Places to See in Scotland in December

Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, Fort William, Ben Nevis, Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Leven, Urquhart Castle, Glencoe Mountain Resort, Perthshire, John Muir Way, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Mains of Taymouth and many more places to visit in Scotland in December.

With the places teeming with natural scenery and adventurous activities, one can never run out of places to see in Scotland in December. Embellished with rolling countryside and lovely villages, all the attractions in Scotland offer the opportunity to experience the culture, enjoy adventure, and soak in the atmosphere at the same time. People start to snap pictures of the majestic mountains, ruined castles, verdant valleys, lavish lochs covering the isle, and craggy cliffs surrounding the remarkable country of Scotland.

Whether you are looking forward to going on a historical exploration or starting the journey of your new love life, there are a lot of fun
places to visit in Scotland in December. You can admire the beauty of the hills in Edinburgh, soak in the rugged landscapes of Inverness, or catch a glimpse of the white-tailed sea eagle in Loch Laven. Don’t forget to explore the historical monuments and nightclubs of Scotland in the winters as the place offers some interesting events to enjoy during Christmas time.

Here are some of the best places to see in Scotland in December:

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Scotland Tour Packages Explore All (18)
Explore All (18)
01

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the best places to see in Scotland in December due to its beautiful skyline, vibrant characters, and cobbled streets. The capital city is enveloped with parks, streets, water streams, squares, closes, and fireworks.

The pubs in Edinburgh serve some of the delicious hamburgers, fries, chips, and fish. The beauty of the hills in this small town of Edinburgh is unimaginable. People from all over the world visit this place to witness the landscapes, the neoclassical castles, and the monumental buildings.

Location:
Scotland, United Kingdom

Activities:
Shopping, Sightseeing, Night-outs, Markets, Museums, Castles and Monuments, Walking, Galleries, Sports.

02

Inverness

Located at the mouth of the Ness River, Inverness is a spectacular city in the Scottish Highlands. The place is well-known for its natural beauty and the beautiful combination of ancient charm and contemporary glamour.

If you are making a list of the best places to visit in Scotland at Christmas, Inverness should be on the top. Tourists from around the world gather around this place to admire the picturesque scenery and rugged landscapes.

Location:
Near River Ness, Scotland, United Kingdom

Activities:
City center exploration, Show at Eden Court Theater, Loch Ness Discovery, Inverness Castle, Shopping at Victorian Market, and much more.

03

Glasgow

One of the other beautiful places to visit in Scotland in December is Glasgow, set up on the banks of the River Clyde. This port city is prominent for its ancient architecture. People who are fond of Victorian art and music must visit this place.

The city organizes ballet dances, musical concerts, and operas. If you are a shopping freak, then you have come to the right place as you will find some of the best stock of Italian denim in Glasgow.

Location:
Glasgow City Council Area, Scotland, United Kingdom

Activities:
Escape Reality, Hollywood Bowl Glasgow Springfield Quay, Glasgow Spy Mission Treasure Trail, Glasgow Riverside Museum, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Huntfun Glasgow, Cineworld Glasgow - Renfrew Street, and much more.

04

Fort William

Fort William is a hustling and bustling town located in the West Highlands in Lochaber. Tourists visit this place to see the fascinating historical attractions and cultural heritage sites. It features the best cycling routes, the oldest licensed distilleries, and extraordinary geological heritage. The High Street is the center of attraction of this town, and you should not forget to explore different shops, pubs, and restaurants in Fort William.

Location: Lochaber, Inverness-shire, Scotland, United Kingdom

Activities:
Ben Nevis, Ben Nevis Distillery, Lochaber Geopark, Jacobites Steam Train, West Highlands Museum, Great Glen Cycle Route, Nevis Range Snowsports, Mountain Biking, Golfing, Boat Trips.

05

Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles of Scotland that attracts a myriad of travelers throughout the year. This place should be on the top of your list of places to see in Scotland in December. Ben Nevis was once an active volcano that exploded inwards several years ago.

You can find the remains of the explosion still present at the mountain’s summit. You can also have a glance at the other peaks near this tallest mountain like Morven at Caithness, Torridon hills, and Ben Lomond.  

Location:
Lochaber, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom

Activities:
Walking & Hiking, Cycling, Skiing & Snowboarding, Sightseeing.

06

Isle of Skye

Resting place of some of the iconic landscapes, the Isle of Skye is considered to be among the best places to visit in Scotland at Christmas. The off-the-beaten hiking trails at the Isle of Skye make you believe that you are on top of the world. Several real-life movies have also been shot at this place, including the Star Wars movie.

