in Inverness newly updated for 2025. Escape to Inverness this festive season and stay at the 4 Star Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, ideally located on the banks of the River Ness opposite Inverness Castle and a few minutes stroll to the bustling city centre filled with unique shops ideal for festive shopping. Plus stroll along the river banks to Eden Court Theatre and enjoy this years fabulous Pantomime, Snow White from 3rd December to 4th January 2026. There is so much to experience with Christmas in Inverness, read on for all the details.
Your Guide to Christmas in Inverness
Your Inverness Festive Events
Your Inverness Christmas Guide, “Tis the season to be Jolly“, sparkling lights, laughter, celebrating with friends & family, discover Christmas in Inverness this festive season. Don’t miss some of these fantastic festive events, make new memories in 2025!
Santa Cruise on Loch Ness by Jacobite, step aboard this December for a festive family adventure. Departing from Dochgarroch, just 4 miles outside Inverness, these 1 hour sailings are packed with Christmas cheer, friendly elves, and of course, a visit from Santa himself.
Santa Cruise Dates & Times
- Sat 6th Dec: 1pm & 2.30pm
- Sun 7th Dec: 1pm & 2.30pm
- Fri 12th Dec: 1pm – sensory sailing (a quieter cruise with space for up to 15 children & 30 adults)
- Sat 13th Dec: 1pm & 2.30pm
- Sun 14th Dec: 1pm & 2.30pm
- Sat 20th Dec: 1pm
- Sun 21st Dec: 1pm
Brodie Castle Festival of Light, 1st November to 30th November 2025– Thursday to Sunday every week from 1st November come and enjoy the magnificent Brodie Castle Festival of Lights. This year’s festival celebrates the 4 elements Earth, Fire, Air and Water showcased along the charming illuminated trail, and the 16th-century castle will be brought to life through projection, light and sound. Brodie Illuminated 2025 runs over four evenings each week (Thursday to Sunday) from Saturday 1 November until Sunday 30 November.
Inverness Christmas Lights Switch On, lighting up your November! The Inverness Christmas Lights Switch On date is Sunday 23rd November 2025. Enjoy the Christmas light Switch on in combination with the Christmas Market at the Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Victorian Market Elf on the Shelf Hunt 29th November 2025 from TBC, you won’t want to miss this magical Elf adventure at the Victorian Market. Discover Santa’s little helpers hiding in the shop windows and get into the Christmas spirit. Pick up your entry form in person from Elf HQ within the Market and start your elf hunt! This is a free event as well as all the fun of the hunt submit your entry and perhaps you will WIN the £100 City Centre Gift Card
Winter Festival Programme The Town House, Inverness City Centre Christmas Fair – 2025 Dates TBC . There is so much to do, shop for unique gifts, be serenaded by the Highland Voices Choir and Tony Hendry, plus enjoy and enjoy demonstration & discover new arts and crafts for the kids & adults.
Inverness Town House Tours, 8th to 12th December, book your ticket for a FREE guided tour of the beautiful Inverness Town House.
Military Wives Christmas Concert @ Inverness Townhouse Sunday 7th December
Christmas Market, Skating & Santa at Inverness Ice Centre Saturday 20th December 2025, split for choice with lots of stalls, plus Santa & Mrs Claus on the ice!! Market is open from 10am to 3pm and entry is FREE. Skating with Santa needs to be pre booked, plus there is a Christmas photo area to capture your new Christmas memories!
The Pantomime – All I want for Christmas is to see Snow White this year’s fabulous Pantomime at End Court Theatre, from Wednesday 3rd December to Sunday 4th January 2026. Enter the world of the Pantoshpere! Book your tickets now as this pantomime is not to be missed! Remember to book your pre panto festive high tea at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa.
Top Inverness Festive-ness Shopping & Christmas Markets
Deck the Halls, in addition to all the fabulous shops located in and around Inverness, we would want you to miss out on some of the local Festive Shopping Fairs, a special addition to Christmas in Inverness. These fabulous shopping fairs allow you to find handcrafted gems, whose products are not only unique but often have limited availability.
