A very Crieff Christmas

If you’re after a Christmas that feels like it should – full of people, laughter, and a lot of fun – then Crieff is the place to be.

This year, the town is absolutely packed with festive cheer, kicking off on Saturday 29 November with our Christmas Lights Switch-On, Christmas Market in James Square, and the grand opening of Scotland’s only Santa’s Post Office at The Star Garden, East High Street.

From there, it’s a month of sparkle, shopping, sweet treats, and Christmas memories. Here’s what’s happening across Crieff this Christmas.

🎄Light Switch-On & Christmas Launch - Saturday 29 November, 4.30pm

Christmas officially begins in Crieff at 4.30pm on Saturday 29 November, when the town gathers in James Square for the big Light Switch-On.

Expect live music, street entertainment, and plenty of festive cheer as the lights flicker to life and the whole town sparkles into the season.

The Christmas Market will be on from 12pm-5pm and Santa’s Post Office will open its doors for the first letters of the year. It’s Crieff’s biggest community celebration the moment the switch flips and the Christmas spirit shines.

🎅 Scotland’s Only Santa’s Post Office

It’s back, it’s brilliant, and it’s still the only one of its kind in Scotland. Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 29 November to 21 December, families can pop into The Star Garden, 47–49 East High Street to write letters, post them to Santa, and hang a wish on Crieff’s Make-A-Wish Tree.

It’s free, it’s run by locals, and it’s full of the magic of Christmas.

🎁 The 25th Annual Sugar Mouse Hunt

A Crieff classic hits the big 25 this year! Organised by the brilliant Friends of MacRosty Park and proudly sponsored by local confectionery legends Gordon & Durward, the Sugar Mouse Hunt has been bringing generations together for a quarter of a century.

Grab a trail map, follow the clues, and see how many of the famous Sugar Mice you can spot around town. It’s part treasure hunt, part sugar rush, and entirely Crieff.

🌿 Wreath-Making Workshops at Culdees Castle & Innerpeffray Library

Get creative and add a personal touch to your festive décor with Wreath-Making Workshops taking place throughout November at Culdees Castle Estate and Innerpeffray Library.

Whether you’re a crafting pro or a total beginner, you’ll be guided by local florists using fresh greenery, ribbons, and a sprinkle of Crieff charm. A relaxed, hands-on way to ease into the season – and your front door will thank you.

🛍️ Late-Night Shopping in Crieff

Crieff’s high street comes alive for Late-Night Shopping on Thursday 4 and Thursday 11 December, 5–8pm.

Wander under the twinkling lights, browse local shops and cafés, and enjoy a festive mix of live music, carols, and Christmas cheer. It’s the perfect way to pick up local gifts, meet the makers, and maybe sneak in a hot chocolate or two along the way.

🥃 Fireside Drams at The Glenturret

At The Glenturret, whisky isn’t just poured - it’s told like a story. This winter, the Fireside Drams tasting series invites guests to settle in by the fire and discover the tales, traditions, and flavours that have shaped Scotland’s oldest working distillery. From smoky peat to rare, limited-edition releases, each Sunday brings a new chapter in The Glenturret’s rich history - best enjoyed slowly.

⛸️ Grottos, Ice Rinks and Pantomimes at Crieff Hydro

Just up the hill, Crieff Hydro is going all-out festive with grottos, ice rinks, pantomimes, and pop-up activities for the whole family. Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying for the weekend, it’s pure holiday joy - Crieff-style.

🎄 Decorations Fit for a King at The Nutcracker Christmas Shop

If Christmas spirit were a shop, this would be it. The Nutcracker Christmas Shop is bursting with ornaments, lights, and festive treasures that could convert even the grinchiest of grinches. Step inside and prepare to lose all sense of budget control.

🍷 Markets, Makers, Mince Pies and More!

From festive markets packed with local produce to hot chocolate pit stops, carol singers, and live music, Crieff is serving up Christmas the way it should be – handmade, heartfelt, and full of local flavour.

Plan Your Visit

Christmas launches in Crieff on Saturday 29 November and the celebrations continue right through to 21 December.

Find out more about all the wonderful things happening in Crieff at Christmas here.