Loch Lomond is a different creature in winter. The loch is quieter, the hills look sharper and evenings are made for food, films and the radical seasonal luxury of not having to be anywhere.
This guide combines confirmed festive events with practical ideas for a Christmas or New Year cottage break. Opening hours and weather can change, so confirm the final details before travelling.
Festive events at a glance
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6–7 December | Loch Lomond Christmas Festival | Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch |
| 8 December | Christmas Candlelight | Stirling |
| 12 December | Scottish Christmas Songbook | Stirling |
| 20 December | Sunday Market | Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch |
| 27–31 December | Winterlight | Stirling |
Loch Lomond Christmas Festival
Festive stalls, food, live entertainment and family attractions bring a full Christmas weekend to Loch Lomond Shores.
Christmas music in Stirling
Christmas Candlelight on 8 December and the Scottish Christmas Songbook on 12 December offer two festive evening options. Check the venue programme for times, age guidance and tickets.
Loch Lomond Shores Sunday Market
A final pre-Christmas market for food, drink, crafts and gifts. Check the organiser’s page before setting off in case winter weather affects arrangements.
Winterlight
Stirling’s year-end festival programme includes Scottish live music, daytime events and a New Year’s Eve finale. Individual concerts and ticket arrangements vary.
Turn the day out into a Loch Lomond break.
Use our Tarbet cottages as a self-catering base for Loch Lomond, Arrochar and The Cobbler. Each cottage sleeps up to six and the live calendars are available through the direct-booking page.
Christmas at the cottage
Self-catering gives you control of the food, timing and noise level. Stock up before arrival, check restaurant opening hours in advance and plan at least one meal that requires no more skill than opening the oven door with confidence.
Ideas between Christmas and New Year
Loch Lomond and Loch Long
Use short daylight windows for viewpoints, shoreline stops and an easy lunch.
Browse local ideasChoose the safe route
Lower-level options can deliver the scenery without turning the day into an expedition.
See walk ideasCompare the cottages
Each sleeps up to six with self-catering facilities, parking and WiFi.
Compare all threeBook a festive Loch Lomond stay
Check live availability for Ben Lomond Cottage, Ben Reoch Cottage and The Cobbler Cottage on the direct-booking page. For location detail, see our Tarbet accommodation guide and Arrochar cottage guide.