Exclusively Highland Christmas Craft Fair at Eden Court – – Friday 14th, Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th November – Early Christmas Craft Fair of local and Scottish producers set in the heart of Inverness. Next to the beautiful River Ness, in the centre of the Highland capital you will find Eden Court, part theatre complex and part stately home; just a short walk from the Palace Hotel & Spa, the venue plays host throughout to two of our Christmas Fairs fondly known as Eden 1 and Eden 2.
On display will be lovingly made crafts; featuring antler inspired gifts, several different art genres; textile, illustrations & prints, wood work, intricate metal work, decadent cushions & throws, ceramics, silk scarves, potions and curios, tweed accessories and gifts. Glass, silver and polymer jewellery, exquisite wood turning, a variety of bee products, children’s clothes and driftwood & wooden wares. Several ranges of organic & vegan skincare, an assortment of candles, reed diffusers and wax melts – all lovingly handmade in Scotland.
Plus an exciting range of food; a superb array of preserves, honey and sauces, a wide choice of delicious patisseries, fudge and tablet, herb flavoured salts, locally made loose leaf teas and Belgian chocolates. Sample the fresh game, with a host of pies, seaweed chutneys, sausages and cuts on offer, taste the cheeses; too many to name and see the wonderful selection of both seafood and accompanying sauces.
Everyone needs a festive tipple numerous gins, rums, whisky, craft beer, liquors, botanical spirits and locally produced cider will be offering samples so you can be sure of that extra special Christmas treat.
Exclusively Highland Craft Fair at Eden Court – Friday 28th, Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November – second Fabulous Christmas Craft Fair of local and Scottish producers set in the heart of Inverness at Eden Court Theatre.
Inverness Wasp Studios Christmas Market – 5th to 7th December 2025, back for another year is the creative and crafty Inverness Wasp Studios Winter Market. This is your opportunity to browse stacks of unique gift ideas – jewellery, homewares, prints, original paintings, textiles, ceramics – all made by the talented craftspeople based across Scotland.
Howdens Garden Centre Ultimate Christmas Shopping event – 2025 Dates TBC, pop along for some festive shopping.
Inverness Farmer’s Market 2025 Dates TBC is market day and a great way to do your Christmas shopping! Discover fabulous local artisans there will be a host of food and drink, crafts, plants and so much more – perfect for gifting, whether to others or as a treat for yourself. You will find the Market at the Eastgate end of the High Street from 10am till 3.30pm.
Clava Mains – A Place To Gather 2025 Dates TBCwell this is a magnificent festive event, something for everyone. 40 stalls for you to explore, a tasty outdoor BBQ, get a seat and the first and toast some marshmallows, the kids will love Santa and his magical grotto, book on eventbrite and all proceeds go to Mikeysline Charity. PLUS Christmas donkeys and Singing Elves!!! Head to Clava Mains on TBC December from 10am to 4pm. Remember to Book Santa in Advance here
Cawdor Castle Christmas Market returns this year on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December, 10am to 4pm; we are delighted to share the news that Cawdor Castle Christmas Market is returning in 2025. It is a lovely day out, with fabulous artisan stalls, delicious treats at the Castle cafe; definitely a date for your Christmas calendar; all with the wonderful historic backdrop.
Stocking Fillers, Inverness has lots of fabulous shops for you to enjoy and track down the perfect presents! Inverness is ideal for the great present hunt, the streets are compact and it’s easy to get around. You’ll find all your usual High street favourites and explore the Eastgate shopping center from top fashion to electronics there are 60 plus stores and more than 10 places to grab a bite in the Eastgate Centre!
Unique Shops, Inverness has so much more than the usual High Street names explore the refurbished Victorian Market, enjoy its charms and architecture as well as some unique shops! Perhaps you are shopping for a bookworm and are looking for that rare edition or unusual text then visit Leakey’s second hand bookshop. This wondrous shop is in a converted church, it’s is one of a kind! Plus the Castle Art Gallery, Drawing Room, Judith Glue and many more shops to explore.
