Top Things To Do in Cairngorms this Christmas and New Year
There are some places in the world that make Christmas and New Year feel extra special and the Cairngorms does just that. There is so much to enjoy in the magical winter wonderlands throughout the Spey Valley that you can fill your days with as much or little as you want. However much you do, you will love finishing your day wrapped up on the lodge decking, taking a dram and watching the stars fill the sky.
A wonderful local festive event is the epic firework display at The Cairngorm Hotel on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. Situated on the main road through Aviemore near the train station, friends and family gather outside the hotel to enjoy the mulled wine, the banter and the fabulous fireworks. Keep an eye on their facebook page for the latest information.
Getting Out & About
To really get into the festive feel make sure you visit the beautiful Reindeers at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. Every weekend in December, between 12 -3pm, you should catch a glimpse of Santa checking on his herd. The only free ranging Reindeer herd in Britain, it truly is a wonderful experience to view these friendly and tame velvety nosed beauties. And our favourite Christmas gift this year? Adopt a Reindeer…. There are 9 to choose from and our favourites are Merrick, Fyrish, Aonach!
For another unique experience, come and meet Hamish as he celebrates his first Christmas at the Highland Wildlife Park. Hamish is the first polar bear to be born in the UK for 25 years, and along with his mother Victoria it is a real treat to see them up close. Other delights are the Amur Tiger, Snow Leopard, and a pack of European Grey Wolves, plus so much more. Open all year except Christmas Day, you’ll not be disappointed with a day in the wild.
For a bit of Christmas fun you can join the Santa Cycle organised by Mikes Bikes. It’s the perfect excuse to dress you bike up with lots of fairy lights, don your santa suit and have a night time adventure around Aviemore on two wheels.
All Aboard!! The Strathspey Railway Santa Express will be running every weekend in December and will take you through the stunning and hopefully snow covered Cairngorms winter landscape. All the children will have the chance to meet Santa on board and will receive a special gift while adults can enjoy a delicious mulled wine.
Snow Days in the Cairngorms
When the snow comes, grab the kids and a sledge and head up to The Hayfield near Glenmore Lodge. When it comes to sledging in the Cairngorms, The Hayfield at Glenmore Forest near Aviemore is considered the best spot. With loads of room for all to enjoy the fun and laughter that goes along with family sledging and several cafes nearby to get a warming hot chocolate, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a winters day in the Cairngorms.
If you are bringing your XC skis, keep an eye on the Glenmore Trails to see where tracks have been cut around the Glenmore Forest. Perhaps you want to give it whirl this year… well get along to Glenmore Shop, Cairngorm Mountain Sports in Aviemore or Outdoor Discovery at Coylumbridge and hire the kit you need and then get out exploring in the very accessible trails in the area.
Extra Special Treat
While you enjoy the holiday season at one of our sumptuous lodges why not really treat yourself and ‘order in’ for dinner. We’re not just talking a last minute take away, we mean a delicious home cooked meal which is delivered to your door. Speyside Kitchen offer a stunning array of options, all made with locally sourced produce. Of course, they do need plenty of notice as all the ingredients are fresh and specific to your order. Best to get in touch at least two weeks before you arrive to chat through the options with Claire and Sarah.