Christmas in the Cairngorms - A Magical Winter Wonderland

Christmas IN THE Cairngorms

A Magical Winter Wonderland - Where Winter Comes to Life

We will transport you back to the Decembers of your childhood: twinkling lights, frosty days, meet Santa & his reindeer, browse the Christmas markets or pay a visit to the Panto (oh yes you can!).

Aviemore Ice Rink, Landmark Forest Park, The Highland Wildlife Park are all fabulous family days out, not to mention the possibility of snowy adventure at Glenshee Ski Centre, The Lecht Ski Centre and Cairngorm Mountain. Two wheeled adventures are also a great option, check out Bike Station Ballater who can kit you out with your hire bike and some awesome gravel biking routes. Or you can take a more sedate step back in time on the Strathspey Steam Train. Whatever you fancy - here are some more of our top picks for making Cairngorm Christmas memories - let’s make December 2022 one of the best!

Rudolph & the Gang

The Cairngorms Reindeer Herd embodies captivating Christmas magic, and you can take an adventure up the Cairngorm Mountain to meet them. A five minute idyllic drive up the mountain and a 20 minute guided walk will take you to these beautiful, mischievous and charismatic locals! It is an unforgettable experience.

Being Santa

On Saturday 10th December you get the chance to BE the big man, along with loads of other enthusiastic wannabes! The Annual Santa Run in aid of Disability Snowsport UK is crazy festive fun bringing the folk of Aviemore and the surrounding areas together - rosy cheeks, steaming santa suits and loads of laughter - you can’t beat it.

The list goes on and on - The Cairngorms and each of its villages & towns is brimming with festive & fun things to do, there truly is something for everyone to make sure you have a super special Christmas which will leave you with everlasting memories. The Cairngorms really are Where Winter Comes To Life. Before the big day there are plenty of chances to pay Santa a visit - what could be more captivating than a snowy Highland day and a chat with the big man?! Santa will be making stop offs throughout the Cairngorms, so get your wish list at the ready…he will be calling in at Macdonald Resort Aviemore, Badaguish Christmas Fayre and Santa’s Grotto at The Reindeer Centre to name but a few.

Markets, Music & Deliciousness

The communities of the National Park are a talented bunch and they have some wonderful weekends planned that will showcase our crafters and producers. There will be plenty of gifts, food, music and festive frolics - check out Grantown Does Christmas, Festival De Noel in Braemar, Glen Tanar’s Christmas Fair and the wonderful Christmas Market at Clan Macpherson Museum in Newtonmore - your festive factor will sky rocket!