I've spent every Christmas in Scotland, and our festive markets and holiday traditions make it the perfect place for a winter vacation

Mikhaila FrielDec 21, 2022, 21:53 IST

Mikhaila Friel, left, has spent every Christmas in Glasgow, Scotland.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I was raised in Glasgow, Scotland, and Christmas is my favorite time of year in the city.
Our annual Christmas market, the city's festive lights, and the overall atmosphere are incredible.

I was born and raised in Scotland, and I firmly believe it's the most magical place to spend the holidays.

Mikhaila and her childhood friend, Scott, at Christmas markets in Glasgow, Scotland on December 5, 2022.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Scotland has many Christmas markets, but my favorite one is held on Glasgow's George Square.

The Christmas markets at George Square in Glasgow, Scotland.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

George Square is a beloved city landmark and one of my favorite spots to visit in the winter, due to its festive flair and vibrancy.

The Christmas tree in George Square, Glasgow.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

This year, I visited the market on a Monday evening, but you would have thought it was a weekend thanks to the lively atmosphere.

The Christmas lights in George Square, Glasgow.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

We started by exploring the market stalls and eyed some delicious-looking cheese, chocolate, churros, and candy.

The cheese stall at the Glasgow Christmas markets.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Another stall we passed sold wreaths and decorations.

The wreath stall at the Glasgow Christmas markets.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

There was a swing carousel at the square's edge, but I wasn't brave enough to try it.

A swing carousel at the Christmas markets in GlasgowMikhaila Friel/Insider

After roaming the market for a while, my friend and I snacked on a fresh box of donuts from a vendor, which cost £6, or around $7.35.

Donuts from the Christmas market.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Once we finished checking out the vendor stalls, we found a beer garden within a gazebo where people enjoyed hot and cold beverages, and a musician serenaded people.

Live music at the Christmas markets in Glasgow.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I was particularly excited to see the return of the open-air ice skating rink, as this was the first year it's been on since before the pandemic.

The ice skating rink (closed for cleaning when this photo was taken) on George Square.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

As we departed the market, I realized that you could see festive displays just about everywhere you went in the city.

Christmas lights on a department store on Buchanan Street, Glasgow.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

But Christmas in Scotland is about more than just our festive markets. One of my favorite parts about the holiday season is gathering with loved ones and sharing traditions.

The table is set for Christmas dinner at Mikhaila's apartment.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

But Christmas in Scotland is about more than just our festive markets. One of my favorite parts about the holiday season is gathering with loved ones and sharing traditions.

My partner made Christmas lunch for around 15 guests in our one-bedroom apartment.

Christmas dinner.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Before our guests arrived, the first snow of the year began to fall.

Snow outside Mikhaila's apartment.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

If you are looking to celebrate the holidays somewhere with a lively atmosphere and immersed in tradition, I'd undoubtedly recommend my hometown.

Mikhaila and her partner, Scott, celebrating Christmas at their apartment in Glasgow, Scotland.Mikhaila Friel/Insider

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I've spent every Christmas in Scotland, and our festive markets and holiday traditions make it the perfect place for a winter vacation

I was born and raised in Scotland, and I firmly believe it's the most magical place to spend the holidays.

Scotland has many Christmas markets, but my favorite one is held on Glasgow's George Square.

George Square is a beloved city landmark and one of my favorite spots to visit in the winter, due to its festive flair and vibrancy.

This year, I visited the market on a Monday evening, but you would have thought it was a weekend thanks to the lively atmosphere.

We started by exploring the market stalls and eyed some delicious-looking cheese, chocolate, churros, and candy.

Another stall we passed sold wreaths and decorations.

There was a swing carousel at the square's edge, but I wasn't brave enough to try it.

After roaming the market for a while, my friend and I snacked on a fresh box of donuts from a vendor, which cost £6, or around $7.35.

Once we finished checking out the vendor stalls, we found a beer garden within a gazebo where people enjoyed hot and cold beverages, and a musician serenaded people.

I was particularly excited to see the return of the open-air ice skating rink, as this was the first year it's been on since before the pandemic.

As we departed the market, I realized that you could see festive displays just about everywhere you went in the city.

But Christmas in Scotland is about more than just our festive markets. One of my favorite parts about the holiday season is gathering with loved ones and sharing traditions.

My partner made Christmas lunch for around 15 guests in our one-bedroom apartment.

Before our guests arrived, the first snow of the year began to fall.

If you are looking to celebrate the holidays somewhere with a lively atmosphere and immersed in tradition, I'd undoubtedly recommend my hometown.