Including “overlooked” spots with stunning festive scenery.
People across Scotland have shared their tips for the country’s top Christmas destinations(Image: SolStock / Getty Images)
People in Scotland have shared their ideas for the “best Christmas holiday” destinations around the country. Both festive cities and rural towns were singled out by residents.
On Thursday, October 9, an American tourist took to social media to ask where in Scotland to head over the winter. They posted on the Scotland Travel Group, seeking advice on where their family should travel to in December.
The American traveller wrote: “Truly have the best husband. I just asked him if we could go to Scotland for Christmas (the week before actually) and he said start booking!
“I need help deciding so I can get everything booked this week.
“My daughters and I went this time last year, we saw Edinburgh, Killin, Stirling Castle, Dunnottar Castle, Loch Ness, Inverness, Castle Sinclair, Dunrobin Castle and we drove (my favourite part) a lot just taking in the sights!
“I don’t want to do as much driving and staying in different places this time since we will have both small kids. I was thinking of just staying in one spot, either Edinburgh or Killin, it was by far our favourite town or Pitlochry (it looked so pretty but we didn’t get to stop).
“But I would love to hear everybody’s favourite Christmas town!”
The tourist stated that Killin in the Highlands was “by far our favourite town”(Image: Dennis Barnes / Getty Images)
Since being shared on October 9, the post has received more than 800 likes on Facebook. More than 430 comments have also been left, with many Scots keen to give their thoughts on the country’s best Christmas holiday destinations.
Many of the responses suggested Edinburgh as a top winter travel spot. The Scottish capital was praised for its convenient location and its various family-friendly attractions and activities, including its renowned Christmas markets.
One Facebook user wrote: “There are so many free events for kids in Edinburgh over the holiday season. It’s probably your best bet for giving them some wonderful experiences!”
A second echoed: “There are so many options for you. And no one one here can get it exactly right.
“But I agree that with kids, at that time of year and not wanting too much travel a base in Edinburgh will allow you to do many things with children and also catch a train easily to more remote areas.”
Another agreed: “With the really short days this isn’t about sightseeing. It’s more about activities and experiences.
Edinburgh is famous around the world as a Christmas holiday destination(Image: StephenBridger / Getty Images)
“There’s nowhere better than Edinburgh especially for a first timer and kids. The Christmas market alone will keep them occupied for a day or two.”
Another Facebook user suggested the Scottish Borders as the best Christmas holiday destination in the country. The southern region is renowned for its beautiful walking trails and rolling hills, making it a top choice for wintery strolls.
The user wrote: “Go to the Borders. Always overlooked in the rush to get to the Highlands.”
Peebles is one of many Scottish Borders towns that offers idyllic winter scenery(Image: deanburn / Getty Images)
They added: “Fantastic scenery, natural features, coastline, stately homes. Plenty to see and do.”
A second agreed: “I was just coming on to say that. Everyone goes up north but forgets we have a south.”
Moving up north, other Scots chose Aviemore as their pick for a Christmas staycation spot. The Highlands town, which is located in the Cairngorms National Park, is a popular choice over winter thanks to its snow-capped mountains, annual festive parade on Christmas Eve, and nearby reindeer herd.
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer (Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
One Scot posted: “Definitely Aviemore for Christmas, check out the MacDonald resort lodges—we stayed a few years ago and are going back this year. A great base and you can go feed reindeer, do Elf Express steam train ride.”
Another wrote: “Aviemore is my favourite for Christmas. The Christmas Eve parade is amazing led by a pipe band.”
Other suggestions included Pitlochry in Perthshire, Culross in Fife, and Oban in Argyll thanks to their picturesque winter scenery. Elsewhere, some named Glasgow as a good festive holiday spot due to the city’s amenities and wide selection of Christmas-themed activities.
What is your favourite Christmas holiday destination in Scotland? Let us know in the comments below!