Experience a Scottish Christmas on Islay

22nd October 2024

A traditional Scottish Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching, a time for families and friends to unite, celebrate and reflect. We don’t think there’s anywhere better to experience a traditional Scottish Christmas than right here on our beautiful island. There’s a great sense of community and togetherness here as we enter the festive period. And although the weather is getting chilly now, when we all get together to celebrate, Christmastime is truly warm and cosy.

Believe it or not, Christmas is a relatively new celebration for the Scots. It was banned for many years, and it only became an official public holiday in 1958. Before then, Hogmanay (New Year) was our main winter festival, and it’s still hugely popular today. However, we do now welcome Christmas with open arms. And in true Scots style, a good drink is a must to celebrate Christmas with friends and family!

Things to do on Islay this Christmas

There’s always plenty happening on Islay over the festive period. If you’re staying with us this December, look out for local carol services, live music and festive fairs. Not forgetting some fabulous Hogmanay celebrations on New Year’s Eve.

A bottle of whisky in front of a fireplace at Dundonald cottage, Islay Cottages

Festive events on the Isle of Islay 2024

Take a look at these fabulous festive events to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Islay distilleries festive shopping

Many of the local distilleries on Islay open for shopping events in the run-up to Christmas, with festive treats and special offers. Check with your favourite distillery to see if they are holding any special events or markets. Please also check directly with the distilleries for their winter opening times over the festive season. The Christmas break can be a busy time for distilleries, so if you are keen to go on a tour of your favourite, it’s best to book in advance. Find out more here.

Other Christmas fairs and events

In addition to the whisky distilleries, Smaller stores and community groups hold Christmas events. These can help promote local businesses or raise money for charity. For example, the Islay High School Christmas fayre is on the 14th December, 10 am – 2 pm. Keep an eye on local listings during your stay to find out more.

Join us at Christmas

On Christmas Day itself, our holiday cottages are the perfect place to get together and enjoy a traditional Scottish Christmas. And why not walk off your Christmas meal with a crisp refreshing stroll on the sandy beaches? Followed swiftly, of course, by a warm dram beside the roaring log fire back at your cottage.

Islay Winter Breaks

To find out more about spending a Scottish Christmas on Islay, take a look at our great Winter Breaks offer or call .

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Testimonials

I contacted Gillian almost two years before I planned to visit as I was booking for a large group and the island has limited space for groups of around 20. Gillian couldn’t have been more helpful, establishing the tariffs far enough in advance that I was very satisfied.

A group of us had the big house and then two families also took two of the cottages in the grounds. I have been to Islay many times before but never stayed with such a large group so was anxious that everything would be great for everyone, and it was.

Gillian very kindly answered all my questions up front, and made sure that the accommodation was spotless on arrival. The grounds are huge and the children in the group happily played football, rugby and cricket for hours. We spent many happy hours in the dining room and the living room, both large enough for us.

The location could not be better. Remote, beautiful and peaceful.

I’d recommend staying here to anyone.

If you plan a large group please book restaurants and activities ahead to make sure you aren’t disappointed. We went on whisky and gin tours, boat trips, visited beautiful beaches, went clay pigeon shooting and painted pottery. Definitely a highlight of my 50th year