Festive Fun in Scotland: Solo Christmas Abroad

Hello, my adventurous friends!

I’ve got a question for you—have you celebrated Christmas abroad? 🎅 It’s a whole experience: festive markets, twinkly lights, decorations, & that magical something  in the air. But here’s another question for you — have you spent Christmas abroad & alone? 🙃 Because, let me tell you, it’s an experience all on its own. 

The Dome, Edinburgh

In 2021, I was in Edinburgh [post coming soon] & it was inching closer & closer to one of my most favorite holidays — New Year’s. However, as Christmas is so close to New Year’s, it feels like a doorway into Hogmanay [aka New Year’s in Scotland], this way I have more winter holidays to enjoy. The city was fully decorated — lights and ornaments everywhere [if you are ever in Edinburgh during November-January time, there’s no mistaking it: the holidays have arrived]. The Christmas market was already up as well, & I was very excited to make it there. 

One day, while walking through the New Town, I stumbled upon a few market stands that were set apart from the main “hub” in Princes Street Gardens. Each stall offered something unique, from candles & soaps to handmade jewelry, christmas ornaments, & local treats. These stands were a charming contrast to the main market, which focused more on food, drinks, souvenirs, & festive trinkets. Also, to my surprise, these separate stands packed up before dark, unlike the main market, which came even more alive in the evening. 

Edinburgh Christmas Market. Picture by Ross Sneddon

If you’re like me & adore the festive lights, it is a must visit Edinburgh Christmas Market after dark. The lights add a magical touch as you wander among the stalls, admiring the local souvenirs & wool scarves, all while drinking a hot cup of cocoa or mulled wine. 🍷☕ There are fun rides here too — though I’m not much of a ride person, they do look like much fun! But even during the day, Christmas Market is great to visit. 

One thing that I’ve heard is that Edinburgh’s Christmas Market was even better pre-COVID. However, I believe it is picking back up. And yes, it is crowded, especially on the weekends and the closer it gets to the holidays. But don’t let that throw you off — the market usually starts mid-to-late November [you can always check the dates online] & runs until just after Hogmanay. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, I’d highly recommend going early in the season, before school breaks begin. 🎄

Moving on to more of my solo Christmas & winter holidays abroad. 

Me & my little potted Christmas Tree, Edinburgh 2021

Even though my wonderful Airbnb® hosts added a bit of winter cheer with decorations on the mantel above the fireplace & some candles, something still was missing. Personally, I’m a fan of of live Christmas trees, so I went to a store where I’d spotted a variety of small potted trees a week prior. I thought it would be perfect for adding a cozy & festive atmosphere to my space. Earlier, I’d also bought twinkle lights, thinking of doing something with them. So, as you can see here, I walked back happily with my little tree in hand. And don’t worry, the Airbnb® hosts happily took the tree off my hands afterwards, so it didn’t go to waste. 🎄

The best part was putting the lights on & my coo ornament — a souvenir from an earlier trip to the Glenfinnan Viaduct — which, of course, I still have. As soon as it started to get darker outside, I turned on the lights and that alone made it feel cozy & festive. ✨

On Christmas Day, I actually went on a date, details of which I will spare you [it wasn’t a good one 🤪]. However, I ended up visiting Calton Hill, which was pretty busy with people. It was a surprisingly warm day, just as Hogmanay turned out to be later on. The rest of the day was wonderfully relaxing…I called my family & watched holiday movies throughout the evening.

Calton Hill. Christmas Day. Edinburgh 2021

In a few days’ time, it was Hogmanay, and I’ll be sharing a short post about it soon. Spoiler alert: it involves leaving a teacup with champagne from my Airbnb® at a bar. 🎉

Spending the holidays solo doesn’t have to feel lonely. It’s all about your perspective. People all around are celebrating, and you’re part of that big, wonderful celebration, too. 🎅🎄