Charming Scottish town not far from Edinburgh announces 'magical' Christmas experience

Alexander Smail

8 November 2024 at 6:35 am·2-min read

Dalkeith Country Park WinterFest — -Credit: (Image: Dalkeith Country Park)

A Scottish town just outside of Edinburgh has announced a "magical" Christmas festival.

This festive season, Dalkeith Country Park will be hosting WinterFest. Situated in the Midlothian town of Dalkeith, the park is located just a few miles from Edinburgh off the City Bypass.

The centrepiece of the Christmas festival will be a "brand-new, eco-friendly" ice rink. The rink, which will make use of state-of-the-art technology and require no water or energy to run, will be surrounded by twinkling lights next to the park's Orangerie building.

In addition to the ice rink, WinterFest will include a range of other festive events and activities. Among the highlights will be an interactive group storytelling session inside the park's 'Christmas Cabin', where visitors will be able to enjoy a Christmas story, meet Santa Claus in person, and even take home a present.

Meanwhile, there will also be children's Christmas workshops offering creative activities such as crafting and making cards. Adults can also take part in Wreath Making Workshops, where they will learn how to create Christmas wreaths from an expert florist.

WinterFest will also include a Festive Doddie Dash, with both a 1K Elf Dash and 5K Santa Dash on offer. Starting at Dalkeith Palace, all profits from the races will go to the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation that raises funds for motor neuron disease (MND) research.

Elsewhere, visitors will be able to explore the specially decorated Restoration Yard, which will feature a wide range of unique Christmas gifts and festive treats. Families will even be able to take part in a special Breakfast with Santa experience in The Kitchen at Restoration Yard.

Visitors will also be able to pick up their Christmas Tree at WinterFest. Dalkeith Country Park will be selling real Nordmann Firs, with "glorious soft green foliage and great needle holding".

Head of Attractions and Events at Dalkeith Country Park Sophie Barr commented: "We’re excited to offer a festive experience that’s not only fun but also environmentally conscious. Our new Glice Eco-Rink is a great way for families to enjoy the magic of Christmas while knowing that they’re treading lightly on the planet."

WinterFest at Dalkeith Country Park will open on November 29 and run through to January 5. More information can be found on the Dalkeith Country Park website.

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