Scotland’s “top places to spend Christmas” have been named in a new list.
As we approach the end of the year, Scots will be thinking about how they want to spend the festive season. With Christmas markets, light trails, and more taking place all across the country, there is no shortage of fun ways to spend your December.
To help you decide where to head this festive season, travel experts at Cottages and Castles have put together a list of the 10 best places in Scotland for a Christmas adventure.
The first destination included on the roundup is Edinburgh. Describing the Scottish capital as “the ultimate destination for a world-famous Christmas”, the experts singled out its famous festive market.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market features wooden stalls selling a wide variety of artisanal goods and treats. The city is also hosting a Christmas tree maze and an ice skating rink, while there is a range of fairground rides on offer as well.
Elsewhere, Cottages and Castles named Glasgow on its list of the top places to spend Christmas in Scotland. The country’s biggest city hosts two Christmas markets, at George Square and St Enoch Square, that both feature bustling stalls and dazzling light displays.
Meanwhile, the experts also included a number of other Scottish cities on its roundup. Stirling, Inverness, Aberdeen, and Perth were all named among the best places to spend Christmas in the country.
For those looking for something a bit quieter, Cottages and Castles also included smaller and more remote destinations. According to the experts, Pitlochry in Perthshire, Oban in Argyll and Bute, and Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park are all among the top places to spend Christmas this year.
Finally, the last destination in Scotland to be included on Cottages and Castles’ roundup is the Isle of Skye. The experts stated that the Inner Hebrides island offers a “truly enchanting Christmas escape”, praising its wintery landscapes.
Cottages and Castles wrote: “Christmas in Scotland is where historic cities, cosy villages, and snowy landscapes come alive with festive cheer. From Edinburgh’s sparkling Christmas lights to the Highlands’ snow-capped peaks, each town and city offers its own blend of traditions, markets, and winter activities.
“Whether you are ice skating beneath Edinburgh Castle, sipping mulled cider in Glasgow, or spotting reindeer in Aviemore, Scotland’s top festive spots cater to every taste. Families, couples, and solo travellers alike can enjoy Christmas villages, hearty Scottish dishes, and scenic winter walks.”
More information about the top 10 places to spend Christmas in Scotland can be found on the Cottages and Castles website.
Top 10 places to spend Christmas in Scotland
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Stirling
- Inverness
- Aberdeen
- Perth
- Pitlochry
- Oban
- Aviemore
- Isle of Skye
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – sign up to the Scotland Now newsletter here.