It is now 2 weeks until I am back in Scotland for Christmas and I am so, so excited to do all the festive activities back home! I’ve been trying to plan out some day-trips and such like with my boyfriend right now (I need to have some content for Vlogmas over on my YouTube channel, right?) and so I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve been planning. All of these activities would be great to do with friends or family too – don’t worry single gals, I haven’t left you out.
Watch a christmas movie at a drive-in cinema
This is something I have always wanted to do! I think it’s such a cosy winter activity. I recently got some tickets for the Itison Drive In at Loch Lomond Shores. They have a variety of films suitable for people of all ages and it is just £26 per car (with 5 of you in the 1 car that’s just around £5 per person!). There’s going to be festive street food and a lot of fairy lights apparently so I am so so excited! Bring some cosy blankets and a few flasks of hot chocolate and it’s the perfect festive night out.
Rent out a log cabin
There’s just something so romantic about spending a night in a log cabin. It’s a great idea to get away from the city, technology and just get a bit of fresh air. The Great North Lodges website has some awesome places to rent – although some of them are already booked up for December so I think next year I’ll be a bit more prepared and plan ahead of time! Airbnb also has some great places available too. You could go skiing, explore the nearby villages or just have some proper relaxation time.
Go to the ballet
I have always wanted to go see the ballet at Christmas time – I think it’s such a lovely tradition. This year, the Scottish Ballet are doing Cinderella which is a nice alternative to festive favourite The Nutcracker. If you are under 26 or a student you can also grab tickets for just £10 (only on the day of the performance)! Cinderella is on from the 5th of December until Christmas eve (there are dates after christmas too if you can’t go before) at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre and you can find tickets here.
Visit the Edinburgh Christmas Market
Ok this may be an obvious one, but the Edinburgh christmas market has really upped it’s game this year. There is of course the beautiful German market where you can find handmade gifts, crepes and waffles galore. This year there is also a Scottish market at St Andrews’s square where you can find amazing locally sourced food, drink and craft. The outdoor ice rink and Santa Land are also a must-see – there is a Christmas Tree maze this year! I’m planning on paying a visit to the impeccably decorated The Dome as well – they sure know how to get into the Christmas spirit.
Go on a café crawl
I don’t know about you, but I love a festive hot drink. I make it my mission every year to try every possible Christmas drink that is available in every café. A bit of festive-themed cake is always a good idea too. However I thought it might be quite a nice thing to do with your significant other – possibly combined with a bit of Christmas shopping too. On my list to visit (in Glasgow) would be: Kember and Jones, Riverhill coffee bar, the Hyndland Café, Delizique and Artisan Roast.
So there you have it! If you have any other festive suggestions please tell me in the comments – I would love to hear them! Now it’s just time to get super excited and listen to Michael Bublé’s Christmas album non-stop.