December ushers in the shortest day of the year, with around 5½ hours of daylight on the Winter Solstice. But that doesn’t stop Shetlanders from getting in the festive spirit. The month is full of celebrations, including everything from a Christmas trail in Lerwick to full-on festive parties. Indeed, December’s social calendar is one of the most jam-packed of the year. Here are just some of the highlights (including the annual Santa Parade, which sneaked into the last weekend in November in 2025).
Party season arrives in Shetland in December, with music, feasting, and celebrations as islanders get ready for Christmas and the New Year. It’s a busy month, and there’s something for everyone.
Music and parties
Shetland’s music scene is thriving, and December is one of the busiest months of the year. Whatever genre of music you love, there’s a good chance you’ll find a performance that will get your feet tapping and head nodding. In 2025, festive concerts include:
- A Winter Ball organised by Shetland Youth Voice, giving youngsters the chance to end the year in style with music from the Callum Nicolson Dance Band (5th December);
- Riffmas a mini-festival with nine "killer" bands performing rock and metal over two nights at the Gulberwick Hall.
- A “very merry pop-punk Christmas” with bands The 3310 and Marackled at Lerwick British Legion (6th December);
- Shetland Swing Concert with award-winning local musician Gemma Donald in St Columba’s Church (10th December);
- Cabaret in Mareel (12th December);
- Christmas Bash with the Bashies at Lerwick Legion (12th December);
- First Foot Soldiers live at Clickimin – including an early family concert – (13th December);
- The Plonkys at Mareel promising full-on fun on ‘clue up night’ (19th December);
- Marackled at the Royal British Legion (19th December);
- Project 22 at the Legion (20th December).
If you like the idea of a Christmas party and love good music, the toughest choice you face at this time of year is which events to attend.
Performers getting in the festive spirit at Riffmas 2024. Riffmas
Carol singing and concerts
There are too many concerts and carols to list them all. However, some are always popular and worth attending if you can. Shetland Community Orchestra and Shetland Community Choir come together for a Christmas Concert at St Columba’s Church in Lerwick.
It’s a busy period for Lerwick Brass Band, which plays at various events, including a carol evening in the Town Hall (they also lead the Santa Trail in Lerwick, although in 2025 that is at the end of November).
If you’re in Shetland in December, keep an eye on the local news websites Shetland News and The Shetland Times, SIBC and BBC Radio Shetland or websites like What’s On Shetland to stay up to date.
Santa’s Grotto
Santa greets crowds at the Lerwick Christmas parade. Living Lerwick
Christmas arrives in Lerwick each year when Santa leads a parade through the town centre, for the big lights switch-on. It’s always popular with crowds lining the streets, and cheering the arrival of Santa, carol singers, excited school bairns, and members of the Lerwick Jarl’s Squad.
In the run-up to the big day, there are fun activities in the town and a Santa’s Grotto. Check the Living Lerwick website for details.
Craft and Community Nights
If you like less high-energy entertainment, many regular community gatherings continue. These events bring people together to enjoy traditional dancing, arts and crafts, hobby nights, singer-songwriter performances, and knitting or crocheting.
Outdoor activities
For those who like to wrap up against the elements and enjoy the invigoration of getting outside on a winter’s day, walking groups including Walk Da Rock, and Soothend Walkers continue to meet, including a Bring and Share Christmas party in Cunningsburgh. Shetland’s coast is particularly dramatic through the winter, with impressive waves and ever-changing colours enough to keep you mesmerised.
Catherine Munro shares some of her favourite storm-watching spots here.
December is also a great time to embrace the nights and enjoy the often-spectacular starry skies. On a clear night, Shetland is an excellent place for skywatching, and there’s always the chance the ‘mirrie dancers’ might be performing.
Plan your Shetland winter adventure
Life slows down a little in Shetland during the winter months. It's a time when communities come together, when our coastlines are at their most dramatic, and when you can truly feel the freshness in the air.
Discover more about magical Shetland in winter.