Festive Day Out 2025

A Magical Festive Experience

The festive season is just around the corner, and what better way to begin than with a weekend in the heart of Kirkwall? Whether you’re tackling your Christmas shopping, enjoying a cosy lunch, or simply soaking up the seasonal atmosphere, Kirkwall’s friendly shops, cafés, and eateries will be ready to welcome you with open arms.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll discover Kirkwall at its most festive. Explore unique independent shops, find thoughtful gifts, and enjoy warm, personalised service from local retailers who are passionate about helping you find something special. When you’re ready for a break, settle into one of our many cafés for a warming drink or afternoon treat.

Saturday BID Events (11am-3pm)

On Saturday, Kirkwall BID will be bases in the Old We Frame It Building on Albert Street offering a range of activities designed to make your festive shopping experience even more enjoyable:

• Christmas Shopping Cards - Pick up your card from us or any participating businesses listed below and collect a heart each time you spend atleast £10 locally. (one heart per visit) Fill five hearts and you’ll be entered into our prize draw featuring fantastic prizes, including the top prize of a £500 Kirkwall Gift Card! There’s no limit to how many cards you can complete, so the more you shop, the more chances you have to win.

• Christmas Tattoos for Kids - Free, fun, and festive temporary tattoos for the little ones.

• Decorate-Your-Own Christmas Jumper Competition - A creative and festive activity for kids (and grown-ups!) who want to design their own seasonal masterpiece. There will be Christmas Stockings as Prizes for the winners. To enter just email a photo of your Kids Christmas Jumper Design to [email protected] before Monday 1st December, along with their name, age and a contact number for the parent or guardian.

• Load-at-Home Kirkwall Gift Cards - Available to collect, with our team on hand to help with any support or questions.

• Free Gift Wrapping - Get your purchases beautifully wrapped at no extra cost, helping you tick off those Christmas tasks with ease.

Festive Fun for All the Family

On Saturday, the town centre will be filled with festive excitement, including:

• Beautiful Christmas lights illuminating the streets

• Live music and carol singing

• Seasonal treats and warm drinks from local cafés

• Special offers and promotions across participating shops

• 60+ Peedie Trees displayed throughout the town

More details will be shared on our website and social channels soon, so keep an eye out!

Shop Local This Christmas

This festive shopping day is a celebration of the incredible businesses that make Kirkwall such a vibrant, welcoming, and unique place. By choosing to shop locally, you’re not only finding one-of-a-kind gifts, you’re also supporting local jobs, keeping our high street thriving, and investing in the future of our community. Every purchase, big or small, truly makes a difference.

Get Into the Spirit

Kirkwall’s charming streets, friendly faces, and buzzing seasonal atmosphere make it the perfect place to kick off your Christmas celebrations. Bring your friends and family, wrap up warm, and enjoy a weekend filled with festive magic, local pride, and joyful moments.

Kirkwall Tree Lighting

As the day draws to a close, the magic continues with the OIC Christmas Tree Lighting, accompanied by the uplifting music of the Kirkwall City Pipe Band, a cherished tradition that brings the whole community together.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
See you in Kirkwall on the 29th of November for our Festive Day Out 2025!

Participating business for our Love Kirkwall this Christmas Shopping Card

Spend £50 Prize Draw – Terms & Conditions

Eligibility:
Participants must collect five (5) stamps, each earned from a minimum purchase of £10 at participating busines

1. Qualifying Purchases:

   • Each stamp requires a single transaction of £10 or more.

   • One stamp per visit only, regardless of total spend.
     

2. Entry Submission:
   A fully completed stamp card (5 stamps) must be submitted to be entered into the prize draw. These can be handed in to Kirkwall BID at We Frame It, Albert Street before 3.30pm, or Hume Sweet Hume, or Alison Moore before close of play.
   

3. Prize Draw:

   • Only correctly completed cards will be entered.

   • The Draw will take place on Monday 1st December.

   • Winners will be contacted via phone call by Kirkwall BID.

Prizes for the Christmas Shopping Card Prize Draw:

£500 Kirkwall Gift Card

£250 Kirkwall Gift Card

£100 Kirkwall Gift Card

3x £50 Kirkwall Gift Cards

4x £25 Kirkwall Gift Cards

Beyla Gin & Beyla Candle from The Orkney Distillery

Alison Moore Earrings

Toasted Crumpet Candle Set from W. Hourston Jewellers

The Draw will take place on Monday 1st December and winners will be contacted shortly after.