Experience a Scottish Christmas on Islay

7th November 2023

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 2023

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. Here are some of the confirmed dates, but 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.

Ardnahoe Christmas shopping event, 11th November, 2 pm – 6 pm
Laphroaig Christmas shopping event, 23rd November, 10.30 am – 3.30 pm
Lagavulin festive shopping weekend, 24th to 25th November
Caol Ila festive shopping weekend, 1st to 2nd December

Other Christmas fairs and events

In addition to the whisky distilleries, the following Christmas events are also planned within the community.

Islay Quilters Christmas fair, 18th November, 11 am – 3 pm
Ramsay Hall Christmas shopping, 26th November, 12 pm – 3 pm
Islay High School Christmas fayre, 2nd December, 10 am – 2 pm
Ballygrant Hall Christmas shopping, 9th to 10th December, 11 am – 3 pm

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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