12 Days of Christmas breaks in Scotland

Hot chocolate season has arrived! Escape the winter chill and treat yourself to something sweet. Whether you like to go plain and simple or opt for more decadent options, we’ve got you covered. Moo Pie Gelato is a hit with visitors and residents alike. Be transported into a hot chocolate heaven, from sugar doughnut to the classic toasted marshmallow filled to the brim with fudgey brownie pieces. Other places to get your hot chocolate fix include Aemilia in Portobello and The Marshmallow Lady – you’ll even get to choose the flavour of your toasted marshmallow as part of your toppings!

When darkness falls, our visitor attractions are aglow with spectacular illuminated trails for all the family to enjoy. Edinburgh’s Christmas at the Botanics kickstarts the festivities with colour changing light displays perfectly timed with instrumental music. Another city gem is of course Edinburgh Castle. This year marks the castle’s 900th anniversary with its special birthday edition of the Castle of Light spectacle. 

Elsewhere across the country, get into the Christmas spirit at the Starry Nights experience at Dean Castle in Kilmarnock and Beecraigs Country Park in West Lothian. Prepare to be entertained throughout the evening with an array of magical light installations and the chance to dig into some delicious hot food for some extra warmth. 

Do you know your ‘flin’ from your ‘seasgair’ or your ‘gloaming’ from your ‘flukra’? You probably haven’t heard of these words before, but these Gaelic, Scots and Doric translations are associated with Scotland’s winter weather. Take a deep dive into our wonderful glossary of winter words and get inspired for a Scottish winter experience. Hit the slopes with snowboarding or skiing, curl up inside in cosy accommodation or find an indoor attraction - perfect for rainy days or if the weather outside is a bit too cold for your liking. 

You’ve had a fantastic day out in Scotland, now it’s time to end it on a high by watching the sun go down. After the clocks go back at the end of October, you can expect to see the sun set around late afternoon this time of year. See brilliant hues of vibrant pinks, reds and oranges at beauty spots across Scotland including Findhorn Beach in Moray, Mull Head in Orkney and Loch Tay in Perthshire. If you’re into photography, our photographers also have some great tips and tricks on how to capture the perfect sunset shot. 

Blow the cobwebs away with an invigorating winter walk. It’s the perfect activity during a twixmas break in Scotland to see our majestic landscapes during a quieter time of the year. You might even be lucky enough to see a light dusting of snow if the temperatures are cold enough. Get your bearings around Aberdeen and discover the stories behind some of the city’s most impressive buildings on the Granite Trail, head into the woods at Cardrona Forest in the Scottish Borders or aim high by scaling Ben Lomond with impressive views over Loch Lomond. Remember, walking up our mountains in winter can be extremely challenging so make sure to check weather conditions before you go and most importantly, wrap up warm. 

If you’re looking to fill the days in between Christmas and New Year with lots of fun, you’re in luck! Scotland proudly hosts an array of winter events including exciting funfairs, from the Irn-Bru Carnival to Christmas markets, dinner events and theatre shows, and is it still panto season? Oh yes, it is! Watch your favourite stories come to life with Beauty and the Beast in St Andrews and Mother Goose in Perth taking centre-stage this Christmas. If you're looking to dance the night away, be sure to experience a Scottish Trad music event with Mànran + Peatbog Faeries in Stirling and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers in Moray. Before we bid this year a fond farewell, get out and about while celebrating with friends and family. 

Relax your mind, body and soul with an outdoor sauna experience. Pamper yourself and reap the many health benefits it offers, from helping to eliminate inflammation and soothe aching muscles to reducing blood pressure and boosting your immune system. In Scotland, you’ll find many outdoor saunas up and down the country. Enjoy a wood-fired sauna by the sea at Soul Water Sauna in Edinburgh, relax with friends at HotBox Sauna on the edge of Loch Tay with lots of tasty goodies to indulge in after your session or escape to the far north of Scotland with Haar Sauna in Shetland. Enjoy the healing powers of hot and cold therapy with an invigorating swim afterwards and immerse yourself in beautiful Scottish landscapes. 

Although we can’t guarantee a white Christmas here in Scotland, don’t let that dampen your festive spirit. We’ve got plenty of other activities to tick off your bucket list. You might be familiar with our popular festive markets and ski resorts, but it’s still very much the season for cycling and mountain biking, saying hello to our resident red deer at Galloway Red Deer Range or even surfing at Scotland’s newest inland surfing resort – the first of its kind. Of course, no trip to Scotland would be complete without trying our national drink. Book a whisky tour and learn about its unique flavours and character with the chance to sample a wee dram. 

Winter is the time of year when most people go into hibernation mode. However, some of our wildlife residents still come out to play during the colder months. From our fluffy Highland cows, mountain hares and marine wildlife to our majestic stags, most of our animals can be spotted out on a winter walk in a forest or park or even on a boat tour. The days might be shorter but it’s a great time to catch a glimpse of our wildlife in action before the sun sets. 

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, and lots of attractions remain open over the festive season. For an extra special gift, Scotland has fantastic offers, deals and passes across the country on public transport, days out and dining experiences. Make good use of our public transport links with Scotrail’s Kids for a Quid offer where kids can hop on board for just £1 with a paying adult. Enjoy free admission to all Historic sites with Historic Environment Scotland’s Explorer Pass or get access to perks and discounts to big attractions including Edinburgh Castle and SEA LIFE Loch Lomond with the Merlin Pass. A jam-packed day full of attractions and activities will be sure to whet your appetite. Go Rural offer locally sourced ingredients, perfect for wholesome winter recipes and home baking. They also offer gift vouchers for tours and experiences, if you’re interested to see what life is like on the farm.

The stars have aligned for the night sky to put on a show. Thanks to Scotland’s low-levels of light pollution in some areas of the country, on a clear night you’ll be able to see the stars shine bright. You might also strike it lucky with a glimpse of our very own galaxy, the Milky Way. Visit the Dark Sky Town of Moffat or head to Tomintoul and Glenlivet for a dark sky event. We’ve also got lots of cosy places to stay that will make your dark sky experience even more out of this world. 

In recent years, Scotland’s skies have showcased the Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis. Although we can’t always guarantee this winter phenomenon, lucky travellers are in for a true theatrical performance. 

‘Hogmanay’ is what we like to call New Year in Scotland, and we know how to celebrate. How do street parties, bonfires and a torchlight procession sound? It’s the last day of the year after all, so let’s make it extra memorable! If you’re a fan of live music and looking to dance the night away, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party offers a feast of entertainment with live music, DJ’s, firework displays and much more to see you into 1 January. Why not be part of the action at the Torchlight Procession? You can carry a fire-lit torch down the streets of Edinburgh, a definite bucket list moment whether you’re a local or visitor. If you’re seeking a quieter affair, head to Biggar Bonfire or gather your nearest and dearest for a few drams of whisky at Dufftown in Speyside – the ‘malt whisky capital of the world’.