The Perfect Family Christmas And New Year In Our Luxury Lodges
Want to book with us over the festive period? Check out our offers
Indulge in your most magical family Christmas yet: you deserve it. Choose to spend your Christmas or New Year – or why not both? – in one of our five luxury lodges in the Cairngorms National Park, and wake up each day to the smell of fresh pine, a hearty fire and awe-inspiring mountain views. With lots of local festive fun on your doorstep, this Christmas could be the most memorable yet.
Unbeatable luxury in the heart of Scotland
Whether you’re looking to cosy up with the family this Christmas or host a Hogmanay to remember, do it in style. Each one of our carefully designed lodges boasts bags of personality – from baronial flair to North American charm. Depending on your selected hideout, we can accommodate up to 23 guests (in eight rooms), enabling you to bring all of your loved ones together this Christmas – four-legged friends and all.
Perched on the banks of the River Dulnain is our largest property, the Highland Lodge Estate. This lodge is set on private 26-acre grounds and even features its own wellness suite. But you’ll find luxury in our more intimate properties, too. Pamper yourself in one of our Finnish-style outdoor barrel saunas when you stay at Snowy River Lodge and Old Mill on the Spey, or sip your morning coffee before snow-capped peaks at Whisky Trail Lodge and Crofts of Cairngorm. Each lodge has a hot tub, too.
And the best part? Christmas comes already wrapped up when you stay with us. Over the holiday period we dress up our lodges with elegant seasonal decor, framing the picture-perfect scenery with additional indoor and outdoor lights. Santa even comes early, with a festive hamper awaiting you on your arrival.
No matter which Scottish Highlands retreat you select this Christmas, you’ll start unwinding the moment you walk through the door.
Sprinkle in some local festivities
If you can bear to part with your hot tub, consider participating in some local merrymaking while you’re here. From local walks to snowsports, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a wee taster of what to expect…
Visit the Cairngorm reindeer herd
It’s tough work being Santa’s reindeer. But when not assisting Santa Claus on his round-the-world mission, you’ll find the UK’s only free-ranging reindeer herd right here in the Cairngorms National Park.
Santa’s Express with Strathspey Steam Railway
Join Santa as you discover the Cairngorms’s spectacular scenery by steam. Look out for their limited Mince Pie Special tickets, which entitle you to a Christmas treat and drink on your railway adventure.
Aviemore Christmas Eve parade with reindeer, Christmas Eve
Fun for all the family: delight in carol singing, a fireworks display, and a cheery parade with Santa and his reindeer.
Grantown-on-Spey Torchlit Procession, Christmas Eve
Led by a local pipe band, join Grantown’s torchlit procession about town. Once you reach the Christmas tree on The Square, sink into the Christmas spirit with carol singing, mince pies and mulled wine.
Christmas at Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge
At one of the UK’s best adventure parks, a range of thrilling indoor and outdoor activities await you and your family. Over the festive season, visit the Ancient Forest Twi-lights, see the spectacle of singing deer, pen a letter to the North Pole – and more.
Night Zip Adventure with G2 Outdoors, Aviemore
An experience like no other: take a magical night-time flight through a flood-lit forest and marvel at the impressive Alvie Gorge below.
Fireworks at the Bells, Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore, New Year’s Eve
With a snap, crackle and pop, bring in 2024 with a fireworks display at this traditional Scottish hotel, located in the heart of Aviemore.
Hogmanay Black Tie Ball, Macdonald Aviemore Resort, New Year’s Eve
Featuring live music from the infamous Badenoch & Strathspey Pipe Band, celebrate the arrival of 2024 with a three-course dinner, fireworks display and a cracking ceilidh.
Grantown Hogmanay Street Party, New Year’s Eve
Eat, drink and be merry. Serving up hot food and drinks from 10pm, live music from 11pm, and fireworks at midnight is Grantown’s iconic Hogmanay celebration.
Snowsports in the Cairngorms
Dreaming of a white Christmas? You don’t have to in the Cairngorms, one of the UK’s most likely spots for snowfall over the holidays. The region has three snowsports facilities: Cairngorm Mountain, Glenshee and The Lecht. Cairngorm Mountain and The Lecht are popular family-friendly resorts, while Glenshee – home to The Tiger, one of the UK’s most challenging black runs – might attract the more adrenaline-seeking among you.
Winter walks
Wrap up warm for the countless winter walks available on your doorstep. Explore loch pathways, adventure up local mountains or wander hidden forest trails: the local area provides plenty of options. I noticed the short walks blog isn’t on the website yet, but this could link to it once it’s live.
Snug pubs: eat and drink
Hot toddy or mulled wine? Grab a drink or dine out in one of the area’s many delightful pubs. From The Old Bridge Inn to the Winking Owl, find out all you need to know about eating out in the Aviemore area here.
Ready for your perfect Christmas in the Cairngorms? To book one of our luxury lodges or make an enquiry, e-mail info@highlandhideouts.co.uk.
Want to book with us over the festive period? Check out our offers
Please note: all bookings require a 7-night minimum stay.