Top 4 Scottish Cities to Visit at Christmas

Spooky season is officially over and it’s time to embrace the joy of the festive season. Christmas decorations will light up the street in a flash, markets will pop up, and a sea of novelty jumpers will stretch the length of Britain. Christmas scenery and activities make for the perfect city break where you can get a good dose of festive magic, and what better destination is there than Scotland? Besides the beautiful landscape, Scottish cities transform into winter wonderlands - continue reading for our top picks.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a great city no matter what time of year, but it truly comes to life during the Christmas period. You will find plenty of festive events here including the incredible Style Mil Carnival, St Enoch Square Christmas Market, festive illuminations, and a super fun 5K Santa Dash. Not only will you find picturesque events, but there are also plenty of cosy pubs to stop off for a drink by a roaring fire.

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, there’s plenty of breath-taking landscape just a short drive or bus journey away. For example, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is spectacular during the winter.

Edinburgh

Whenever there’s a “Best of” list for Scotland, Edinburgh makes an appearance - just check out the English Garden & Antiques Magazine and search for ‘Scotland’ and you’ll find it in their list of ‘Best Places to Stay When Travelling Through Scotland’. There’s good reason for Edinburgh's critical acclaim, especially when it comes to Christmas. From November to January, you’ll find streets packed with markets, illuminations, twinkling trees, and plenty of Santa fun.

Dundee

If you’re looking for something a little more cultural, creative, and hip, then Dundee is the perfect city to visit over Christmas. There are plenty of Christmas markets in Dundee, including Kingennie and Discovery Point Christmas Fair. Throughout the city, you will find streets lined with stunning illuminations and enormous Christmas trees.

Aberdeen

If you’re willing to travel further north, you will come across Aberdeen. During the festive period, beautiful granite buildings are strewn with sparkling lights, carollers fill the streets, and there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Christmas Village. When you get to the end of the night and need a winter warmer, head over to one of the many Whiskey bars for a dram of single malt.

With Aberdeen as your base, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to explore, with the Cairngorms National Park not far away. If you’re searching for an adrenaline-filled experience, head over to The Lecht for the opportunity to snowboard or ski - if the weather is sitting right. Alternatively, hop in the car and venture along the Snow Roads, which will take you through Ballater, Tomintoul, and Braemar.

Scotland is a beautiful country with plenty to see and do all-year-around - Christmas just makes it that more special. No matter what you’re looking for in a Christmas city break, you’ll find it in one of the destinations outlined above.