Perth Winter Festival – Perth, Scotland 2025

Background & History

The Perth Winter Festival (speculative title) refers to festive winter events in Perth, Scotland, likely centered around the Perth Christmas Lights Switch-On, a popular annual event in Perth city centre. Historically, this event transforms Perth into a winter wonderland with market stalls, children’s activities, and a light switch-on ceremony, drawing thousands of locals and visitors.

In 2024, it ran from 23–24 November, featuring a Santa experience and light show. The 2025 event is assumed to follow a similar format, celebrating Perth’s cultural and community spirit. No specific “Perth Winter Festival” is confirmed for 2025, but this listing draws on 2024 data and other local events (e.g., Perth Festival of the Arts, web:0). Proceeds may support local charities (~£5,000–£10,000, speculative, based on Stranraer Oyster Festival). scotlandstartshere.com

Event Highlights

• Christmas Lights Switch-On: Anticipated for late November 2025, a ceremonial lighting of Perth’s festive decorations, likely at City Square, with live music and a guest host (free).
• Artisan Market: Local crafts, food, and drink stalls (e.g., mulled wine, mince pies, ~$3–$8 USD), expected in City Square or High Street (free entry).
• Family Activities: Santa’s grotto, face painting, and fairground rides (some ticketed, ~$5–$10 USD, speculative).
• Live Performances: Local choirs, bands, and pipers, likely free with street access, based on 2024 events.
• Food & Drink Stalls: Hot drinks (hot chocolate, mulled wine, ~$3–$6 USD), street food (burgers, pastries, ~$4–$10 USD, cash/card).

Date & Duration

• Date: Speculative, 22–23 November 2025 (based on 2024: 23–24 November, typically the third weekend of November).
• Duration: 2 days.
• Opening Times (Speculative, 2024-based):
  • Saturday: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM.
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM.
• Note: Dates and times TBD August 2025 at www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk or www.visitscotland.com.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venue: Perth City Square, High Street, Perth, PH1 5AP (main stage, market stalls).
• Secondary Venues: Potential additional sites at St John’s Kirk (PH1 5PP) or North Inch Park (PH1 5HT) for activities like a funfair or ice rink (speculative).
• Administrative Contact: Perth and Kinross Council, 2 High Street, Perth, PH1 5PH; events@pkc.gov.uk (speculative, based on council event management).
• Note: The City centre is wheelchair-accessible; some market areas may be crowded. Contact events@pkc.gov.uk for accessibility details. Parking at South Inch Car Park (PH2 8AB, ~100 spaces, ~$2–$5 USD/day). Maps at www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk.

Contact Information

• Email: events@pkc.gov.uk (speculative, Perth and Kinross Council).
• Phone: +44 1738 475000 (Perth and Kinross Council, speculative).
• Website: www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk or www.visitscotland.com (updates expected August 2025).
• Social Media: @VisitPerthshire (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X). Newsletter signup at www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk.
• Ticketing: Most events are free; Santa’s grotto or rides may require tickets (~$5–$10 USD, speculative, on-site or via www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk).

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Most events are free (e.g., lights switch-on, markets). Ticketed activities (e.g., Santa’s grotto, fairground rides) likely on-site or via www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk (TBD August 2025). Booking fees ~$1–$2 USD, speculative. Cash/card accepted. Concessions for children (5–15) and over-65s; under-5s free.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.35 USD, Speculative):
  • General Admission: Free for lights switch-on, markets, and most performances.
  • Santa’s Grotto: ~£5–£10 ≈ $6.75–$13.50 USD (speculative, based on 2024 trends).
  • Fairground Rides: ~£3–£6 ≈ $4–$8.10 USD per ride (speculative).
  • Programme: ~£3–£5 ≈ $4–$6.75 USD (speculative, on-site, cash).
  • Donations: Optional, $2.50–$12.50 USD for local charities (speculative, based on Stranraer Oyster Festival).
• Ticket Range:
  • GBP: Free to ~£10 (speculative).
  • USD: ~$0 to ~$13.50 USD.
• Additional Notes: Pricing speculative, based on 2024 Perth Christmas event (web:3) and Stranraer Oyster Festival (8/21/2025). Exchange rate (1 GBP ≈ 1.35 USD) per provided data (1.3491, Reuters). Check www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk for updates.