Make a day of it and book your Festivi-Afternoon Tea at the Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa just a short stroll from Eden Court Theatre, shopping is always more fun with cake and cocktails.
Festive Workshops
Chance to learn a new skill or hone your existing talents at Inverness Botanic Gardens on 2025 Dates TBC with 2 workshops.
Experience a Festive Afternoon Treat at the Palace
Experience the delights of a festive afternoon tea at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, we have 2 yummy choices!
Fabulous Intoxicating Festivi-Tea Party, is not just any old afternoon tea party, this is a fantastic festive tea party with a twist! So sit back, relax and let the Palace Hotel make it happen for you! Your festive tea party dressed with lovely classic cake stands offering all sorts of delicious and delicate festive nibbles. Your dainty finger sandwiches and a fabulous selection of festive cakes! But it doesn’t stop there…your vintage tea pots will offer some extra delights filled with all new Christmas themed Cocktails.
You can also book your own Tea Party room and bring your own play list too! There really is no better excuse for a bit of festive sparkle and bling than your intoxicating tea party! Just call Samantha on 01463 22 77 80 or email, only £37.95 per person in November & December.
Alternatively you can enjoy a traditional festive afternoon tea, this afternoon delight is served daily from 2-4pm. You will enjoy a yummy selection of sandwiches, cream mince pies, cakes and lovely sweet bites! Wash all these tasty treats down with freshly brewed pot of tea or coffee. This delightful afternoon tea is only £23.95 per person. You can add a little sparkle with a mini bottle of Prosecco only £33.95 per person. Our friendly team are available to make your tea unique to you, just give us a call on 01463 22 32 43.
Festive GIft Vouchers
There are so many Christmas Vouchers to choose from – make the most of your time at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa with your gift voucher. Choose from an overnight stay, afternoon tea, or dining experience.
Christmas Present Monetary Gift Voucher can be exchanged or used in part payment for a variety Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa experiences.
Christmas Present Afternoon Tea Voucher
Christmas Gift Afternoon Tea – Enjoy your lovely Afternoon Tea with the best view in Inverness overlooking Inverness Castle and the River Ness in the elegant lounge, Eight on the River Restaurant or sophisticated Brasserie!
Celebrate New Year aka Hogmanay in Inverness
For Auld Langs Syne, don’t forget to make your plans for New Year aka Hogmanay, in the Capital of the Highlands Inverness!! Discover your All Inclusive New Year at the Palace!
Stay with Us & Discover Festive-ness in Inverness
We hope you enjoyed your Inverness Christmas Guide. Have yourselves a very merry festive season and escape for Christmas in Inverness for a lot of festive-ness! Book your festive escape, check out our seasonal specials!
Plan your Festive Break and book your stay at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. You can look forward to a warm highland welcome, we are ideally located on the banks of the River Ness, opposite Inverness castle. Only a few minutes walk to the Castle, the lovely Ness Islands and the vibrant capital of the highlands full of shops, cafes and bars to tempt you.
Make the Palace your base, dine and sip your favourite tipple in the Brasserie, were there are plenty of whiskies for you to savor and views of the River Ness! Enjoy car parking, free Wi-Fi and don’t forget the lovely leisure club. Remember always book direct for your very best offers Call: 01463 22 32 43 or Book herel and one of our friendly team will be happy to help!
Escape to the Leisure Club and Spa
The Inverness Palace Hotel is a perfect place to relax after a busy day exploring the highlands, take a dip in the swimming pool. book a massage in the Spa or relax those muscles in the sauna. All of our guests enjoy free access to our Luxury Leisure club.
Escape to the Leisure Club and Spa
Add a little luxury to your getaway and book a Luxury Castle and River View Room. Wake up each morning to a fabulous view and enjoy the beautifully lit Inverness Castle and the Bridge as you draw your curtains in the evening.
