Stirling brings in festive season in style with switch-on extravanganza

Santa Claus came to town – and was joined by thousands of revellers as Stirling sparkled with festive joy at the 2024 Christmas lights switch-on.

A day of festive fun on Saturday was capped by an appearance from old Saint Nick and Mrs Claus, who joined Lord Provost Elaine Watterson and Stirling Makar, Laura Fyfe, as they turned on the lights from the roundel at King Street.

It followed a parade from Baker Street Gardens involving families and other local residents, the City of Stirling Pipe Band, the Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band, Stirling Beavers, Scouts and Cubs and the Macrobert’s ‘Snow White’ panto stars.

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Earlier, families enjoyed meeting a host of favourite Christmas characters and street entertainers in the city centre, as well as a free festive craft workshop at The Tolbooth.

The crowds also joined in the chorus of carols as the Strathcarron Singers Choir and The Tolbooth Voices Choir brought Christmas cheer with a playlist that prompted an audience singalong.

The National Wallace Monument and The Tolbooth were also lit in green and red to coincide with the Christmas light switch-on in the city centre.

Stirling Council deputy leader, Councillor Gerry McGarvey, said: “As we celebrate Stirling 900, our annual Christmas lights switch-on is an event that continues to bring our community together in impressive numbers.

“The weather may be turning colder, but the gathering of children and families and the joy of the entertainers and community groups, brought a sense of warmth and festive cheer to everyone who attended.

“The increased number of visitors to the city centre at this time of year also gives a welcome boost to our local businesses and traders as we enter this important season. We’re looking forward to seeing both locals and visitors return to Stirling for their Christmas shopping and to enjoy the many festive events happening across the council area.

“I would also like to thank our dedicated staff, partners, and all other organisations, including Police Scotland, for their hard work in making this event such a success.”

The switch-on celebrations are among a packed festive programme of events taking place across Stirling, including the National Wallace Monument, Tolbooth and The Albert Halls.

These include concerts, Christmas markets, family ceilidhs, storytelling for children and festive film shows. The Thistles will also be hosting Santa’s grotto from Saturday, November 30, running every weekend until the big day, as well as December 23 and 24.

From December 7, Santa will also be at the National Wallace Monument each weekend until Sunday December 22 for a magical storytelling experience. Tickets are now on sale at £5 per person and include entry to the Monument.

There will be a Christmas market at The Albert Halls on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, offering visitors the chance to pick up festive gifts including decorations, clothing, food and drink, art and ceramics.

The Albert Halls will also play host to a string of big name acts, including The Phil Cunningham and Friends Christmas Show, with Eddi Reader and Karen Matheson. Other festive themed shows include Buble by Candlelight and The Jingle Belles, with a string of headline shows between Christmas and New Year from Skerryvore and Manran, as well as the Peatbog Faeries, Talisk and Rura, building up to a festive evening ceilidh until 10pm on December 31.

The Tolbooth is also offering a jam-packed eclectic programme. The popular Supper Club returns with a special festive edition on December 19.

•See Friday’s Observer for more Christmas lights switch-on pictures.