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Shetland Christmas traditions

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A much-loved modern festive tradition in most towns, including Lerwick, is the switching on of Christmas lights. ⁠ ⁠ 🎄In our blog, Alastair Hamilton explores Christmas traditions from Shetland's past, highlighting how many continue to resonate and thrive across the isles today.⁠ ⁠ Accounts of earlier Christmases barely refer to "Christmas" at all. The festival was Yule, which had ancient pagan roots and was closely linked to the turning of the year and the lengthening of the days. As Christianity spread, old festivals like Yule were adapted in order to fit a new Christian calendar.⁠ ⁠ Yule didn't last for just a day or two; in fact it was referred to as "the Yules". Yule Day was originally on 23 December and the festivities began a week before that, but went on for a month. Yule was a blend of celebration and tradition with a very large helping of superstition.⁠ ⁠ 🔗 Follow our link in bio for more. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #promoteshetland #shetland #shetlandislands #shetlandisles #everythingshetland #inspiredbyshetland #shetlandtruenorth

As an art student in Shetland, the natural world isn't just a view, it forms part of your studies. Imagine working on your art with a backdrop of vast seas, shifting skies, and wide-open landscapes.⁠ ⁠ Artists often say the light and colours found in Shetland have the power to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.⁠ ⁠ And, of course, you’re not just surrounded by nature, but also a supportive community of creatives. This combination of inspiring scenery and a tight-knit artistic circle is highly valued by art students like Veronica Richards and Tabitha Johnson, who find that studying in Shetland boosts their creativity and helps them grow as artists.⁠ ⁠ 🔗 Learn more at our link in bio.

On Saturday, Lerwick town centre came to life with the annual Christmas Parade through Da Street. We saw Santa coming off the Lerwick Lifeboat and the Christmas tree lights turning on! ⁠ ⁠ The festivities continue with the Naughty Elf Hunt, Christmas Window Competition, and a Winter Wonderland Grotto at the old RSM offices beside Harry’s.

Lights, camera, Shetland! 🌊 This self-guided tour is your ticket to uncover iconic North Mainland filming spots that brought Shetland's stunning landscapes to life on screen. Perfect for explorers and TV detective buffs alike! 📺✨⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #scottishdrama #crimedrama #bbcdrama #anncleeves #60north #shetlandphotography #promoteshetland #shetland #visitshetland #shetlandislands #inspiredbyshetland #shetlandtruenorth

There’s nothing like a wintry walk in Shetland to help you step away from the hectic rhythms of life. And you don’t have to get up super-early to see fantastic sunrises – you may well be rewarded with vast skies that glow with orange, pink and gold as you head to work. ⁠ ⁠ Here are just seven suggestions that should get you excited about a winter trip to Shetland.⁠ ⁠ 🔗: Link in bio!⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #ShetlandTrueNorth #InspiredbyShetland #visitshetland #shetlandislands #winterbreak #promoteshetland #shetland #instashetland #shetlandisles #everythingshetland #scottishislands #unlimitedscotland #scottishwinter

@livinglerwick has put together their Christmas Gift Guide 2024, with Christmas presents you can find on Da Street! We found a few you can buy online if you’re looking for a little piece of Shetland, wherever you are. Discover all from Living Lerwick via the link in our bio!⁠