What is Christmas like in Scotland?

- Christmas Markets: Like Germany, Scotland hosts beautiful and enchanting Christmas markets starting from late November or early December. Popular cities like Edinburgh, Inverness, and Dundee hold notable Christmas markets with vibrant decorations, live entertainment, unique art, and tasty food.

- Hogmanay: The Scottish have Hogmanay, one of the most celebrated New Year's celebrations in the world. Hogmanay is actually the Scots word for "last day of the year." Traditions include the "first-foot," where someone crosses your threshold bearing gifts (like shortbread, coal, and whiskey), and fireworks light up the sky throughout the country. Edinburgh especially hosts a renowned street party with live entertainment to ring in the New Year.

- Traditional Scottish Food: For Christmas dinner, Scotland leans more toward seafood than the typical turkey or beef roast often seen in England. Look out for dishes like smoked salmon with whiskey and honey-glazed ham. There are also uniquely Scots traditions, such as clootie dumpling (similar to a fruit cake) and singin' hinkie (a dish of oats, dried fruits, and spices mixed with cream).

- Shortbread: Shortbread, a famous Scottish cookie, is a staple of Christmas celebrations. Shortbread is made with just butter, sugar, and flour and is often cut into shapes and designs to create edible ornaments or decorative displays.

- Ceilidh: Scottish Christmas is often lively with ceilidhs (pronounced "kay-lee"), traditional Scottish dances and gatherings. With energetic reels, jigs, and strathspeys, as well as heartfelt ballads and folk songs, ceilidhs bring people together in community spirit during the festive period.

- Christmas Eve Candle: On Christmas Eve, it is customary in many Scottish households to light a candle before going to bed as a welcome gesture for Mary and baby Jesus.

- Pantomimes: Christmas pantomimes are hugely popular in Scotland. These theatrical performances are traditionally based on fairy tales or children's stories, featuring elaborate costumes, comedy sketches, music, and plenty of audience participation with cheers, boos, and "he's behind you" calls.

- Boxing Day Hunt: Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, often includes going on a hunt in Scotland. While this primarily refers to fox hunting on horseback, many regions also hold friendly treasure hunts or scavenger hunts for families and communities to enjoy.

Christmas in Scotland is a joyous celebration that blends ancient customs, local traditions, and vibrant festivities, creating an enchanting and memorable holiday season in this beautiful country.