Celebrate the Festive Season in Oban!
Pulsing with fairy lights, fireworks and celebrations from Bonfire Night to Christmas to Hogmanay to Burns Night, the festive season is a magical time to take a break in the West Highlands.
Enjoy crisp cool days, northern lights filled nights and of course, you can expect some dreich weather. But inside it’s toasty and cosy, with roaring wood stoves, hearty delicious fare, local traditional music and a dram or two of some of the world’s finest whisky to keep warm. From Lochgilphead to Oban to Inveraray, everything is decorated in lights and greenery, making for merry ambience.
Hotels, lodges and inns offer a choice of Christmas and New Year breaks that are sure to bring cheer to the season. Whether your taste is a deluxe country manor or a country pub with rooms- there is a break for every budget and whim. And as the Seafood Capital of Scotland and home of wonderful local produce such as lamb, beef, venison and game, fabulous fare is on offer all year round. Get our personal recommendations for accommodation in the Oban area here.
A spa break is the perfect way to cure those winter blahs. Imagine getting pampered with facials, relaxing massages and beauty treatments, while enjoying world-class gourmet fare and champagne…pure bliss. A session in the sauna and a hot stone massage will chase those winter blues away for good.
What about a whisky break in the West Highlands, home of some of the world’s most famous brands? From Islay to Campbeltown, from Oban to Mull, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to the aqua vitae. A fascinating distillery tour, followed by a taster, is sure to warm up the coldest of days. And as the Seafood Capital of Scotland, delicious fare is always in season, with pier to plate dining in Oban's fine and casual restaurants and cafes.
November is a great time to visit the west coast, starting with Bonfire Night on 5 November. Get a thrill out of a dazzling professional exhibition of fireworks highlighting the night time sky as we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night. Dig into savoury hot meals and beverages from local vendors. Hit the local hotels and watering holes at the end of the show to carry on with the bonfire nightfall celebrations.
Next up is the Oban Winter Festival, held 18-27, 2022, complete with a Victorian themed market, parades, ceilidhs, live music, art and exhibitions. The town will be bustling with fun and food, as Oban celebrates the Year of Food and Drink with a special Haggisfest. The famous McCaig’s Tower will transform into a kaleidoscope of dancing light, culminating in fireworks over Oban Bay.
Warm highland and island hospitality, first-rate dining and festive celebrations- the west coast has all the ingredients for memorable winter break.
What are you waiting for?
Watch our video of Oban's Bonfire Night 2019 fireworks.
Looking for things to do in Oban, Scotland? Take a sightseeing walking tour with our expert Scottish Tourist Guide Association Yellow Badge guide for Oban, Michelle. Get in touch to book your tour!
