FROM school Christmas fayres and artisan markets to festive shopping events and charity fundraisers, here's where to get into the Christmas spirit in Kilmarnock and the surrounding area in 2026.
Whether you're looking for handmade Christmas gifts, delicious home baking, a chance to support local schools and charities, or simply somewhere to enjoy a festive day out, there's plenty happening across the area.
Here's your guide to what's on, when and where.
Thursday, November 19
Stewarton Yuletide 2026
Stewarton will be getting into the Christmas spirit with its annual Yuletide celebrations on Thursday, November 19, running from 6pm until 8pm in Avenue Square and the Area Centre.
Organised by Stewarton Initiatives, the event will feature more than 30 festive stalls offering crafts, gifts, food and products from local businesses, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to get a head start on their Christmas shopping.
For the first time, there will also be two hours of live entertainment on the Area Centre stage, including an Elvis tribute act alongside performances from local singers and choirs.
Families can visit Santa's Grotto at Stewarton Community Hub, with entry costing £1.50 per child, while businesses across the town will also be offering late-night shopping.
Saturday, November 21
Grange Campus Christmas Artisan Market
Grange Campus will kick off the festive shopping season with its Christmas Artisan Market on Saturday, November 21, running from 10am until 1pm at Grange Academy in Kilmarnock.
More than 60 makers and creatives will be attending, offering a huge selection of handmade gifts and seasonal products, including candles, home fragrances, ceramics, jewellery, knitwear, skincare, stationery, Christmas wreaths and decorations.
There will also be plenty of food and drink on offer, with cakes, home baking, pancakes, freshly brewed coffee and seasonal hot drinks.
Adult admission costs £3 and includes complimentary tea, coffee and shortbread on arrival, while children can attend for free.
Sunday, November 22
Hillhouse Christmas Fayre
Local charity Hillhouse is hosting its Christmas Fayre at St Joseph's Church Hall in Kilmarnock on Sunday, November 22, from 11am until 2pm.
Visitors can enjoy tea, coffee, cakes and plenty of lovely Christmas gifts, with all money raised going towards purchasing Christmas presents and pyjamas for children living in Ayrshire.
There's no need to buy tickets in advance, with visitors welcome to simply turn up on the day.
Christmas at the Burns Monument Centre
The Burns Monument Centre in Kilmarnock's Kay Park will be getting into the festive spirit with a special Christmas event on Sunday, November 22, running from 12pm until 3pm.
Visitors can browse a selection of Christmas stalls offering festive gifts and treats, while a prize raffle will give attendees the chance to win a range of prizes.
The event is free to attend and open to everyone, making it a great opportunity to enjoy some Christmas cheer in the surroundings of Kay Park.
Thursday, November 26
Mount Carmel Primary Christmas Fayre
Mount Carmel Primary School in Kilmarnock will be getting into the festive spirit with its Christmas Fayre on Thursday, November 26, running from 6pm until 8.30pm.
Organised by the Parents & Friends of Mount Carmel, the event will feature a variety of stalls selling pocket money toys, personalised gifts, 3D-printed items, jewellery, knitwear, wax melts, cupcakes, sweets and home baking.
Families can also look forward to a special performance from the school choir, visits from Santa and Mrs Claus, and a Christmas raffle with prizes up for grabs.
Entry costs £3 per adult, including tea or coffee, while Santa's Grotto costs £3 and raffle tickets are priced at £1 per strip.
Friday, November 27
Whatriggs Parent Council Christmas Fair
Whatriggs Parent Council will be holding its Christmas Fair in Kilmarnock on Friday, November 27, from 5pm until 8pm.
The event offers another chance for families and members of the local community to get involved in the festive celebrations while supporting their local school.
Saturday, November 28
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Christmas Fayre
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will be holding its annual Christmas Fayre at 2–4 Portland Road in Kilmarnock on Saturday, November 28, starting at 1pm.
Visitors can look forward to home baking, a raffle, Christmas gifts, a chocolate stall and more.
Tickets will be available at the door.
Loanhead Primary Christmas Fayre
Friends of Loanhead Parent Council will be hosting a Christmas Fayre on Saturday, November 28, from 10.30am until 12.30pm.
The event will bring some festive cheer to the school community, with a Christmas raffle giving families the chance to win prizes while supporting the school.
Raffle tickets cost £1 per strip, with pupils asked to return completed tickets by Friday, November 27. Purchasing tickets is optional.
St Joseph's Academy Christmas Fayre
St Joseph's Academy in Kilmarnock will be hosting its annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday, November 28, from 11am until 1pm at the school on Grassyards Road.
The event will feature a variety of Christmas stalls, a Santa's Grotto and a festive raffle with a selection of prizes up for grabs.
Families and members of the local community are invited to come along and enjoy the festivities while helping to raise funds for the school.
Sunday, November 29
Fenwick Christmas Fair
Fenwick will be joining in the Christmas celebrations with a community Christmas Fair at the John Fulton Memorial Hall on Sunday, November 29.
The event will run from 11.30am until 2.30pm, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy a festive outing in the village.
Saturday, December 5
Christmas at the Castle 2026
The grounds of Loudoun Castle in Galston will be transformed into a festive winter wonderland on Saturday, December 5, as Christmas at the Castle takes place from 12pm until 4pm.
Organised by Galston Trust, the event promises a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family, with festive stalls offering unique gifts, handmade crafts and products from local makers.
Visitors can also enjoy a selection of seasonal food and drinks, including warming winter treats, while younger guests will have the chance to meet Father Christmas at Santa's Grotto.
Sunday, December 6
Crosshouse Children's Fund Christmas Fair
Crosshouse Children's Fund will be holding its Christmas Fair at the Ayrshire Athletics Arena in Kilmarnock on Sunday, December 6, from 10am until 4pm.
The event offers local residents a chance to support the charity during the festive season.
Saturday, December 12
Dunlop Christmas Fair
Dunlop Village Hall will host a Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 12, running from 10.30am until 2.30pm.
The event will give villagers and visitors the chance to enjoy a festive community outing in the run-up to Christmas.
Know of another Christmas fayre in Kilmarnock or the surrounding villages that we've missed? Let Kilmarnock Today know so we can add it to the list!
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