What’s On in November

This November, there are plenty of family friendly activities going on across the South of Scotland. And towards the end of the month, the Christmas spirit starts to creep in with historic houses decorated for the festival season, Christmas craft fairs offering the chance for local artisans to showcase their wares and giving you the opportunity to find that perfect present for your loved ones. Here are just some of the events on this month – don’t forget to check out all November’s events here.

Day of the Dead

While there are still plenty of Halloween events for children going on into the first weekend of November, this dining event at the Globe Inn in Dumfries is truly for the grown-ups! Costumes are welcome as diners sit down to a hauntingly delicious three-course meal with plenty of spine-tingling spooky stories to keep them entertained. Celebrate the Day of the Dead in style!

Explore textiles and fashion

Journey through time and explore the differences in fashion at the Great Tapestry of Scotland during their Queens and Rebels event. A day of captivating stories will show visitors the grandeur of royal regalia worn by Mary, Queen of Scots, to the fine attire worn by Jacobite supporter, and wife of the Mackintosh Clan Chief, “Colonel” Anne Mackintosh.

If you are keen to learn about the type of embroidery inspired by the Great Tapestry of Scotland itself, there is a full day workshop, Stitched with Love for intermediate to advanced stitchers led by master embroiderer Kirstie Campbell.

November sees the start of a new exhibit at the Borders Textile House by felter Ann Smith, For the Love of Fibre & Felt. These wool felt ‘paintings’ depict Ann’s love of the outdoors with inspiration taken from the countryside, coastlines and a range of flora. The results are colourful and brimming with texture and surface interest. If it inspires you to give it a try, Ann will be holding a half-day Felting Workshop at Gilnockie Tower later in the month.

Markets and fairs

The Borders Textile Towerhouse is hosting the Makers Market with the chance to kickstart your Christmas shopping at this vibrant two-day market featuring work from a fantastic range of makers including textiles, jewellery, glassware. This year there is a bit of added sparkle in the form of storytelling and craft activities for all the family to enjoy. So don’t miss the chance to sample the local makers who will offer something extra special for your gift giving list.

The Drumlanrig Christmas Fair makes its return at the end of the month, with its heated marquee full of stall holders offering foods and drinks, arts and crafts and bespoke creations, meaning you’re sure to find something unique on sale.

The ‘Santa Express’, will take you from the Castle to the Playground entrance, giving young ones a chance to burn off some energy before waiting to have a visit with Santa. Afterwards they can embark on the Elf Trail in the Gardens.

Dog friendly day out

Caledonia Park has teamed up with Oak Tree Animals’ Charity and is holding a Paw-fect event for you and your canine friends! Each dog will receive a special certificate and a paw-some present from Santa. The event is open to all, so mark your calendars and get ready to wag those tails.

Christmas at historic houses

Get into the spirit of Christmas with a visit to one of our historic houses, all decorated for the season’s festivities. Don’t miss the legendary Book Tree at Abbotsford, which has extended its seasonal openings until the first weekend of January enabling visitors to the region during the holidays to experience this superb historic house.

And outside, Abbotsford has transformed Witch Corner for Christmas with its show-stopping folklore sculptures transformed with the sights and sounds of the festive season. Let the children join Witch Corner’s magical creatures for their festive celebrations and solve their seasonal riddles to collect an edible prize.

Traquair House opens for just one day showcasing the house in all its seasonal decor. But there is plenty going on! Santa will be in residence (you need to pre-book) to hand out an early gift and there will be entertainment for all ages with puppet shows, carol singers, silver bands, and fantastic face painting as well as tasty food and hot drinks from the Old Walled Garden Café. Inside the house there will be local stalls selling gifts, crafts and Christmas treats.