Embrace the spirit of Christmas with a traditional day of seasonal activities at Scotland’s oldest inhabited house. Bring along your wish list for Santa in his luxurious grotto (must be pre-booked) and receive an early Christmas present too! With entertainment for all ages, local stalls selling gifts and crafts plus tasty food and hot drinks from the Old Walled Garden Café, Traquair’s Christmas Opening is a highlight of the winter season.

If you missed her last year, Sylvia Sceptre is back with two performances of Phantasmagorical! Phantasmagorical is a supernatural spectacle of stories and magic, swirling with dark storytelling, drama and magic. Does Sylvia Sceptre have the gift of second sight? Whatever you decide, you will have an intriguing experience to remember with this engaging, fun and alternative magic show.

Ages 16+, with themes of death and the afterlife

This autumnal showcase for Scotland’s makers in wood goes from strength to strength. This year’s event will see 25 makers exhibiting their goods, from bespoke pieces of furniture and sculptures to smaller items including wooden spoons, jigsaws and jewellery.

Suppliers of native and exotic hardwoods will be exhibiting too – and this year will also feature Mesmerising Mechanisms, a collection of wooden machines requiring audience participation. Come along and turn a handle or two!

The annual celebration of creativity in Innerleithen and Walkerburn returns with a packed programme of open artist studios, pop-up galleries, workshops, walking tours and live music. Keep an eye on social media for more updates!

The finale to TweedLove's enduro race season – and the final EVER TweedLove event – sees the race series return to the spiritual home of enduro: Innerleithen. Expect some big, boisterous and technical trails – and a few emotional farewells at the finish line. It’s going to be a packed field and a lively atmosphere in the town's shops, eateries and pubs.

This fascinating event brings together internationally renowned broadcasters, writers, thinkers, artists, diplomats and politicians to meet, talk and exchange ideas with the public about some of the most interesting and pressing issues of our time. Alongside the talks is a growing programme of music, visual and performing arts, film, spoken word, and well-being activities including meditation, yoga, walking, and cycling – all set in the inspiring grounds of Traquair House.

The stage is set for a memorable weekend of live music and festival vibes in the heart of Innerleithen. Expect plenty of local talent, exceptional performances and a hearty Tweed Valley welcome in the town's fabulous Vale Club, Union Club and other venues. Check out the Facebook page for the full line-up – and a few hidden gems at the Saturday afternoon open mic session.

Instituted in 1827, The Games are the oldest organised sports meeting in Scotland and are part of a wider eight-day festival in the town of Innerleithen. The mysterious Cleikum Ceremonies are central to the week, celebrating the town’s association with its patron saint, St Ronan. A monk who took no nonsense from anyone, St Ronan is said to have engaged the Devil himself in combat, using his staff to drive him out of town. The festivities culminate in a torchlit procession that leads to Burnin’ the De’il and a fireworks display on top of nearby Caerlee Hill!

A spectacular festival of local legend, history and tradition, with a calendar of events that span the week. Celebrations begin with an inaugural service at the Cross Kirk on Sunday evening, the installation of the Cornet and Riding of the Marches a must-see event for the Wednesday and the Crowning of the Beltane Queen and lively procession the centrepiece to Beltane Saturday. Expect a week of silver bands, pipers, fancy dress and LOTS of horses!

Round 2 of the TweedLove Enduro Series will be the centrepiece to the 2024 TweedLove Bike Festival. The valley will play host to some of the world’s fastest enduro riders as they take to the hills around Peebles and Innerleithen for a weekend of epic thrills - and most likely a few spills!

The UK’s biggest bike festival is back with something for every age and ability of rider. Race or ride an event, or just soak up the bikefest vibe. See website for the many individual events and activities, including the YT Industries International – Round 2 of the TweedLove Enduro Series – the much-loved Enjoyro for the slightly less hardcore and a classic sportive around the stunning south of Scotland roads. Eat, drink, race, ride, shop, watch, cheer, jump and fly - all in one big weekend!

The Borders Book Festival returns to the Harmony House & Orchard in Melrose for another gathering of the great and good from the literary world. Keep an eye on the event website for programme details.

Outdoor promenade performances of Shakespeare classics return to the stunning grounds of Traquair House. Following last year’s thrilling production of Richard III, the company are tackling a less dark but equally thought-provoking tale of money and mercy, prejudice and social injustice. The Merchant of Venice may be over 400 years old, but its messages about love and humanity are just as relevant for audiences today.

Last year’s inaugural Electric Weekend was a highlight of the cycling calendar – so it’s no surprise this epic adventure designed exclusively for e-mountain bikers is back. Join the e-crew for two days of racing on some of the best trails in the furthest reaches of the valley, a dedicated campsite and event base, open air cinema, food, beer and more. It promises to be another awesome weekend on and off the bike.

For the first time ever, you can wander the woodlands of Traquair and see some of Scotland's oldest trees lit up at night. These atmospheric woodlands were once the hunting grounds of the kings and queens of Scotland – and you can experience them in all their historical glory under the cover of darkness. See the ancient yew tree circle sparkle, and explore the Traquair maze with added light and drama! Hot chocolate, soup and refreshments available.

Vallelujah sees two-days of riding (practice Saturday, race day Sunday) on some of the best enduro trails in the UK. The course, as usual, will be kept under wraps until the event but expect a top-notch mix of great Tweed Valley trails. The perfect end to the YT Industries TweedLove Triple Crown Series for 2023.