Things to do in Scotland at Christmas
Scotland has a lot to offer at any time of year, but it is particularly magical over the festive period. There are an abundance of Christmas Markets and events that are suitable for couples and families. alike.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Scotland at Christmas.
Edinburgh Winter Festivals
Tumble into a magical winter wonderland in the centre of a fairy-tale city. Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals bring Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay together in a magical explosion of twinkling lights, enchanting sounds, mouth-watering flavours and lots of fun and laughter.
Running from November until January, Edinburgh offers so much to do and explore. You can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the ‘Big Wheel’ or for those who like an adrenaline rush, be sure to try the 60m high Star-Flyer!
For the kids, visit Santa Land in Princes Street Gardens, a festive fairground with six fun rides and a children’s market full of gifts and toys. Try to find the Elves’ Workshop hidden in the Christmas Tree Maze, or visit Santa’s Grotto to meet the man himself.
Irn-Bru Carnival
Packed with over 65 rides and attractions this indoor funfair has something for everyone. With thrill rides, children’s rides, an inflatable area for the little children, and games and stalls, you’ll find something to keep the whole family entertained.
Some rides are with vouchers and some with cash, so we recommend visiting their website for the latest information and pricing.
The funfair is taking place at the SEC Glasgow from 22 December 2021 – 16 January 2022.
Advance booking is essential, and all tickets are booked for a specific day and are non-transferable and non-refundable. The ticket price includes entry into the hall and 10 vouchers per entry. Children aged 3 and under require a free ticket to enter, but free tickets do not include any vouchers
Husky Sledge Rides
Meet some of the hardest working dogs in Scotland and experience an exhilarating ride through the Scottish countryside being pulled by a team of Huskey’s.
There are lots of providers for sledging experiences and can include unique features such as meeting the pack and getting a look behind the scenes of a Huskey’s life.
Times of year and pricing can vary, we recommend looking at a few options in order to find the one that suits you or your group best.
Royal Botanics Garden
Look forward to some together time with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
For a moment of reflection pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden and gaze up at larger-than-life illuminations.
There are street food vendors to help keep you going, and it would not be Christmas without marshmallows for toasting and hot chocolate.
Tickets must be booked in advance and are more expensive if you book on the day, so make sure you plan ahead.
Glasgow Christmas Market
Glasgow is the perfect place to visit this Christmas – stylish shopping, superb eating and drinking and a jam-packed events programme against a city centre backdrop of glittering festive lights.
Shop for Christmas gifts and decorations in Glasgow’s fabulously festive Style Mile! With extended festive opening hours, many stores are open until 8pm or later, making time to search for the perfect gift.
The market will take place on George Square and St Enoch Square. A warm and welcoming bar will also add to the festive atmosphere in George Square offering a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The centrepiece of the George Square market will be a traditional carousel and the iconic Big Wheel as well as a family focused street entertainment programme
The market will run from 10th November to 29th December 2021.
Perth Festival of Chocolate
If you are a chocoholic and have a sweet tooth, this is the perfect festival for you this Christmas. In late November, Perth serves up this lip-smackingly good festival.
Stock up on goodies from artisan chocolatiers and get chocolate gifts ideas. See tasty chocolates being created at cooking demos by skilled chefs and chocolate producers and take the little ones to the kids’ tent for some cocoa-themed fun.
Have your fill! There are some wonderful food and drinks vendors, serving up tasty local grub for when it’s time to munch on something more substantial.
Dundee Christmas Light Night
Dundee’s Christmas Light Night will bring sparkle, colour and the flicker of flaming torches to the city centre streets, marking the lighting of the city’s Christmas decorations and the start of over two months of seasonal festivities in and around Dundee.
A great opportunity to get some Christmas gifts and get yourself into the festive spirit!
If we have inspired you to visit Scotland over the Christmas period and need some accommodation, be sure to check out Landal Piperdam.
Combining log cabin luxury with award-winning facilities, Landal Piperdam is the ultimate Scottish holiday experience at Christmas.
