Knockinaam

10 hotels for Christmas in Scotland

Between the history, the beautiful surroundings and the superb hospitality, nowhere feels as festive as Scotland at Christmas time.

Providing all the style and traditions without any of the washing up, here, the Good Hotel Guide shares some of the best hotels for Christmas in Scotland.

Keep your fingers crossed for a dusting of snow and it will be picture perfect!

Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick 


Overlooking a private beach from its clifftop position on the Galloway coast, Knockinaam Lodge is a former hunting lodge and a cosy Christmas hideaway. This year they are offering a festive break complete with cake and Champagne that will rival all traditional Christmases. Join them for three nights of afternoon tea, dinner, Christmas lunch and Scottish breakfasts.

The Dunstane Houses, Edinburgh

Perfectly positioned for you to visit Edinburgh’s Christmas markets, and with a plentiful supply of mulled wine in stock, The Dunstane Houses are doing Christmas in style. The beautifully designed hotel provides the best of modern hospitality, but when it comes to the festive season it’s traditional all the way. Join them for a family Christmas complete with two nights’ bed and breakfast, a welcome gift, a festive afternoon tea and welcome supper on Christmas Eve, a champagne breakfast on Christmas Day, followed by a five-course Christmas Day Lunch and a special Boxing Day breakfast.

Prestonfield, Edinburgh

This 17th century mansion next to Royal Holyrood Park, Prestonfield was originally built for Lord Provost, so it makes for a truly decadent setting to celebrate Christmas. This year they’re inviting you to spend Christmas Day with them complete with a three-course lunch or dinner prepared by their award-winning chefs, after a tipple by the fireside in the whisky room.

Rufflets, St Andrews 


This turreted 1920s mansion does Christmas with particularly elegant flair. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and with plenty of space to relax, they invite you to take some time out in the lead up to Christmas with a minimum of a two-night stay. They are closed on Christmas night, but they also offer a superb Christmas lunch from 12 midday until 3pm.

The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh 

This extraordinary hotel has a real air of magic to it. It is a collection of historic buildings by the gates to Edinburgh Castle. Serving a three-course Christmas lunch in the candle-lit dining rooms or stay in one of the sumptuous rooms and add afternoon tea to the experience as well.

Cringletie House, Peebles 


A small baronial castle surrounded by woodland and gardens that will look truly magical, particularly with a dusting of snow, Cringletie House is open for Christmas lunch and Christmas mini breaks. Stay for three nights over Christmas and enjoy drinks and canapés on Christmas Eve as well as a tasting menu before you are transported to Midnight Mass. A full Scottish breakfast precedes a Cringletie Christmas Day lunch. Then there’s a Boxing Day treasure hunt, a country walk with an Alpaca, a traditional Scottish Burns supper and fun and games at Cringletie’s casino.

The Raeburn, Edinburgh 


Georgian elegance meets boutique chic at The Raeburn, where they’re celebrating Christmas Day with a superb Christmas lunch. Join them for a three course festive lunch or dinner in the heart of the city, including choices such as roast pumpkin soup, traditional roast turkey and an intense chocolate and winter fruit pudding with brandy custard.

Tigerlily, Edinburgh 

This quirky, stylish and ultra modern hotel in Edinburgh is a real feast for the senses, so Christmas here is guaranteed to have a contemporary twist. Join them on Christmas Day for a Get Merry menu including two courses, a bottle of beer or glass of Chandon sparkling wine on arrival and entry into Lulu on George Street, afterwards.

Shieldaig Lodge, Gairloch 


A Victorian hunting lodge on the edge of Loch Gairloch, Shieldaig Lodge is enchanting and Christmas here is all about peace, tranquility, log fires and snow covered woods. Join them for a break that include afternoon tea on Christmas Eve as well as a three-course dinner. A sumptuous breakfast, lunch, canapés and supper as well as plenty of games on Christmas Day. Then there’s of the best Scottish breakfasts to be had on Boxing Day as well as more afternoon tea and a sumptuous dinner.

The Dower House Hotel, Muir of Ord 


This award-winning hotel might be fully booked for Christmas Day Lunch but there’s still the chance to visit for afternoon tea to enjoy fine wines, open fires and festive cheer. Truffles, stollen, carrot cake, mince pies, shortbread – all treats to be served up by owners Robyn and Mena Aitchison.

Ballathie House, Kinclaven 

The one time party location of Elizabeth Bowes Lyons, later the Queen Mother, Ballathie House is an exceptional country house hotel and an idyllic location for Christmas. This year they offer two and three night breaks with fine wines and relaxing surroundings. It is complete with afternoon tea and dinner on Christmas Eve, followed by a watch-night service at nearby Kinclaven Church (transport provided) and mince pies upon your return. Christmas Day starts with a hearty breakfast and lots of time to explore the gardens and play board games before afternoon tea, which is followed by Christmas dinner. Champagne and canapés complete the evening all topped off with hats and crackers.

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