Scotland In Winter: Ultimate Guide On Best Things To Do

Scotland in winter is a truly unique and magical experience, where snow-dusted landscapes meet festive celebrations, and cosy moments by the fire await you after days spent exploring breathtaking scenery. 2 weeks in Scotland allows you to take it slow and soak it all in, to venture out to the winter wonderland of the Highlands and to join in the local winter festivities, and here’s our insiders’ guide to help inspire you.

Why Visit Scotland In Winter?

The winter months are the quietest, and you’ll enjoy a more peaceful and intimate experience of Scotland’s iconic attractions. Travelling in the quieter months of January and February often means cheaper flights and accommodation, which is a bonus. Though quiet in winter, Scotland is no less beautiful: winter’s crisp air, dramatic light, and clear views make it stunning for photos.

What To Do In Scotland In Winter

Snow, centuries-old traditions, and whisky by the fireside, here’s what makes Scotland an unforgettable winter escape!

Edinburgh In Winter

Indulge in festive cheer in Edinburgh in December, from twinkling Christmas markets to the stunning light show at the Royal Botanic Garden. Stay in a luxurious hotel and dine in Scotland’s finest restaurants – Scottish mussels, farmed off the coast of the Shetland Islands, are the culinary highlight of the season and, some say, the best in the world. If you’re visiting over New Year’s, experience the city’s Hogmanay street party, a New Year’s Eve celebration like no other, which culminates in a fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle and the singing of that other famous Scottish export, “Auld Lang Syne”. For the most part, winter brings clear skies and quiet corners, and the city’s serene beauty is revealed.

The Highlands In Winter

Travel through the snow-dusted landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Cross the water to the Isle of Skye, where misty hills and rugged shores showcase the island’s wild winter beauty. Stay in a Highland lodge and sip a warming whisky by the fire. With some of Europe’s largest dark-sky areas, the Scottish Highland’s long winter nights also offer breathtaking views of star-filled skies.

Winter Wildlife Watching

Scotland’s relatively mild winter climate makes it a great time for wildlife spotting, and the Cairngorms National Park – the UK’s largest national park – is home to free-roaming reindeer, perfect for families on the hunt for Santa. With less foliage, larger animals are easier to see — red deer move down from the hills in winter, in the mountains watch for golden eagles hunting, and along the coast you might spot white-tailed sea eagles.

Northern Lights

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in all their glory. Winter is the best time to see them, and they’re most often seen in northern Scotland, but can appear further south too.

Wintersports In Scotland

Out of Scotland’s five ski resorts, the one in the Cairngorms experiences the most snow, and come winter is the best place for outdoor snow-sports, from skiing to snowboarding. Scotland is also where the sport of curling was born in the Medieval Age – see the world’s oldest curling stone in Stirling – and the Scottish Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships are held annually in winter, with different cities taking turns to host.

Glasgow In Winter

Glasgow boasts Scotland’s most extensive range of brands, from high-street to high-end. Here you’ll tick off your Christmas gifting checklist in no time, you’ll be sure to bag a bargain at the January sales, and you can find your beloved’s heart’s desire for Valentine’s.

Winter Events In Scotland

December in Scotland

Hogmanay – dating back to the time of the Vikings, it’s Scotland’s traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations, which, big or small and wherever they may be, all culminate in the ringing in of the new year with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” in the land where it was penned.

January in Scotland

Burns Night – in 1801, five years after the poet Robert Burns, who wrote “Auld Lang Syne”, died, his friends held a supper in his memory, and ever since, on the poet’s birthday the 25th of January, Scots all over the world have revelled in an evening of haggis and poetry.

Whether you wish to explore Scotland’s majestic winter landscapes, chase the Northern Lights, or simply make the most of a quieter time of year, we can craft a private, bespoke experience tailored just for you.

Ready to explore the magic of Scotland this winter?

Get in touch and begin your journey into Scotland’s wintery embrace.