Winter visitors get Girvan largely to themselves, and it is much the cheapest time to come. This page covers the festive season and a winter break specifically; for the full picture of what to do between November and March, see Girvan in winter.
The festive calendar
- A Saturday in early November: the community fireworks display — a funfair, a fire performer and fireworks on the seafront at Louisa Drive, run by Girvan & District Attractions. The best winter night in the calendar and the unofficial start of the season.
- Late November into December: the Christmas lights switch-on on Dalrymple Street, with festive markets and events through the month. Dates vary each year.
- Christmas: most restaurants close on Christmas Day; the chip shops and pubs keep short and variable hours across the holidays.
- Hogmanay is a pub affair in Girvan rather than a street event. Fireworks are not guaranteed.
Christmas breaks
Several of the hotels offer Christmas and New Year packages — it is worth checking the Royal, the Westcliffe and the Woodland Bay in town, and Trump Turnberry and Glenapp Castle for something considerably grander. Self-catering cottages are widely available and cheap at this time of year.
Book directly and confirm what is included, particularly meals on Christmas Day, since local restaurant options are limited. See where to stay.
What is open, and what is not
Open: the beach, promenade and harbour; the parkrun every Saturday; the Quay Zone pool; Girvan and Turnberry golf courses at winter rates; Culzean's country park (castle closed); Galloway Forest Park; Dunure Castle and the free ruins; the pubs and chip shops.
Closed: Culzean's castle interior, Souter Johnnie's Cottage, Ailsa Craig boat trips, the Mull of Galloway and Logan Botanic Garden. Several village pubs and cafés cut their days.
What to do
Storm-watch from the prom shelters and retreat to the Harbour Bar. Climb Byne Hill for a half-past-three sunset. Drive the coast road south in low winter light. And go stargazing — winter is the best season for it, with long dark hours and the clearest air of the year.
