Christmas is coming – we can’t wait! Angus has lots on offer to help you enjoy the festive season, from Christmas shopping at local markets and fairs to fun events including pantomimes and the chance to meet the big man himself – Santa!
Take a look at just some of what’s coming up.
Christmas Shopping
Shop local this winter to support local businesses and find unique gift ideas for your loved ones. There are Christmas markets aplenty taking place on the run up to the big day offering a great range of opportunities to shop with local producers and crafters.
The Glamis Castle market takes place 26 & 27 November, with lots of stalls to browse as well as food trucks for you to grab a bite to eat, and you can make the most of your day with a walk around the stunning gardens and grounds of the castle while you’re there. Piperdam will host their market on 27 November, full of Christmas cheer, festive fayre, tasty food and drink and a large selection of goods on offer.
Rottal Estate are holding a Christmas Pop Up Event on 3 & 4 December, with a Makers Market and indoor café. The Kingennie Christmas Market takes place on 4 December – jingle all the way round the hand-picked vendors showcasing all manner of delights including hand-crafted gifts, festive fashion and tasty treats.
Local farmers’ markets will also have special Christmas markets, with Arbroath Christmas Market set to take place on 18 December, featuring a host of local food & drink traders along with a visit from Santa, and the Angus Farmers Market Christmas Market taking place in Forfar on 21 December, complete with fabulous local producers showcasing a range of food, drink, arts and crafts. Perfect for stocking up before the big day!
Redcastle’s Christmas shop returns for its 3rd year at their brand home in Arbroath’s Kirkton Industrial Estate where locally sourced gifts and treats compliment their range of award winning spirits and liqueur. Free tasters are available and they offer a full gift wrapping service. The shop is open until Christmas Eve.
It’s Panto Time…Oh yes it is!
It’s not Christmas without a pantomime…and there are lots to choose from in Angus to enjoy a singalong, have some laughs and get in the Christmas spirit.
The wicked Snow Queen captures a boy, Kay, and takes him to her ice palace in The Snow Queen at Monifieth Theatre, from 24 November to 4 December. Head to Brechin City Hall from 30 November to 3 December where, after being snubbed by the Royal Family, a malevolent fairy places a curse on a princess which only a prince can break in the tale of Sleeping Beauty.
From 3 to 10 December at the Dibble Tree Theatre in Carnoustie, A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge following the classic tale by Charles Dickens. Find out if Cinderella will find her happy ever after with Prince Charming in Cinderella at Kirriemuir Town Hall from 6 to 10 December. Carmyllie Amateur Dramatic Society present Ye Olde Pantomyme Humpty Dumpty at Carmyllie Hall from 8 to 10 December.
Join Cinders, Buttons, Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother as they take us through the traditional tale of Cinderella, from 10 to 17 December at the Abbey Theatre in Arbroath. At Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath, see the tale of Rapunzel, featuring Puss in Boots, from 10 to 24 December, telling the story of Rapunzel who has been locked away in the castle for many years, imprisoned by the evil queen.
Visit Santa
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa but, as he is so busy on Christmas Eve, he’s made time for you to visit him beforehand in lots of locations throughout Angus.
Enter the snowy forest at Dobbies, Monifieth, on various dates from 24 November to 24 December, where the elf will guide you past the reindeer and rabbits as you walk towards Santa’s toyshop helping the elves with various tasks along the way, before meeting Santa himself where you can tell him all about your adventures and receive a special gift. Santa will also have a Quiet Grotto on 9 December, for little ones looking for a more relaxed experience.
Piperdam invite you to meet the jolly man himself on various dates from 26 November to 24 December. Once you’ve received your gift, head out across the resort for a festive trail where you can search for all the Christmas themed points. Little ones can also visit Santa at Brechin Castle Centre, on selected dates from 26 November to 24 December, to enjoy a chat and receive a gift of their choice.
Santa Claus is coming to Monikie Country Park on selected dates from 3 to 18 December – find out if you’ve been naughty or nice and receive a special gift. If you’d prefer, you could visit the Grinch’s Grotto instead on 10 & 11 December – be prepared for bad jokes, insults and all-round grumpiness!
There’s something special in store at Peel Farm on weekend dates from 3 to 18 December…a singing, signing Santa! This Santa knows Makaton, making sure that every child, no matter what communication they use, can enjoy the magical experience of Santa’s Grotto.
A Disability & Inclusion Santa Saunter will take place around Forfar Loch on 10 December, with plenty to do including an elf trail, prizes for the best festive costume and hot chocolate and cakes!
Festive Events
It’s not all shopping and Santa – there are lots of other fantastic festive events taking place in Angus for you to enjoy.
Join Gin Bothy at The Bothy Experience in Glamis for a Festive Tasting Experience on Thursdays to Sundays up to 22 December. The tasting will include a warmed Sloe or Gingerbread Mulled Punch on arrival and three seasonal Gin Bothy gins and liqueurs: Original, Merry Berry Bramble and Gunshot Mule. These will be accompanied by ice, mixers and garnish so that you can create your own perfect serves. You can also enjoy a Festive Afternoon Gin Tea on 17 December, which includes a warmed Sloe or Gingerbread Mulled Punch on arrival, three Gin Bothy gins and a delicious seasonal Afternoon Tea selection.
Be transported into a world of magical wonder with stunning light, sound and special effects at the Magical Winter Nights event at Brechin Castle Centre, from 1 to 24 December. Explore the illuminated woodland trail, laser lights, snow machine, water projection and much more. You can also enjoy some warming food and winter drinks in the coffee shop, or toast marshmallows on the festive firepit.
Experience one of the most famous ghost stories of all time from great Victorian novelist Charles Dickens, when A Christmas Carol will be brought to life at Glamis Castle on 5 December. The tale of revenants and redemption, hauntings and humbug, seasonal spooks and sentiment will be performed by award-winning actor and writer Jonathan Goodwin.
Festive Fun Weekends will take place at Monikie Country Park from 3 to 18 December. Come along and pick up a Festive Reindeer to brighten up your decorations or test your creative skills by making your very own natural wreath in the Christmas Decorations Workshop. You can also explore the self-led Festive Trails through the park from 3 to 31 December where you can find the escaped reindeer, spot baubles hanging in the trees and keep your eyes peeled for cheeky elves!
This is just a snapshot of what’s on offer in Angus this festive season – check out What’s On for a full list of events taking place.
And whatever you do, we hope you have a fantastic Christmas with friends, family and loved ones.
