Everyone will have their own favourite season, whether it is the warm and sunny days of summer or the magnificent colours of autumn.
However, it is hard to argue that in many ways Christmastime is Scotland at its absolute best. From the festive buzz as people rush to get ready for the big day to the chilly weather and cosy nights in, December is truly one-of-a-kind.
To celebrate Christmas being just days away, the Daily Record has rounded up some of the reasons why it is the number one time of the year. From the festive walks to the cosy pubs, nothing else really compares.
You might be thinking that, between the freezing temperatures and the rammed streets, December is a rather miserable time. However, after reading this list, even the Grinchiest of Scots will be convinced that Christmas in Scotland is magical
Read on for 10 reasons why we think Scotland is at its best during the festive period.
What is your favourite part of Christmas in Scotland? Let us know in the comments below!
1. The walks
Let’s start with the walks, as nothing in Scotland is quite as magical as its scenery. All over the country, there are spectacular walking and hiking trails that look even more beautiful covered in a blanket of snow.
While Scotland’s cities are busier than ever over the festive period, you will find that the countryside is far quieter than at other times of the year. If you are looking to head out on a relaxing walk to clear your head, December is an amazing time for it.
The Daily Record recently rounded up a list of the best winter walks in Scotland. From The Hermitage in Perthshire to the Ayrshire Coastal Path, there is bound to be one that calls out to you.
2. The movies
Another part of Christmas that is hard not to love is the festive films. There are countless holiday classics out there, from It’s A Wonderful Life to Love Actually.
As reported by the Daily Record, there are also a lot of lesser-known Christmas movies either filmed or set in Scotland. While many lack the budget or big-name stars of the more popular choices, they are still definitely worth a watch — for a laugh if nothing else.
3. The food
Ask any Scot on the street what their favourite part of Christmas is, and chances are they will either say the presents or the food. It’s not hard to see why, with mouthwatering festive dishes and treats every way you look.
While turkey and selection boxes are all well and good, you can also add a Scottish flair to your Christmas dining. From haggis bon bons and cock-a-leekie soup to shortbread and clootie dumpling, there are more Scots options than you might think.
4. The snow sports
Winter is unsurprisingly the best time for snow sports, whether it is skiing or snowboarding. Scotland is home to a number of top resorts, which offer some of the best and most picturesque winter sports opportunities in the UK.
Among the most popular resorts in the country are Cairngorm Mountain and Glencoe Mountain Resort. The former describes itself as “Scotland’s ultimate winter playground”, while the latter is home to both the longest and the steepest ski run in Scotland.
5. The cosy pubs
No matter what time of year, there is nothing Scots love more than a good pub. While sunny summer days spent outdoors in a beer garden are undeniably lovely, there is something magical about heading to a cosy boozer when the weather is freezing.
Whether you are nursing a beer, sipping on a Coke, or warming up with a hot toddy, a few hours away from the cold in a bustling Scottish pub will no doubt put you in the Christmas spirit. Even better if you head to one with a roaring fire.
6. The festive menus
Another aspect of Scotland’s pubs that are better over Christmas than any other time of the year is the festive menus. A lot of them offer special limited-time dishes, with more turkey and Christmas pudding than you can eat.
It’s not just pubs either, with countless restaurants up and down the country serving up special festive plates. Whether you are heading out for an elegant meal with your other half or relaxing with a good old-fashioned Christmas roast, it is the perfect way to end the year.
7. The festive markets
If you live in Scotland, you will probably have at least heard of the famous Christmas market in Edinburgh. Each year, the capital’s festive market delights hundreds of thousands of people from across the UK and beyond with its various stalls and funfair rides.
Aside from the biggest Scottish cities, there are also plenty of lesser-known Christmas attractions that are worth a visit — especially if you aren’t a fan of crowds. One of these is at New Lanark just outside of Glasgow, which is screening festive films and has even built a special Christmas ride.
8. The Northern Lights
Here in Scotland, we are lucky in that we can sometimes see the Northern Lights if the weather conditions are just right. In general, you will have the best shot of witnessing the colourful phenomenon when temperatures are low and skies are clear.
With the sun setting before 4pm and the mercury plummeting at the moment, conditions are therefore ripe for the aurora borealis. If you head to an area with low levels of light pollution, you might just be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights with your own eyes this Christmas — just make sure to wrap up warm.
9. The reindeer
Most countries don’t give you the opportunity to meet reindeer up close — but Scotland is a magical place. Up near Aviemore, you will find The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre — the only free-ranging herd of reindeer in the UK.
The centre runs regular guided hill walks, where visitors can see the herd of 150 reindeer in their natural habitat. There is even a paddock that you can head to, if the thought of a winter hike up into the Cairngorms doesn’t sound appealing.
10. The traditions
Christmas is a time for loved ones to come together. Every family will have their own special festive traditions that go back as far as they can remember.
There are also a number of Scotland-wide Christmas traditions that date back hundreds of years. Some of these include the burning of a rowan tree branch to disperse any bad feelings ahead of the new year and the baking of unleavened Yule bread — with a special festive trinket traditionally hidden in one family member’s serving.
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