The place also presents The Fairy Pools, where you can swim and relax with your fellow travelers. If you want to witness what a film set looks like in real, you should head to Portree, home to the spectacular and beautiful Portree Harbour.

Location:
Scotland, United Kingdom

Activities:
Boat Trips, Bus Tours, Outdoor Activities, Sports & Leisure.

07

Cairngorms National Park

The nature lovers hunting for beautiful places to see in Scotland in December should find solace in Cairngorms National Park. It is a massive national park in the United Kingdom. You will discover some of the rarest and threatened species of the world in this park, like arctic reindeers and forest-dwelling wildcats.

The park has friendly villages, lochs, beautiful rivers, humongous mountains, forest paths, wildlife hotspots, and distilleries. You can opt to stay in the national park in the gorgeous self-catering cottages, BNBs, hotels, and log cabins.

Location:
Grantown on Spey PH26 3HG, United Kingdom

Activities:
Snowsports, Dark Skies Park, Water Activities, Wildlife Sighting, Sightseeing.

08

Loch Leven

Overflowing with history and wildlife, Loch Leven is the largest natural shallow water body in the United Kingdom. The place is one of the fascinating places to visit in Scotland in December as an infinite number of wildfowl from distinct countries use it for stopovers.

Not only do the birds make this a magnificent place but also the luxurious blend of willow, wet grasslands, reed beds, and raised bog. The most commonly seen animals around the reserve are kingfishers and otters. If you are lucky, you can also catch a glimpse of the elusive white-tailed sea eagle.

Location:
Scotland, United Kingdom

Activities:
Cycling, The Scottish Gliding Center, Over Dalkeith Stables, The Green Hotel Curling Rink, Loch Leven Fisheries, Mordor Hunting Limited, Kinross-shire Cricket Club, Pegasus Microlights, Loch Leven Heritage Trail.

09

Urquhart Castle

Settled on the rocky promontory on the north shore of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle furnishes a taste of wild natural beauty, including 1000 years of history. Here, you will experience a peek into medieval life and get a chance to enjoy gorgeous views over Loch Ness from the ruins of the castle in Inverness. The residents and historic replicas showcase a remarkable collection of artifacts that narrates the true story of the Urquhart Castle.

Location:
Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6XJ, United Kingdom 

Activities:
Village Green, Loch Ness Center & Exhibition, Highland Taste, Loch Ness Gallery, Nesseiland, St Ninians Church.

10

Glencoe Mountain Resort

If you are tired of strolling to distinct places in Scotland, you can head to the Glencoe Mountain Resort. It is one of the best places to see in Scotland in December as it was the first commercial Scottish Ski Area with the construction of the first overhead ski lift.

The resort offers the visitors to enjoy several outdoor activities like a treasure hunt, tubing, chairlift rides, and much more during the winters. You will wake up to the spectacular views of the Buachaille Etive Mor and Rannoch Moor. 

Location: Glencoe PH49 4HZ, United Kingdom

Activities:
Mountain Biking, Tubing, Hill Walking, Treasure Hunt, Snowboarding, Skiing, Sledging, Chairlift Rides. 

11

Perthshire

Another one of the best places to visit in Scotland in December is the administrative center of the Kinross council area and the oldest city in North UK, Perthshire. People from around the corners of the world travel to this place because of its breathtaking landscapes and magnificent scenic vistas.

The city is interwoven with gorgeous architecture that portrays an intriguing royal history. It is a complete package of fundamental exhibitions, sporting events, foodie festivals, music, and theatre.

Location:
Scotland, United Kingdom

Activities:
Walking, Horse Riding, Archery, Safaris, Fishing, Geocaching, Eye Spy Wildlife Watching, Cycle Hire, Water Sports, Bungee Jumping.

12

John Muir Way

The John Muir Way is the cause of the death of John Muir, one of the most influential figures in the conservation movement. The purpose of its construction is to offer a remarkable coast to coast route across the assorted landscapes of the rich heritage of central Scotland.

If you are looking for places to see in Scotland in December, you should pay a visit to John Muir Way. People from all walks of life are drawn to the deep philosophy and legacy of the leader getting close to nature. Therefore, it is the most easily accessible and attractive place in Scotland.

Location:
Southern Scotland, United Kingdom

Activities:
Hiking, Cycling.

13

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the place for party freaks. It is one of those places to see in Scotland in December where the world joins together to celebrate the Scottish New Year. People enjoy several different customs at this place like First-Footing in which people visit the places of their friends and relatives and exchange gifts of whiskey and lumps of coal.

