Round-up of Christmas Events to Enjoy on Mull

Discover the best Christmas events on Mull, from the big Tobermory lights switch on to the Ross of Mull tractor run. Whatever corner of the island you’re staying in, find festive markets and feel-good events to get you in the spirit this season.

Christmas Lights Switch-On

The lights switch on in Tobermory is an annual event and wonderful evening out – usually held on the last Saturday in November. Gather on the harbourfront for Christmas shopping aplenty as the Main Street stays open late. 

Visit the stallholders in the Distillery courtyard and find yet more in the Aros Hall. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies aplenty with a warm welcome as you go. 

The lights are traditionally turned on at 7pm, lighting up the town in a beautiful display, with a speech and festivities around the clock tower by the fisherman’s pier.

If you’re staying down on the Ross of Mull, keep your eyes peeled for the Bunessan big switch on too, usually taking place in early December. Once again, you’ll be in for a night of festive fun with food, drink and local wares often on sale and adding to the atmosphere before the lights are turned on.

Christmas Tractor Runs

This is another event that happens in both the north and south ends of the island. In Tobermory, the Christmas tractor parade sees vintage and new tractors all decked out with lights, snowmen and even Santa riding in a trailer on occasion, and takes place on the evening of the Christmas lights switch on.

In the south west of the island, there’s traditionally a festive tractor parade too running right along the Ross of Mull villages. Keep an eye on Facebook to find the latest details on when and where the event will take place this year.

You can also check our events round-up where we try to include as many events as possible through the year around the island.

The Tobermory Santa Dash

Sporty guests will relish the chance to don a Santa suit and make a run for it around Tobermory, with the festive Santa dash offering races for both children and adults in the island’s harbour capital, all in aid of charity. Usually held on the last Sunday before Christmas each year.

Christmas Markets on Mull

You’ll find festive cheer aplenty at Mull’s many Christmas market events. In addition to the festive markets held at the lights switch-on events, Craignure, Salen and Dervaig usually host Christmas markets each year too. 

Then there are the super businesses that open their doors for Christmas fairs, with artisanal wares available for the occasion at Am Birlinn at Croig. The Coffee Pot in Salen also opens its doors to offer festive gifts and sweet treats galore.

So if you visit the island in the run-up to Christmas, you’ll be sure to find a festive event to get you in the spirit and plenty of opportunities to eat, drink and be merry on Mull this winter. Can we tempt you with a winter break?