Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 10 November 2023 14:19
The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Snowy Stirling’ and will include local pipe bands, panto characters, street performers, community organisations and festive favourites, including Santa and Mrs Claus.
Free entertainment will get underway at 1.30pm with street performers on Murray Place and Port Street, while Strathcarron singers will perform carols at the roundel on King Street between 3 and 3.20pm.
The colourful Christmas parade will start on Baker Street at 4.30pm and will then make its way down the short distance down King Street – which will offer best vantage point for families – where it will finish for the big Santa switch on at 5pm.
Stirling Rock Choir will get the party into full swing with Christmas classics at the roundel at 4.40pm, before Makar Laura Fyfe will deliver a festive poem ahead of Santa switching on the city’s lights at 5pm.
On the same day, The Thistles Christmas grotto will open, while Stirling Baptist Church will host indoor family activities.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “It’s always a special occasion to see families and friends gather together in the city centre to celebrate Stirling getting its festive sparkle.
A diverse mix of free entertainment and music will be on show throughout the day, including the family-friendly parade, so everyone can get into the Christmas spirit ahead of the big switch on.
The switch on celebrations are among a packed festive programme events taking place across Stirling, including the Albert Halls and Tolbooth.
These include Christmas markets, festive film showings, festive ceilidhs, wreath making, pantos, concerts, carols, Christmas afternoon tea, family shows and craft fairs.
From 2 December, Santa will also be at the National Wallace Monument each weekend until Sunday 17December for a magical storytelling experience. Tickets are now on sale at £5 per person and include entry to the Monument.
Cllr Kane added: “There are a diverse mix of festive events taking place across Stirling – some familiar favourites and some new additions – promising something for everyone to enjoy at this special time of year.
“Please check out the bumper programme of events taking place in the Stirling area. By coming along, not only will you have a fantastic time, you will be supporting your local venues, attractions and businesses.”
Timings for the Christmas lights switch on are subject to change. Please monitor the Council’s social media channels for updates including weather warnings.
A rolling road closure will be in place along Baker Street from 3pm with signage in place.
The parade is free to attend, however, attendees are required to register via Eventbrite ahead of time. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, please visit YourStirling.com
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.
READ MORESeachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MOREA shortlist of finalists for the 2025 Stirling Business Awards has been announced after more than 26,000 votes were cast during the selection process.
READ MOREDon’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!
READ MOREDobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
READ MOREScotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MOREAfter becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MOREA generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORECaledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORETicketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MOREThis family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MOREThe Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MOREJames Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MOREThe battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MOREThis festive season, Thistles shopping centre, Stirling partners with esteemed poet Donna Ashworth to combat loneliness this Christmas.
READ MOREStirling’s streets have been given extra twinkle and sparkle this winter thanks to an expansion of the city’s festive lighting.
READ MOREFounder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MOREA unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MOREMarine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MORECelebrate the festive season with Christmas tree picking and an Afternoon Tea celebration at Dobbies’ Stirling store on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th December.
READ MOREA beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MOREJasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORE50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.
READ MOREA family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MOREScottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.
READ MOREA popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!
READ MOREitison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.
READ MOREA pioneering visual teaching tool has launched across Scotland, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.
READ MORE