What’s open on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Day in Oban?
We have come up with five places that are open, and we want you to know when they will be open or serving up meals for residents and visitors alike.
For something to do this Christmas Day or New Year’s Day then look no further.
One: Half Way House Filling Station
The garage that has been feeding night owls and early risers for generations will be open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
But, only for a few hours in the middle of the day, so that staff can get as much time with their loved ones as possible.
The petrol station, washing machines and garage shop will be open on Christmas Day between noon and 4pm.
And it will be the same on New Year’s Day, especially for the lovely coffee machine that might help with some sore heads.
Insider secret: Where else can you put the wash on, and enjoy a coffee or tea while sharing the craic with the locals?
Two: Murray’s Taxis and a potential new career
Bearing in mind that we probably all overindulge at Christmas and New Year, Murray’s Taxis are on hand to get you from A to B.
From long trips to shorter fares, the town’s taxi firm will be ready at any hour of day or night to get people moving.
But there might be a reduced service on Christmas Day due to a shortage of drivers.
Murray is also keen to hear from anyone who wants a new job in 2024.
Murray’s Taxis can be contacted on 01631 564666.
Insider secret: We were all gutted in Oban when Oban Taxis shut down after decades of service, but the wonderful tour guide and “taker homer” Lorna Wylie now works for Murray’s Taxi.
Three: The View
A long-time favourite The View, once known us MacTs and then Skipinnish, will be open on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Day for lots of fun.
The restaurant has some of the most spectacular views across the bay to Kerrera, and if it is a crisp clear day far beyond.
Serving up its festive menu for lunch and dinner until December 30, revellers will be able to enjoy tunes from one of the town’s favourite DJs, George Noble on the desks in the lead-up to Christmas.
For more details, visit The View Oban Facebook page, or the venue’s website.
Pre-booking is not essential, but helpful to staff.
Insider secret: To get a dining table in the upstairs open dining area book ahead, and ask the staff to keep you a spot on the deck.
Four: Oban Inn
What’s not to like at the Oban Inn? For starters, you don’t need to book and they will be open from noon on Christmas Day and again New Year’s Day.
Otherwise, the pub will be open from noon until late with live music on over the Christmas period. Food is served both days between noon and 8pm.
There are real shenanigans to be had over the festive season, with live music and a running party in the beer garden or the lounge bar upstairs.
Get there early as it is likely to be shoulder to shoulder as Raised by Clams are playing on Hogmanay before taking a five-minute breather at midnight – to take in the bells.
Before the duo get right back on it with their heady blend of acoustic songs, and superb covers.
And to get you in the mood, there will be a Big Christmas Quiz taking place on the 21st – with some incredible raffle prizes from suppliers and the pub itself.
Insider secret: The beer garden will be a great place to take in the Hogmanay fireworks.
Five: Day Today Oban – or Iggi’s as most will know it
If you run out of something on Christmas Day – like the year I used the salt from the kitchen to de-ice my driveway and had none left for the nut roast -then Iggi’s or Day Today Oban will be open between 10am – 10pm.
Igg has told The Press and Journal that on every other day over the season.
He will be open as normal, from 7am – 11pm on weekdays, and 8am – 10pm on weekends.
The shop stocks everything from cheese to Cheerios and has great deals on alcohol.
They have even got you covered for a Christmas gift or two.
The shop can be found opposite the train station at MacGregor Court.
In the lead-up to Christmas Iggi is also doing a raffle for the North Argyll Care Fund and Cancer Research.
He has Mickey and Minnie giant teddies for £1 with all proceeds going to charity.
Insider secret: Iggi has some Prime in stock – and we all know how the kids go mad for it.
Is Tesco or Marks and Spencer open on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day?
Tesco Supermarket will be closed from 6pm on Christmas Eve until 9am on Boxing Day.
It is going to be closed from 6pm on Hogmanay until Monday January 2.
Marks and Spencer will close at 6pm on Christmas Eve, reopening on Wednesday 27 at 9am. Times for New Year openings have not yet been advertised.
Other places that are closed over the festive season are the ever-popular Roxy’s Coffee and Tea House, who will be closed on 24, 25 and 26 reopening on Wednesday 27 through to Hogmanay, reopening on Tuesday January 2 2024.
The Royal Hotel may have limited opening and are yet to confirm opening times at Christmas and New Year. But say the hotel is very busy with guests joining them for the festive season.
Lidl and Aldi will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, with many of their stores also shut for Boxing Day.
Are you open on Christmas or New Year’s Day – or do you want to be included in a future story contact louise.glen@pressandjournal.co.uk.
