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ScotlandTravel Advice Scotland at Christmas

November 21, 2021

Edinburgh at Christmas

There’s so much to do during Autumn and winter in Scotland and Scotland at Christmas is the most wonderful place.

Events and entertainment, winter weather, cold and clear skies, festivals, music, markets, and reindeer all make Scotland the place to visit.

We have picked out some of the best things to do in Scotland at Christmas time.

Scottish Cities at Christmas Time

Edinburgh at Christmas time is such a magical place.  At the Edinburgh Christmas Market you will be absorbed into a winter wonderland of fairy lights, carousels, warm drinks, and traditional foods.

The market hosts many local crafters with unique gifts and for the children, a visit to Santa Land in Princes Street Gardens is a must.

Aberdeen Christmas Village not only hosts some of the best family entertainment, including an open-air ice rink, you will also be treated to local crafts, food and drink.

The traditional chalets at Glasgow Christmas Markets are full of gifts, hot food and drinks from around the globe as well as traditional Scottish fare.

Of course, Scotland is world famous for Hogmanay celebrations and no one celebrates quite like the Scots.  In every city and most towns and villages in Scotland there will be Hogmanay celebrations, fireworks, music and ceilidhs.

Entertainment in and around Scotland

The Eden Court Panto in Inverness has got to be one of the best Christmas Panto’s in Scotland…. Oh yes it is! And its promises a show packed full of side splitting slapstick comedy, spectacular scenery, breath-taking costumes, stunning special effects and fabulous song and dance routines.

Join the pipeband at the Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony just before the New Year bells toll, as the procession takes to the streets, swinging the great balls of fire followed by fireworks.

Visit a Scottish Distillery

A visit to Scotland would not be complete without a visit to a distillery.  Some distilleries offer FREE tours during the winter such as Dalwhinnie, awarded the ‘Best Distillery Tour in Scotland’.

Wildlife in the Highlands

Wildlife in ScotlandThe Highland Wildlife Park is not far from Aviemore, is open all year round (except Christmas Day).  Visit the Polar Bears and Snow Leopards and Santa with his reindeer!

And if it’s real Reindeer you are wanting to see then a visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is a must.  The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer found in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. These tame and friendly animals are a joy to all who visit them.   There are currently around 150 reindeer in the herd, mostly ranging on the Cairngorm Mountains with the remainder on the Glenlivet Estate, the locations being some 30 miles apart.

Take a hill trek or visit the paddock and watch the Reindeer lead the procession through Aviemore on Christmas Eve.

Fun in the Snow

Fun in the snowIf the winter conditions are favourable, Scotland is the best place for skiers and snowboarders and to have a great time sledging.  There are plenty of hire shops with some of the best places being the Cairngorms, The Lecht and Glenshee.

Aviemore is perfect for couples and families to enjoy winter holidays, with lots going on, food and drink, shops and entertainment.

See the Northern Lights in Scotland

The Aurora Borealis is natures own theatrical performance, the Autumn and Winter in Scotland is the perfect time to see this spectacular event of the Northern Lights.

Although the Northern Lights can be seen pretty much anywhere in Scotland, the ‘Mirrie Dancers’ are best seen is places such as Shetland, Orkney, Aberdeenshire, Moray Coast, The Cairngorms and the Northern Isles such as Skye, Harris and Lewis.

Because it gets very dark in Scotland and in many places there is very little light pollution there’s some amazing places to visit for stargazing too.

Stargazing in Scotland

Stargazing in ScotlandGalloway Forest Park is the largest forest park in Scotland and is located in Dumfries and Galloway, it is an International Dark Sky Park, the park host stargazing events and guided tours.

The Highlands rarely disappoints for stargazing, which is why Tomintoul and Glenlivet is also an International Dark Sky Park, the park is not only the darkest park in the UK but also the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world.

What are you waiting for?

So, if visiting a Christmas Market, taking in a bit of retail therapy, tasting Scottish Whisky, watching the wildlife or gazing at the magnificent stars is on your ‘to-do’ list then get in touch and we can help you make your stay in Scotland one to remember.

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