The festival covers four days of massive concerts, fireworks, and processions. It is one of the most renowned celebrations in the entire world. You can even become a part of this celebration if you are planning to visit Scotland in December.

Location:
Scotland, United Kingdom

14

Mains of Taymouth

Mains of Taymouth is another one of the best places to visit in Scotland in December that aims to offer the rewarding and luxurious experience of Perthshire. The place seeks to blend contemporary standards and modern comforts seamlessly with conventional values.

The Mains of Taymouth provides an outstanding selection of luxurious self-catering cottages, houses, and lodges while soaking in the atmosphere of a country retreat. Thus, it is the best place to stay after a whole day of exploring the beauty of Scotland.

Location:
Kenmore, Aberfeldy PH15 2HN, United Kingdom

Activities:
Loch Tay Boat Centre, Scottish Quads, Highland Safaris, Free Spirits, Loch Tay Safaris, Bespoke Beauty, Karelia House.

15

Calton Hill

Nestled right in the center of the city, Calton Hill is one of the fundamental hills of Edinburgh. The place holds an unfinished Athenian acropolis that pokes above the skyline. People wandering for solace and tranquility should rest at this place as they would find the serenity that they want.

The history of the hill dates back to the time of Napoleon’s defeat in the Battle of Waterloo. Hence, it is one of the best places to see in Scotland in December for historical buffs. You will also find some of the unseen places from the top of the cliff. 

Location:
Scotland, United Kingdom

Activities:
Trekking, Hiking, Walking, Cycling.

People Also Ask About Scotland

  1. Which are the best places to see in Scotland in December for couples?

    1. St Andrews- St Andrews is one of the best places to visit in Scotland in December for couples. It is a fashionable blend of art, culture, and antique Celtic charm. You can step forward to your love life in this beautiful place of Scotland. The prominent medieval streets and captivating traditional buildings add to the romance in the atmosphere.

    2. Aviemore-
      Home to the famous Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is yet another romantic town in the Scottish Highlands. The charm of this place is that it is located in close proximity to the isolated lochs, ancient forests, mountain trails, and ski runs.

    3. Harris-
    Harris is a beautiful beach where you must not forget to visit and admire the scenic and beautiful landscapes on your honeymoon trip to Scotland. Thus, you will find the unmatched serenity and secluded atmosphere close to nature in this admiring coastal beach of Harris.

  2. Which are the best places to visit in Scotland in December at night?

    1. The Garage- If you are looking for places to visit in Scotland in December with your friends, head on to the famous nightclubs of the city. One of the remarkable and energy-packed clubs of the town is The Garage. The place brings all the forms of entertainment under one roof - hip-hop, rock, jazz, pop, and many more.

    2. The Malt Room-
    The Malt Room is yet another place to try some of the unique rums, gins, tequilas, and world spirits. The place has an exotic collection of liquors and handicraft beers. It attracts a lot of crowds due to its centralized location in the city.

    3. The Last Drop-
    Situated in the prominent zone of events ‘Grassmarket,’ The Last Drop is an additional one of the prolific places to see in Scotland in December. It is a conventional and trendy pub that promises to offer excellent ambiance with mouth-watering foods and drinks.

  3. What are the best historical places to see in Scotland in December?

    1. Edinburgh Castle- One of the most famous places to see in Scotland in December is Edinburgh Castle. The castle dates back to the 12th century, which is a fundamental attraction for history buffs. You can take a stroll around the castle or book a guided tour with a castle steward to explore this magnificent place. The Christmas markets will surely fill your hearts with fun and enjoyment.

    2. Gladstone’s Land-
    Have you ever thought about what would have been life in Edinburgh back then? You can easily find out about it at Gladstone’s Land. It is an institution located in the Old Town that displays tiny windows, period decorations, and winding stone staircases. You can even relish the delicious cuisines specially made during the winter time.

    3. Rosslyn Chapel-
    On your list of the beautiful places to see in Scotland in December, you can add the remarkable building of Rosslyn Chapel. This structure is well-known for its mysterious and ornate stonework and its feature in The Da Vinci Code. Tourists are also drawn to this attraction because of its gorgeous setting. If you want some unusual gifts this Christmas, you should definitely visit the place by candlelight.

  4. What is the best time to visit Northern England?

    The best time to visit Northern England is during the summer season, i.e., between June and August. During this time, the locals and the tourists start gathering outside their houses to soak in the warmth of the season and indulge in sightseeing activities at different places. People even love to spend most of their time on beaches during this time in Northern England.

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