10 reasons why you need to go to Oban Winter Festival

Winter is no time of the year to stay indoors and hibernate. It’s much more fun to wrap up warm and enjoy everything that the colder months have to offer. Oban Winter Festival is jam-packed with seasonal fun.

Oban Winter Festival: What to Expect

From whisky tasting to festive markets, ceilidhs to ice skating, the ten-day programme of events is sure to leave you with a warm glow. So grab your hat and gloves and make a date with the Oban Winter Festival. Here are 10 reasons why:

1. Dramtastic!

Get in the seasonal spirit with whisky or gin tasting nights at Oban Whisky & Fine Wines Shop.

2. The big Christmas Lights Switch On

Get switched on for the big Christmas Lights Switch On. Join Santa and his reindeers on a parade to station square, where there will be a festive atmosphere with hot food, stalls and entertainment. You’ll also get the chance to meet the reindeer in their pen and children can chat to Santa.

3. Shop local

Pick up some festive gifts and treats at a number of markets taking place throughout the Winter Festival. Check out the markets at Oban Distillery and The Corran Halls for a selection of local food and craft stalls. And finally don’t miss the Victorian Market in Perle Hotel where you’ll find a unique array of handmade goods and gifts.

4. ‘Clootie Dumplings of Distinction’

Delicious dumplings - do you think you can make a prize-winning clootie dumpling? Then here’s your chance to find out. The Oban Winter Festival competition to find ‘Clootie Dumplings of Distinction’ has three prizes up for grabs – gold, silver and bronze.

5. A night of candles and choirs

Join Oban Gaelic Choir, Bach Choir, Taynuilt Choir, Lorn Singers and Sequence Community Choir for a night of candles and choirs in St John’s Cathedral in Oban.

6. Haggis Fest

Haggis Fest includes Argyll butchers and haggis makers go head to head to compete for the coveted golden haggis award. You’ll be welcomed with a nip of Oban whisky and will have the chance to taste the haggis and vote for the ‘people’s choice.’

7. St Andrew’s Day

The Oban Winter Festival celebrates St Andrew’s Day with a host of activities. Take part in the Tartan Dash, have a go at haggis hurling and taste some whisky. And to finish off the day in dance the night away at with a ceilidh at The View, where local musical talent will be on show.

8. Dunollie Makes Christmas

The Dunollie Makes Christmas event takes place every November as part of the Oban Winter Festival. The beautiful woodlands at Dunollie are transformed into a winter wonderland, with ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ family fun trail, traditional crafts, handmade gifts, carol-singing and festive food and drink.

9. Discover Oban town

Festival action takes place mainly in the centre of town and getting from place to place is very easy. Discover the great shopping, bars and restaurants that make this town tick, take a tour of the local distillery and sample local malts, or enjoy a coffee and cake in one of Oban’s cafés.

10. Surrounding events

These are just some of the great events that make up Oban Winter Festival. There are loads of other things going on from dance shows to piano recitals. You’ll find the latest information, as well as timings and how to book, on the Oban Winter Festival website.

Places to Stay in Oban

Looking for a place to stay in Oban? The bustling town has many accommodations that cater to everyone's preferences. Here are some of our top recommendations for places to stay in and around Oban:

Find out more about things to see and do in Oban & Lorn.