Christmas Markets UKThe 2026 season, market by market

Cawdor Castle Christmas Market

2026–27 dates not announced yet — usually one weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in mid-December

2026 dates not yet announced; the official market page still showed 2025 details on 6 Oct 2026

10am–4pm both days (2025)

Gardens and grounds of Cawdor Castle, Cawdor, near Nairn, Highland · Scotland

MakersFood & drinkCastle & estateLive music Ticketed entry

The stone towers and gabled ranges of Cawdor Castle behind flowering shrubs and a lawn under a blue sky with white clouds
Cawdor Castle near Nairn, whose gardens and grounds host the Christmas market (photo 2022) — Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0

A two-day outdoor Christmas market in the gardens and grounds of Cawdor Castle, near Nairn, held on a weekend in mid-December.

Cawdor Castle, the medieval tower house near Nairn best known for its literary link to Macbeth, opens its gardens and grounds for a two-day Christmas market in December while the castle itself is closed for the winter. The market is entirely outdoors, with traders in gazebos selling crafts, gifts and produce, and live entertainment on both days.

The castle's Courtyard Café opens for food and hot drinks, with some indoor seating. The castle warns that the market gets very busy: parking attendants direct cars on arrival and visitors are asked to car-share where they can. It also suggests bringing cash and dressing for the weather, as there is no indoor alternative.

In 2023 dogs were not allowed inside the main castle gates during the market, though a dog exercise area was provided.

Dates by season

SeasonDatesStatus
2026–27 Not announced yet (usually one weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in mid-December)2026 dates not yet announced; the official market page still showed 2025 details on 6 Oct 2026 To be confirmed
2025–26 Sat 13 – Sun 14 Dec 2025Saturday and Sunday, 10am–4pm; £3 entry, under-16s free Held

Dates are taken from the market’s own website or official announcements and were last checked on 6 October 2026. Plans can change, so please check with the organiser before you travel. Spotted a change? Tell us.

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