Best ways to celebrate Christmas in Scotland, from husky sledge rides to markets

CHRISTMAS is said to be the most wonderful time of the year.

We use the month of December to get in the festive mood as we look forward to Christmas Day.

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But, we all know the pain of trying to figure out what to do to feel Christmassy, when there are too many options.

From Christmas markets to Husky sledge and visiting Santa we’ve created a list of some of the perfect ways to celebrate Christmas in Scotland.

Christmas at the Botanics

The magical illuminations in Glasgow’s classic Botanic Gardens is back again for 2022.

The gardens are filled with mesmerising light displays, a fire glaze and giant baubles for a walk around like no other.

Street vendors are on scene to offer some food and festive beverages including spiced winter hot drinks.

The event runs from 17 December until the 30 December and organisers recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

Tickets can be purchased on the Botanic’s website here.

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Christmas Markets

City’s across Scotland put on their very own Christmas village.

Edinburgh’s Christmas market was voted by National Geographic as one of the best in Europe.

The stalls returned to Princes Street Garden once again along with the big wheel until January 3 2023.

Glasgow’s markets returned to St Enoch’s Square after it was announced they would be cancelled.

But in the busy George Square the fascinating lights, big wheel and ice rink returned for the 2022 festivities.

Aberdeen’s Christmas Village at Broad Street is decked out with local market stalls with food and goods and is running until December 31.

In Dundee, the Ethical Christmas Fair is running until December 23.

As Scotland’s first Fairtrade city, the council pledged to promote Fair Trade, sustainable and ethical goods.

Oban’s Christmas festival features a number of different venues including Oban Distillery, the Corran Halls Market featuring farm produce and the Winter Festival Victorian Market at the Perle Hotel.

The festival ends on December 27.

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IRN BRU Carnival

Back again for 2022 is the iconic Irn Bru Carnival- Europe’s largest indoor fun fair.

The carnival takes it’s place in the SECC in Glasgow and is open from 23 December until 15 January 2023.

And appearing in this year’s carnival are rides including the dodgems, waltzers and twister.

Stalls including hook a duck, knock off cans and basketball, will also be there for punters to take part and win some prizes.

Tickets for the carnival vary depending on when you buy them but any more information including ticket prices can be found on their website here.

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Stay in a Festive Castle

Just like in a Netflix movie, Christmas lovers can book to stay in a festive castle.

Kincraig Castle, in Ross-shire, near Inverness, is one of many Scottish castles alongside Borthwick Castle, in Edinburgh, that opens it’s doors on the run up to the big day.

People can also stay in Cringletie Castle in Peebles, Glenapp Castle which is based in Ayrshire or in Inverlochy Castle that sits right next to Ben Nevis.

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Husky Sledge rides

Animal lovers can experience the thrilling Husky sledge rides in Scotland as Christmas approaches.

As part of their winter activity programme, Eagle Brae, in the Highlands area of Struy, offers the unique holiday experience.

People can enjoy themselves as they dash along at an exhilarating speeds on a three-mile championship course.

Bowland Trails, in Blairgowrie, also offers a Husky sledge ride experience which is run by a World and European championship team.

The course in Perthshire takes people around a beautiful 220 acre estate and lets them meet the pack of over 30 Siberian racing Huskies.

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Visit Santa

Families can also take children to meet the man of the hour during the festive period – Santa.

On the run up to Christmas, parents can bring their kids to meet the man himself at a variety of places across the country.

One of these places is at the Polar Express train ride in Brechin which is based on the classic Polar Express movie.

Santa will also be present at the Santa Steam Train at thye Bo’ness & Kineil Railway where he meet every family on board the festive train and hand out gifts.

While in Kelso, families can attend the Santa & Alpaca Experiences which lets kids feed animals and take a trip to Santa’s Grotto, Mailroom and Xmas Craft Station.

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