Thursday November 13th 2025
Festive Doddle Dash at Dalkeith Country Park
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Dalkeith Country Park is set to bring the magic of Christmas to life once again as WinterFest returns this festive season. From enchanting encounters with Santa to eco-friendly skating under the stars, WinterFest promises magical moments, family fun and festive cheer for all ages.
The festivities begin with the WinterFest Opening Night on Friday 28th November. Friends and family gather at the centre of The Park for a sparkling evening as Santa lights up the night with his annual light switch on. Visitors can also enjoy a live brass band, late-night shopping, festive food and drinks and the official opening of the WinterFest Skating Rink.
The new Skating Rink is at the heart of this year’s WinterFest with the country park using Glice Eco-Rink technology – a sustainable, water and energy free surface. The rink opens on Friday 28th November offering both skating and special Skate & Shake sessions throughout the festive period.
Returning by popular demand after rave reviews is A Tale with Santa. Set in the cosy Christmas Cabin, this new Santa experience stole the show last year with visitors saying it rivalled The Park’s famous Santa’s Grotto experience. This heartwarming event invites children and families to enjoy a Christmas tale read by Santa, capture a cherished photo and receive a handpicked present.
Children are being invited to get creative in festive workshops, from gingerbread house decorating to Christmas crafts. Adults can also join the fun with Restoration Yard’s Wreath Making Workshops, crafting beautiful wreaths with foliage from The Park.
Sophie Barr, Head of Park Events at Dalkeith Country Park, said:
“WinterFest is one of the most magical times of year here at Dalkeith Country Park. We love providing an exciting events programme that allows families and friends to come together and make magical memories, whether they’re skating, meeting Santa or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere.
“This year we have added even more sparkle, from our sustainable Glice Skating Rink to Go Ape’s brand new Sundown Adventures. It is going to be our most enchanting WinterFest yet.”
WinterFest welcomes back the popular Festive Doddie Dash on Sunday 14th December, in aid of the park’s charity partner, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Runners can take part in the 1K or 3K Elf Dash or 5K Santa Dash, starting in front of Dalkeith Palace.
Visitors can also shop for real Christmas trees, choosing from premium Nordmann Fir or Fraser Fir varieties, and even make use of the new ‘Return Your Tree’ recycling offer after the holidays.
Alongside this, Go Ape Dalkeith within the country park is bringing its Sundown Adventures to Scotland for the first time, inviting visitors to take to the treetops after dark and navigate high ropes and zip lines surrounded by glowing festive lights. Families can also get into the festive spirit with the new Letters to Santa experience at Restoration Yard, where children can write and post their letters to the North Pole – with those sent by 30th November receiving a personalised reply.
Winterfest at Dalkeith Country Park runs from Friday 28th November to Sunday 4th of January. For more information visit www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk.
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