It’s that time of year again, and Angus has lots on offer to help you enjoy the festive season, from pantomimes to help get you in the Christmas spirit and Christmas shopping at local markets.
Take a look at just some of what’s coming up.
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.
Find out if the Sheriff of Nottingham will prevail, or if Robin Hood will save the day, in Babes in the Wood at Monifieth Theatre from 23 November to 3 December. From 2 to 9 December, follow the tale of Red Riding Hood at Carnoustie Theatre as she battles to slay Charley the demon wolf!
Expect madness, mayhem, fabulous songs, hilarious jokes, colourful costumes and stunning spectacles at Aladdin the Panto, at Kirriemuir Town Hall from 5 to 9 December. At Carmyllie Town Hall, from 7 to 9 December, follow Rudy and his reindeer pals and see if they can save Santa and Christmas before the evil McScrooge gets his way, in Cloudy with a Chance of Reindeer. Also from 7 to 9 December, hear the story of Snow White and co at Montrose Town Hall.
The Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath present Freezin’ the Pantomime, from 8 to 24 December, with lots of fun, laughs and panto madness along the way in an effort to ensure Jack Frost does not reign supreme! From 9 to 16 December, head to Abbey Theatre in Arbroath to join Long John Silver and his crew on their treasure hunt in Treasure Island the Panto.
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.
Enjoy an array of local traders who will be selling a selection of fantastic festive gifts and food and drink items at the Glamis Castle Christmas Market from 24 to 26 November. There will be outdoor food and drink operators available for food on the move and live musical performances, as well as a variety of children’s activities.
Head to Rottal Steading on 2 and 3 December for their Christmas Pop Up Event & Makers Market. There will be delicious food from Angus Grill + Larder, gin and fizz from Let The Fun Be Gin and lots of fantastic local makers and producers at the indoor artisan makers market, as well as festive workshops with Blooming Bees.
At the Forbes of Kingennie Christmas Market, on 2 and 3 December, you’ll find a range of stalls carefully curated and hand-picked for originality and quality. Kickstart your festive season and take home perfect gifts including homeware, local foodie finds and stylish seasonal décor.
Get some last minute Christmas shopping at the Christmas Courtyard Market at House of Dun on 16 December. The picturesque courtyard rooms will be home to a selection of fantastic craft stalls with a great selection of gift ideas, and you can warm up in the house shop and café.
The Arbroath Farmers Market Christmas Market will take place at Arbroath Academy on 17 December. Get your delicious local food and drink for your Christmas celebrations whilst enjoying cheerful Christmas music – there will even be a visit from Santa!
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.
Visit Piperdam Leisure Resort on selected dates from 25 November to 23 December for Santa’s Grotto & Festive Trail. Check if you’ve made it onto the naughty list and once you’ve received your free gift, head out across the resort for a fun festive trail where you will search for all the Christmas themed points. A second gift then awaits at the end!
The singing, signing Santa will be at Peel Farm near Kirriemuir on weekends throughout December, where little ones can visit Santa’s Grotto or enjoy Breakfast with Santa. This special Santa knows Makaton sign communication, making sure that every child can enjoy the magical experience of seeing Santa this Christmas.
Visit Santa’s Grotto at Murton Farm on 3, 9, 16 & 17 December where little ones can tell Santa their Christmas wishes and receive a small gift. There will also be a chance to do a little colouring in, play with some of Santa’s toys or make some jingle bells.
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at Charleton Farm near Montrose on 9 December – meet Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves, enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast and some craft activities and take home a gift to put under the tree. Little ones can also visit Santa’s Grotto on various weekend dates throughout December.
Visit Santa’s Grotto at House of Dun on 9 & 10 December to share your Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. You can also make Christmas cards and listen to some Christmas tunes in the courtyard.
There are lots of opportunities to meet Santa at Dobbie’s Garden Centre, Monifieth. Enjoy a walk through the enchanted forest towards Santa’s Grotto on various dates throughout November and December and Breakfast with Santa on weekends throughout December. For children with additional needs, Santa’s Quiet Grotto will be open on 8 December. Your furry friends can also meet the big man with a trip to Santa Paws!
Festive Events
There are lots of other fantastic festive events taking place in Angus for you to enjoy, including festive singalongs and much more!
Be transported into a world of magical wonder at Brechin Castle Centre from 1 to 28 December with their Magical Winter Nights. Make lasting family memories as you explore the illuminated woodland trail, filled with spellbinding lights, enchanting projections and much more.
Head to Monikie Country Park for their Festive Fun Weekends taking place throughout December. Enjoy Christmas decoration workshops, three fun-filled festive trails, and meet Santa and the Grinch in their grottos!
Step into Christmas at the Reid Hall in Forfar on 2 December and enjoy a sensational spectacular of beloved Christmas hits including “Fairytale of New York”, Mariah Carey’s iconic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and the timeless gem “Last Christmas” by Wham.
Dress in your favourite holiday attire, put on those elf shoes, and get ready for a day of pure festive fun at Santa’s Magic School on 3 December at Montrose Playhouse. Witness the magic of Mr & Mrs Claus, meet the Christmas “Creature” take part in elf training activities and graduate from Elf Academy!
Transport to a magical holiday extravaganza at Once upon a Christmas, at Kirriemuir Den on 9 December. Immerse yourself in the Christmas themed trail on a journey through various Christmas themed zones, see the giant stilt walking Snow Queen, let the Christmas music serande you while you drop by the elves workshop and take part in some Christmas themed arts and crafts, see Santa in his igloo grotto and much more.
Come along to House of Dun on 16 December for a festive sing along in the beautiful courtyard, where you will be accompanied by Montrose Brass Band performing traditional Christmas Carols. Hot refreshments and festive treats will be available to purchase from the pop-up café.
Head to Brechin City Hall on 16 December to enjoy Christmas Country with the Stars. Enjoy a night of festive toe-tapping magic with four of Irelands top stars all on one super show – Gary Gamble with his surreal impressions of Daniel O Donnell, young global sensation Owen Mac, star of TV Caitlin from Co. Down and new rising star Gavin Gribben.
Get into the Christmas spirit with a trip to the Christmas Reindeer Roundup at Upper Dysart on 23 December. See Santa and meet his reindeer, enjoy arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt and much more!
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.
