Discover the Best Winter Holidays in Scotland: Christmas and Hogmanay.

Hello, my dear friend! Winter holidays, for some of of us, are the most magical & exciting time of the year, it sure is for me. And when you are in the capital of Scotland, there is no shortage of lights, sights, decorations, traditions, Christmas Markets, & more. Yet, it wasn’t always so as [drum roll 🥁] Christmas was illegal until recent years, but more on that later. On a lighter note — Christmas & Hogmanay [also known in our part of the pond as New Year’s Eve] are truly extraordinary and festive, making them the best winter holidays in Scotland. Having experienced some of these wonders, I am excited to share everything I have learned with you. Let’s dive in! 🎄

Boswell's Court - a magical entrance to the Witchery By The Castle

What is Christmas like in Scotland?

Christmas in Scotland is a cozy, festive holiday, with fairy lights twinkling against the backdrop of historic buildings and the scent of fresh pastries wafting from every corner [I'm a sucker for fresh pastries & Edinburgh has so many good ones!]. As for many, in Scotland it is also all about gathering with loved ones, enjoying festive movie, opening presents, & indulging in mince pies [the sweet kind, of course, it’s actually one of my favorite desserts], while maybe even spotting a reindeer or two in the highlands 🦌. The streets come alive with Christmas Markets, decorations, & a bit of Scottish charm—think tartan stockings and whiskey-infused desserts 🥃🥮. And when Hogmanay rolls around, the celebrations get even wilder, with ceilidhs & fireworks.

The Surprising Historic Twist: Christmas Ban

Back in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Church of Scotland wasn’t exactly feeling the Christmas vibe 😬. During the Reformation, Catholicism was swapped out for Protestantism, & they weren’t too excited about any events tied to Catholic traditions, as the celebration of Christmas is not described in the Bible. So...they put a ban on any public celebration of it. In fact, Christmas became a public holiday again only in the 1950s! Luckily those days are long gone & we live in the 21st century to fully enjoy all the cheer & make merry. 🥳🎄

The magic of Edinburgh Christmas Market

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. In the Princes Street Gardens & along the Princes Street itself you'll find festive Edinburgh Christmas Market. It's almost like stepping into a fairy tale with colorful stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, delicious food, & warm drinks [only think of all the cider & mulled wine wafs as you stroll by]. And don't forget the ice skating rink located usually on George St. & the rides. It's the perfect place to get even more into the festive spirit. I wrote more about my time in Edinburgh during Christmas; blog-post coming soon.

Edinburgh Christmas Market

What is Hogmanay and how is it celebrated?

As mentioned above Hogmanay is the Scots word for New Year’s Eve. On Hogmanay, people take to the streets for fun, fireworks, drinking, dancing, & singing. It's all about saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new one with a bang! From my research, though, the origins of it are not exactly known, yet it does date back to the Viking era & celebrations of winter solstice. I was extremely excited myself to find out about Hogmanay & celebrate it in Edinburgh as growing up in Russia NYE is the biggest & most celebrated holiday. To this day, I enjoy celebrating it & did introduced my american boyfriend to it. 🥂👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽

Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party

If you want to experience NYE like never before, come and party your way into the new year! The celebration of Hogmanay usually runs for three days, packed with concerts, celebrations, and events culminating in the grand finale of unforgettable fireworks lighting up the Edinburgh Castle 🎇🏰. One amazing highlight I’d like to mention is the torchlight procession, where hundreds of glowing torches illuminate the historic streets creating even more festive atmosphere on the walk.

Victoria Street, Edinburgh

So, there you have it, my adventurous friend! Christmas and Hogmanay in Scotland are a magical & festive time filled with cheer, fun, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're visiting the fun and festive Christmas Market or joining the Hogmanay celebration, I’d say go for it all! You will not go wrong either way. 🎄🎅

Remember, the holiday season is about love, laughter, and sharing special moments with family and friends. So, wherever you are in the world, enjoy the festivities, spread kindness, and make this Christmas and Hogmanay a truly wonderful time of the year.