Why St Andrews should be at the top of your Christmas List

St Andrews is fast becoming the winter destination of choice in Scotland for those in the know. It may be cold, but with its small town charm, cute boutiques and loads of local hidden gems, it’ll warm up a magical winter experience in one of Scotland’s oldest towns. So, why not spend Christmas in St Andrews this year?

Get into the Swing of Christmas in St Andrews

A Scottish golf course in winter

Teeing off in the middle of winter may not be at the top of everybody’s Christmas in Scotland wish list, but a winter golf break should be on yours. As the rest of the UK flock to warmer climates, you can play to your advantage with quieter greens and better rates at some of Scotland’s best golf courses. Whether you tee off at the legendary Old Course, or put your skills to the test on one of the other 11 spectacular golf courses in St Andrews, play and save this winter.

Drink To Another Scottish Tradition

Glass of whisky

While St Andrews is undoubtedly the undisputed home of golf, it is also home to a number of great whisky distilleries. After a chilly day out on the green, toast a traditional Christmas with a trip to one of the many local distilleries near St Andrews and drink in the glory of one of Scotland’s grandest traditions – whisky.

Beating The Retreat

Colourful fireworks fill the sky

If you’re looking forward to exploring the fascinating history of this ancient city, you won’t want to miss the pre-Christmas St Andrews Day festivities, on or around 30th November each year. A celebration for Scotland’s patron saint, St Andrew, where you can enjoy traditional Scottish food, music and dancing, as well as the festive lights switch-on for a truly magical festive experience.

Loving Local

Christmas gifts on display in a shop

Just walking along the beautifully decorated streets and past the many cosy shops with a steaming cup of hot chocolate is festive treat. It’s also a great opportunity to get a jump-start on all your Christmas shopping. Free from the run-of-the-mill retail chains, St Andrews is home to a number of independent, family-run shops guaranteed to sell a unique range of gifts and gadgets.