Christmas provides the perfect excuse to eat, drink, and be merry – and, luckily, we know the very best places for a tipple with friends or wholesome family day out. From film screenings and crafty workshops to festive food and dreamy drams, here, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Scotland this December.
Watch your favourite Christmas movie on the big screen
Throughout December, the Macrobert Arts Centre, located within the University of Stirling campus, is screening a range of festive films, including The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf, and It’s A Wonderful Life. Cinema tickets are also available on a “pay what you can” basis, with three options, £4.50, £6.50 or £8.50, ensuring everyone can have a magical night at the movies.
If you’re not local to Stirling, Cineworld is also holding its Christmas Movie Season at locations around Scotland, showing classics like The Holiday and Jingle All the Way. Tickets cost just £5 each, so save room for a bumper bag of popcorn.
Visit macrobertartscentre.org and cineworld.co.uk
Dine under a disco ball
Glasgow’s popular rooftop bar, VEGA, is already on Quine’s list of the best places to eat, drink and socialise in the city, but this December the venue’s famous Disco Brunches have been given a festive makeover. In the run up to the Big Day, the Insta-worthy bar and eatery is offering the “bougiest and brightest” Christmas brunch, transforming its space into a disco winter wonderland, complete with festive drinks from Edinburgh Gin and roller-skating elves, who will serve up classic dishes.
Available on December 9th and 16th, tickets cost just £39, and include welcome snacks, two Edinburgh Gin cocktails, a “Festive Fizz” station with a half bottle of prosecco per person, one brunch main meal and non-stop disco entertainment. Just add glitter, sequins and sparkle for the perfect festive afternoon out with the gals.
Visit vegaglasgow.com
Make your own stylish Christmas gifts
If, like Carrie Bradshaw, shopping is your cardio and you’ve simply run out of energy to trawl the high street for presents, why not consider making your own? Throughout December, super stylish candle brand, sonder, is hosting workshops at its Glasgow-based studio, giving you the opportunity to make a jesmonite candlestick holder and a pair of hand-painted twist candles. Even better, it’s BYOB so you can indulge your creative side while sipping on a few bubbles.
Visit sondercandles.co.uk
Pick out a Christmas tree while it’s snowing
Yes, the odd flurry of snow is common in Scotland throughout the winter months, but even having Sean Batty on speed dial won’t guarantee you’ll know exactly when the first flakes will fall – unless, of course, you head along to Homegrown Garden Centre in Gartcosh. Not only does the centre have more than 1,000 freshly-cut Christmas trees to choose from – as well as an impressive selection of decorations – on weekends during December, every hour on the hour, a snow machine will fill the covered forest with a fresh white blanket, making your festive shopping trip all the more special.
What’s more, from 11am to 3pm, visitors can toast marshmallows over an open wood fire, and enjoy free mulled wine and shortbread.
Visit homegrowngardencentre.com
Experience Scotland’s historic sites – for free!
Between presents and parties, outfits and occasions, December can be a pricey month. Luckily, some of Scotland’s most iconic heritage sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Duff House, are welcoming visitors for free this winter. On the first Sunday of each month until March 2024, Scottish residents can explore Historic Environment Scotland locations without having to pay a penny – simply pre-book online and show your proof of address on arrival. Just make sure to dress up in your very best winter ‘fit to keep the chill at bay.
Visit historicenvironment.scot/historic-sundays
Grab a one-of-a-kind gift
Don’t get us wrong, we love popping into Zara, Oliver Bonas and H&M as much as the next fashion fanatic – but sometimes only vintage will do. Shopping the stalls at The Barras has been a favourite pastime of Glasgow locals for more than 100 years now, and this December, the iconic indoor market will host a special Christmas event, boasting everything from sustainable fashion and accessories to quirky crafts and presents. Open from Thursday, 21 December right through to Christmas Eve, there will also be mouth-watering street food available, and a soundtrack of vinyl beats.
Visit barrasmarket.com
Taste a few delicious drams
Bringing together local food vendors, live music, free samples and masterclasses, The Scottish National Whisky Festival is the perfect pre-Christmas day out for whisky lovers and anyone wanting to learn more about our national drink, or shop for a special NYE tipple. Two sessions will be held at Summerhall, Edinburgh, on December 9 – and if you miss out on tickets, the event comes to Glasgow’s SWG3 in January, too. Slàinte Mhath!
Visit scottishnationalwhiskyfestival.com
Visit the Botanics after-dark
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has once again been transformed into a Christmas wonderland with sparkling tunnels of light, magical projections and floating displays, providing the perfect backdrop for a festive family walk. Open all the way through to the end of December, there’s also food vendors at the Christmas at the Botanics light trail, so you can enjoy a hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows to warm up.
Visit rbge.org.uk
Learn how to write beautiful Christmas cards
Following on from sold out events in November, Laila Lettering is holding more calligraphy workshops in Glasgow in December, helping you improve your handwriting for cards, gift tags, table settings and more. Owner Christina Lessani will guide attendees through an evening of relaxation, writing and wine, and you’ll even get a calligraphy workbook, pen, nibs and ink, tote bag and blank place names to take home.
Visit lailalettering.com
Chill out with an eco getaway
Located just a short walk from Millport town on the Isle of Great Cumbrae, Jack’s Alt-Stays comprises five quirky cabins, which are not only eco-friendly and expertly designed, but perfectly situated to make the most of Scotland’s beautiful scenery. Created and run by two cousins, the self-catering accommodation has everything you could need for a short break, including games, Wi-Fi, a fully stocked kitchen, comfy robes, and a traditional Swedish wood-fired hot tub. Don’t have time to get away before Christmas? Add a gift voucher to your partner or best friend’s stocking, and start planning your first trip of 2024!
Visit: jacksaltstays.co.uk
Treat Yourself to a Warming Wellness Ritual
Embrace the winter season by pampering yourself with the ESPA Warming Wellness Ritual at the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh. This 50-minute rejuvenating experience combines body brushing, exfoliation, a soothing massage with essential oils and warmed volcanic stones, and a comforting scalp massage. Escape the winter blues and indulge in this luxurious ritual that aims to harmonise your body and mind. The Sheraton Grand, recently awarded Best Spa in Scotland in the Good Spa Guide Awards 2023, provides the perfect setting for this tranquil escape. Available until the end of February, this wellness ritual is a delightful way to nurture yourself during the colder months.
Visit: onespa.com
Also available at Fairmont St Andrews
