How to Celebrate Christmas in Scotland

For many Scots, Christmas is one of the most important holidays. It's a time to celebrate with friends and family while participating in local traditions.

Visit Scotland in the run-up to Christmas, and you'll see the country decked out in its holiday finest. Enjoy the romance of Christmas while admiring magnificent Scottish scenery, such as the historic city of Edinburgh or the majestic Highlands.

There are dazzling lights and neatly groomed Christmas trees everywhere in Scotland. Read on to find out how the locals celebrate Christmas. Find out where to go to experience the most of the season's activities.

Scottish Christmas Traditions

Scotland's Christmas customs, like those in the rest of the United Kingdom, are based on Christianity and Viking culture.

However, like its Northern European counterparts, Christmas in Scotland has become more secular over time. Nowadays, the emphasis is on enjoying time with loved ones rather than being religious.

While most families will have their twist on the ancient customs, many will participate in the following popular ones:

• Sharing a typical Christmas supper with family and friends.
• Exchange gifts and cards with loved ones.
• Decorating a Christmas tree (some Scots will even select a real tree).
• Encourages children to send their gift wish lists to Santa Claus.
• On Christmas Eve, children set out refreshments for Father Christmas and his reindeer.

Old Christmas Traditions in Scotland

If you spend Christmas in Scotland, you'll notice many of the recent customs. Nonetheless, stories about historical customs have survived, and a few still practice them.

The Vikings, for example, introduced the practice of burning a hardwood "yule log". It is thought that those who sit around this fire will have good luck and success in the coming year. Who wouldn't want to take part in that?

Meanwhile, it is believed that burning a twig from a rowan tree will help to resolve any conflicts between family members or neighbors. All the better to start the New Year fresh.

The Days of Christmas

The largest seasonal celebrations in Scotland occur on Christmas Day, December 25. However, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day have their customs. Scroll down to learn more about what each day has in store.

Christmas Eve

Most preparations for tomorrow's big day will be completed by Christmas Eve. So going to a nearby Christmas market is a terrific opportunity for visitors and locals to enjoy the holiday spirit.

Edinburgh has the country's largest Christmas market. What is the greatest approach to taking everything in? Walking around with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand.

There's something for the entire family here. Consider exhilarating amusement rides, kiosks serving delicious local food, and stands selling gifts and Christmas decorations.

Another typical Christmas Eve activity is attending a midnight church service with carol singing.

Christmas Day

On Christmas Day, families and friends get together to exchange gifts and have a holiday dinner. While many people gather in a loved one's house, dining out is common.

Some Scots prefer going for a walk before or after their Christmas lunch to take in their winter surroundings. If you're planning a trip to Scotland for Christmas, why not participate in this clean seasonal tradition?

Following lunch, many people can relax and enjoy a quiet evening. Gathering around the Christmas tree to chat, play games, and watch TV is a common way to unwind.

Boxing Day

In Scotland, the day after Christmas is traditionally spent unwinding. Many Scots will be off work today because Christmas and Boxing Day are public holidays. We urge that you follow suit during your trip and spend a relaxing day with your travel mates.

Restaurants and shops are open, so you can eat out and buy souvenirs. Shopping may be popular today, as some locals likely take advantage of seasonal bargains.

Meanwhile, others like to unwind in front of the television or catch up with pals they haven't seen since the previous day. Some will walk around the neighborhood or even to the countryside to clear their minds.