Cultural Experience

The Perth Winter Festival (speculative) celebrates Perth’s festive spirit with a Christmas lights switch-on, local markets, and family-friendly activities. It showcases Scottish traditions like piping and community gatherings, fostering warmth in Perth’s historic city centre. The event supports local businesses and charities, enhancing community pride. scotlandstartshere.com

Food & Drinks

• Event Venue: Stalls at City Square offer mulled wine, hot chocolate (~$3–$6 USD), mince pies, burgers, vegan options (~$4–$10 USD, cash/card).
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Bothy (33 Kinnoull Street, PH1 5EN, Scottish, $10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • North Port Restaurant (8 North Port, PH1 5LU, fine dining, $15–$30 USD, 3-minute walk).
  • BrewDog Perth (62 Tay Street, PH1 5NP, pub fare, $8–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Mulled wine, beer at stalls (~$3–$6 USD, age 19+). Nearby pubs (e.g., BrewDog, $5–$8 USD).

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free for under-5s; concessions (~$4–$8 USD, speculative) for ages 5–15. Activities include Santa’s grotto, face painting, and fairground rides. Supervision required for under-16s. Dogs welcome on leads.
• Accessibility:
  • City Square is wheelchair-accessible; some stall areas may be uneven. Disabled toilets on the High Street. Contact events@pkc.gov.uk for details. Assistance animals welcome.

Getting There

• By Air: Edinburgh Airport (EDI, 40 miles, 1-hour drive) or Glasgow Airport (GLA, 60 miles, 1.5-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Perth Station (from Edinburgh/Glasgow, $10–$25 USD, 1–1.5 hours). 5-minute walk to City Square. Check www.scotrail.co.uk.
  • Bus: Stagecoach 7/9 ($3–$8 USD from Dundee/Perth, 2-minute walk). Check www.stagecoachbus.com.
• By Car: Park at South Inch Car Park (PH2 8AB, ~100 spaces, ~$2–$5 USD/day, speculative) or Kinnoull Street (PH1 5EZ, ~50 spaces). 5-minute walk to City Square.
• By Bike/Foot: 5-minute walk from Perth Station; bike racks at City Square.
• By Taxi: Perth Taxis (+44 1738 446688, $15–$30 USD from EDI).
• Rideshare: Uber ($20–$40 USD, limited). scotrail.co.uk stagecoachbus.com

Program Details

• August 2025: Full schedule announced at www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk.
• 22 November (Speculative):
  • 12:00 PM–8:00 PM: Artisan market, children’s activities, live music.
  • 6:00 PM: Christmas Lights Switch-On ceremony (free).
• 23 November (Speculative):
  • 12:00 PM–6:00 PM: Market, Santa’s grotto, fairground rides.
• Note: Schedule speculative, based on 2024 (web:3). Full details TBD August 2025 at www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024: Perth Christmas Lights Switch-On (23–24 Nov) with local choirs, Santa experience, and light show, drawing ~10,000 visitors.
• 2023: Similar event with festive markets and pipers, boosting the local economy. scotlandstartshere.com

Educational Impact

• Community Talks: Potential talks on Perth’s history or sustainability (free, speculative, based on Stranraer Oyster Festival’s Speakers’ Corner).
• Programme: ~$4–$6.75 USD, includes event map and history (speculative).
• Charity Stalls: Promote local causes, encouraging donations ($2.50–$12.50 USD, speculative).

Cultural Activities

• Lights Switch-On: Ceremonial lighting with music (22 Nov, free, speculative).
• Artisan Market: Local crafts, food (22–23 Nov, free entry).
• Street Performances: Choirs, pipers, and festive entertainment (free with access).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Santa’s grotto and rides may sell out; check www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk (August 2025). Book accommodation 6–12 months ahead via www.visitscotland.com.
• Weather Prep: November (35–45°F, rainy); bring waterproof gear, warm clothing.
• Explore Locally: Perth Museum (free, 5-minute walk), Scone Palace ($15 USD, 10-minute drive).
• Public Transport: ScotRail tickets ($10–$25 USD), Stagecoach smartcard ($3 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk. visitscotland.com

Local Attractions

• Perth Museum: Free, 5-minute walk (PH1 5LB).
• Scone Palace: Historic site, $15 USD, 10-minute drive (PH2 6BD).
• River Tay: Scenic walks, free, 5-minute walk. visitscotland.com

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: Mercure Perth Hotel ($80–$150 USD/night, 5-minute walk, PH1 5QP).
• B&Bs: Parklands Hotel ($50–$100 USD/night, 5-minute walk, PH2 8AZ).
• Airbnb: Perth apartments ($40–$90 USD/night).
• Camping: Noah’s Ark Caravan Park ($20–$50 USD/night, 10-minute drive, PH2 7SP).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 6–12 months ahead via www.visitscotland.com. visitscotland.com

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at City Square; nearest hospital is Perth Royal Infirmary (PH1 1NX, 2 miles, 10-minute drive).
• Security: Stewards on-site; no personal fireworks. Contact events@pkc.gov.uk for concerns.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks optional. Details TBD at www.perthcityandtowns.co.uk.