What to do in St Andrews at Christmas
It’s official…December is here! Advent calendars have been opened. Christmas lights are up, and party season has begun. Now we may be slightly biased, but St Andrews certainly knows how to switch on that Christmas magic button – here are three things to do in around St Andrews at Christmas, so you can experience that festive cheer.
Get into the Swing of it
What’s a blog on our page without a mention of one of the finest sports on the planet? A visit to St Andrews is not complete without a round of golf. Boasting several beautiful courses, including the iconic Old Course, the firm turf of St Andrews Links makes the courses ideal for a chance to improve your handicap during the winter months. Both those crisp winter mornings and idyllic golfing sessions at dusk make St Andrews the best place for a swing (and a chance to snap that Instagram photo!)

Explore the Coast
St Andrews also boasts a stunning coastline, including Coast Fife, which is Scotland’s longest continuous coastal path. It’s the perfect place to grab a takeaway coffee and take a stroll and brush up on your photography skills. For the daredevils out there, try your hand at pier jumping, or take a frosty dip in the North Sea. Or just a stone’s throw from the beloved Old Course, you can take a visit to award-winning West Sands beach – which is famous for featuring in the opening scenes of the film ‘Chariots of Fire’!
Immerse Yourself in St Andrews’ Culture and History
Along the coast, you can also find St Andrew’s Castle, however if you’re wanting to stay more towards the town centre, the Cathedral, built in the 12th century, is also worth a visit. St Andrew’s is also home to its very own botanic garden, boasting an 18-acre haven for more than 8000 plant species. The town itself is equally stunning, with a local museum and the historical University campus (one for you Kate and William fans!)
Its wide range of gorgeous independent cafes and shops make it the perfect place to grab a spot of lunch and be sure to check out the Christmas markets for handcrafted gifts, local delicacies and festive treats to feast on.
Drink to the Scots
What’s a visit to Scotland without paying your respects to one of their greatest traditions? Toast to the holiday with a trip to one of the nearby whisky distilleries. Find out more about the whisky distilleries to visit near St Andrews in this blog piece.
So, whether you’re a local or wanting to visit St Andrews, there’s plenty to see and do at Christmas. From all of us at TESA, happy holidays!