The Highlands is the perfect festive holiday destination!
When you think of the perfect Christmas, you may be forgiven for your first thoughts being of Lapland but if you speak to anybody who grew up in Scotland in the 70’s and 80’s, Aviemore was the place to go, and we can tell you that the Highlands still holds its own in 2024! Let us tell you why the Highlands are the perfect festive holiday destination…
Think snow-capped mountains boasting Scotland’s only free-range reindeer herd, cosy cafes, fine dining restaurants, local crafts and unique gifts all coming together to ensure a real festive treat. Then heading back to your lodge for a soak in the hot tub, watching the stars.
Let us share some of our favourite places that highlight the Highlands as the perfect festive holiday destination…
Firstly, we recommend securing tickets for the Strathspey Steam Railway in Aviemore; Santa, hot chocolate, and mince pies, all enjoyed on a steam train that sedately makes its way through the Cairngorms, it is hard to leave without feeling all warm, fuzzy and festive.
You can also enjoy a trip to see the real festive stars of the show, Santa’s reindeer at The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, a hill trip is just perfect to see these magical Christmas creatures in their natural environment. If you are really lucky you will see them at their best on a snowy hillside, tucking into some feed for their busy season ahead.
With the Highlands being the perfect festive holiday destination, you would expect lots of little towns and villages to explore and it doesn’t disappoint. You find gems such as The Highland Chocolatier in Grandtully, which is a real festive wonderland. Local crafts, Christmas gift boxes and their free visitor centre, all topped off by a warm comforting hot chocolate – it really is the perfect Christmas indulgence.
We do love something a little bit different and a festive visit to the Highland Safari and Red Deer Centre ticks all the boxes. Take part in a Christmas treasure hunt on their 500-metre interactive Discovery Trail. Write a letter to Santa and enter the festive colouring competition in the decorated marquee. Finally, head on over to their Winter Grotto where Santa will be waiting with a gift for little ones.
If you are feeling more energetic you can wrap up warm and head out on one of the many local walking or biking trails that wind their way through the Highlands, perfect to blow away the cobwebs. We have lots of suggestions based on the area of your lodge, even sharing walks from the door.
The Highlands has an extra magical feel at night, so why not head out in the dark skies and just enjoy the unpolluted view of the night sky and star gazing, you might even get to see the northern lights, a truly amazing sight.
Before you head home, pick one of the many havens for food lovers who recognise the importance of locally sourced, seasonal and homemade food. We recommend Crieff Food Company, Balliefurth Farm Shop, Dalmore Farm and Rothiemurchus Farm Shop for starters.