By Molly Bishop

It’s that special time of year again; the Christmas lights are up and the markets are open. Christmas is often centred around spending time with the people you love, and there are lots of various events and fun days outs in the Stirling area which you can enjoy.

Whether it’s with your partner, kids, or other family members, here is a range of local Christmas activities to choose from.

Blair Drummond Christmas Spectacular

The Blair Drummond Christmas night is back. Running until December 23rd, this Christmas fair has fun for everyone, with a Santa drive-by, festive fairground and a Christmas market.

Tickets to this event also give you access to the Blair Drummond Dinosaur Illuminations.

Keep in mind that the animal drive-through safari park has its last entry at 2:45 pm, so you will need a day ticket to see them.

Prices vary, however, Blair Drummond has introduced Saturday and Sunday evening tickets at a reduced price of £8 for adults.

Thistles Santa’s Grotto

If out doing your Christmas shopping, you can take your little ones to see Santa at the Thistle Centre.

Open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-1 pm and then 2 pm-5 pm, the grotto will be located next to the Barrhead Travel store.

On the last week before Christmas, it will be open during the week as well.

MacRobert Panto

This year’s panto ‘Maw Goose’ at the MacRobert Art Centre starts on the 2nd of December and runs until the 31st.

The show will also feature a select few performances for British Sign language users.

Tickets are selling out fast so make sure you book soon for this fun night out.

A Christmas Carol Show At Stirling Castle

For any theatre lovers, this event could also be just the thing for you.

Critically acclaimed Chapter House Theatre Company is touring with one of literature’s most famous Christmas tales.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens will run from Friday 16th December until Sunday 18th at Stirling Castle.

The show has received glowing reviews throughout the years, so it’s not one to miss.

Tolbooth Christmas Ceilidh

On the 10th of December Tolbooth is running two ceilidhs.

One at 3pm for families and under 18s, then an evening ceilidh at 7:30 pm. Tickets vary from £10-£13.

Duff Christmas Tree Farm

Located outside Glasgow, Duff Tree farm offers a new experience of cutting down your own Christmas tree.

With over 350 000 to choose from, you and your family will be able to pick your tree and have assistance in cutting it down yourself.

If you don’t fancy having a go at the saw, there are lots of pre-cut ones to choose from too.

Royal Opera House Screening

Also at the Macrobert Art Centre, a screening of the Royal Opera House’s Nutcracker Ballet will be shown from December 9th to the 13th.

Dobbies Centre Stirling

Dobbies Garden Centre is organising various events, from Christmas breakfasts to its Santa Paws events, where you can take your family pet along to meet Santa.