Christmas and New Year are when Kinross is at its quietest and, to our minds, its best. The loch is still, the Lomonds often have snow on top, and Edinburgh and Perth are close enough for a day of markets or a night of Hogmanay without having to stay in the middle of the crowds. Here is how we’d spend the festive weeks from The Old Schoolhouse.
Christmas markets within an easy drive
Edinburgh is 40 minutes down the M90, which makes its Christmas market an easy day out. Go early in the day if you can, when it is calmer, and combine it with a walk up to Edinburgh Castle for the views over the city. Perth is only 20 minutes north and has its own festive events in the city centre, which tend to feel more relaxed than the capital.
Dates and opening times change from year to year, so check the organisers’ sites before you set off. A few things we’ve learned:
- Go on a weekday if your dates allow. The markets are far quieter than at weekends.
- Leave the car outside the centre in Edinburgh and use public transport for the last stretch, as parking in December is hard work.
- Plan an early finish. It is dark by mid-afternoon in December, and the drive back to a warm house is part of the pleasure.
Hogmanay in Edinburgh, without staying in the city
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the best known New Year celebrations anywhere, traditionally with a street party, concerts and fireworks over the castle. Tickets and events are announced each autumn, so check the official programme for this year’s line-up before booking anything.
Staying in Kinross and going in for the night is a sensible way to do it. City accommodation is at its most expensive over New Year, while here you have a whole house, a kitchen for a proper New Year’s Day breakfast, and two private parking spaces at the rear. Just plan your travel home in advance, whether that is a designated driver or a pre-booked taxi, as transport on the night gets very busy.
If a huge crowd isn’t your thing, a quieter Hogmanay in Kinross is lovely too. Cook a big dinner, light the candles, and walk down to the loch shore before midnight to see in the year by the water.
Frosty mornings on Loch Leven
The days between Christmas and New Year are made for long walks. The Loch Leven Heritage Trail starts at Kirkgate Park, five minutes on foot from the house, and runs flat for 21 km around the loch, so you can walk as far as you like and turn back when lunch calls. On a cold, clear morning the light over the water is hard to beat.
Winter is also good for birds. Geese, swans and ducks spend the season on the loch, and our guide to the pink-footed geese explains when and where to watch them. Dogs are welcome on the trail and at the house at no charge, and our dog-friendly page has more walks for four-legged guests.
A warm house for the festive break
The Old Schoolhouse sleeps four in two bedrooms, one king and one double, and is all on one level with step-free access from the parking. The fully fitted kitchen has everything you need for Christmas dinner, including a dishwasher for the aftermath, and there is a smart TV and fast WiFi for the films and the family video calls.
A few practical notes for festive stays:
- Arrive from 3pm, with self check-in by key safe, so there is no rush on the roads.
- Check-out is 11am, which leaves time for one last walk along the loch.
- Winter stays start at two nights, so a short break either side of Christmas or New Year works well.
- A travel cot and high chair are available on request if you are bringing a little one.
For more ideas on filling the days, our 48 hours in Kinross in winter guide covers the loch, the brewery, the castle and the hills.
Booking Christmas or New Year
The festive weeks are popular, so it is worth looking early. You can see dates and details on our winter breaks page, and when you are ready, book direct for the best price. We’d love to welcome you to Kinross for the end of the year.