What's On in the Cairngorms December 2017

What’s On DECEMBER

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FREE

Insider’s Guide:The Best Places To See Santa Special Offers!

Events: Over 70 Inside

www.visitcairngorms.com

1 What’s On. . . . . . . . . . . . .

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1 Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1 Insider’s Guide. . . . . . . . . . . 12 1 To Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1 Eat and Drink . . . . . . . . . . . 17 1 Accommodation. . . . . . . . . . 18 The What’s On guide is also available online at www.visitcairngorms.com

Published by and all advertising sales Cairngorms Business Partnership Tel: 01479 810200. info@visitcairngorms.com www.visitcairngorms.com Produced by Landmark Press Carrbridge www.landmark-press.com Tel: 01479 841900.

Photo credits: Front Cover: The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.

Photography: Freepik, The Strathspey Steam Railway, Blair Castle, The Highland Wildlife Park, Aviemore Santa Run/Disability Snowsport UK

What’s On in december

W

elcome to the Cairngorms National Park and the December edition of What’s On, the free events guide.

To help you make the most of your time here we’ve put together an essential guide packed with what’s happening in the area.

We’ve got some great ideas for things to do, places to see, where to eat and drink, and places to stay.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and there’s lots of festive things to see and do. Santa can be visited at various locations around the Park during December from the Wildlife Park to Cairngorm Mountain (read our Insider’s Guide for full details).

Christmas shopping is made easy with craft fairs and shopping events happening in many of the villages and towns. The panto returns to the Macdonald Aviemore Resort with Sleeping Beauty every weekend in December and the Boat of Garten Community Hall has 4 days of performances with the popular ShowBoaters from the 20th. Finally bring in the New Year at one of the many ceilidhs and Hogmanay celebrations!

The What’s On team wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Cairngorms National Park has something for everyone.

www.visitcairngorms.com

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What’s On

december 2017

Contents

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what’s on in december

ou are in an all year round destination with lots going Y on. Use the listings to plan your fun! The Events of Interest list outlines exhibitions and events of interest over more than one day, the Calendar section gives you a day by day list of events and Day by Day shows regular events. For more information on all the events below please refer to www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson

Events of Interest what’s on december 2017

30th November-3rd December F Iona Gallery Christmas l

Craft Fair Iona Gallery, Kingussie. 10am-5pm.

T: 07786 612168. www.theionagallery.co.uk

Every Sat & Sun in Dec (not the 24th) Santas Grotto Highland Home Centre, Aviemore. www.highlandhomecentre.com

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime Macdonald Aviemore Resort, Aviemore. 2-4pm. Booking essential. T: 03448 799152. general.aviemore@macdonald-hotels. co.uk

2nd-3rd, 9-10th, 16-17th December Santa’s Grotto CairnGorm Mountain, Aviemore.

10am-3pm. T: 01479 861261. www.caingormmountain.org

F Free Entry to Event l 4

27th December-3rd January

Mince Pie Specials on the Strathspey Steam Railway Strathspey Steam Railway, Aviemore.

2nd-3rd December Wreath Making Workshops www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk Braemar Gallery. 7-9pm (Sat) & 1st December-29th March 11am-1pm (Sun). Booking essential.

F Free Winter Distillery l T: 01339 741681.

Tours www.braemargallery.co.uk Dalwhinnie Distillery. (Excludes bus 2-3rd, 9-10th, 16-17th, & coach groups). T: 01540 672219.

22nd-23rd December dalwhinnie.distillery@diageo.com Strathspey Steam Railway Santa Express 2017 Strathspey Steam Railway, Aviemore.

Calendar of Events 11am & 2pm. Booking essential. www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

2-3rd, 9-10th, 16-17th December

Every Sat & Sun and 26th & 28th in December

20th-23rd December ShowBoaters Performance: The Boat Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30pm daily and 3pm on the 23rd. www.facebook.com/ BoatofGartenCommunityHall

Friday 1st December

F The Magic of l

Mountains: How Our Landscape Nourishes Us Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

6.30-10pm. Booking essential.

T: 01479 810797. www.waterstones.com/events 2nd-3rd December F Grantown Christmas l F Newtonmore & District l Light Switch On Floral Art Club Christmas Grantown on Spey, 4pm.

Show Live Music: Alasdair Talla nan Ros, Kingussie.

Roberts 10.30am-4pm. T: 01540 673211.

Braemar Gallery. 7.30pm. Booking themullenders@tiscali.co.uk essential. www.braemargallery.co.uk Santa at the Wildlife Park Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

11.30am & 2pm. T: 01540 651270. www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

4-6th December

F Recording the Built l

Heritage of Tomintoul Various locations, Tomintoul.

T: 01807 580350. www.facebook. com/TGLandscapePartnership What’s On

Saturday 2nd December Tomatin Distillery Christmas Fair Tomatin Distillery. 10am-4pm. www.tomatin.com

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Saturday 9th December

Wednesday 6th December

Balmoral Winter Guided Tours Balmoral Estate, Ballater.

11am-2pm. T: 01339 742534. www.balmoralcastle.com F Angels’ Nectar Whisky l Thursday 7th December Tasting F Christmas Tasting Elephants in the Pantry, l Grantown on Spey. 12-4pm.

Day T: 07811 640778.

Elephants in the Pantry, www.angelsnectar.co.uk Grantown on Spey. 11am-4pm.

T: 01479 258070.

Strathspey Thistle v www.elephantsinthepantry.co.uk Lossiemouth F Christmas Light Switch Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey. l 3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk On Celebration Sunday 3rd December Nethy Bridge. 6pm.

F Evening Talk: The Nile l F Kingussie Christmas

by John Miles l F Evening Talk: Speyside l Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown Lights Switch On

by John Miles on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

Kingussie. Time TBC. Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

Christmas Shopping Day Disco Party Night T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk Throughout Kingussie. 12-5pm.

The Nethybridge Hotel.

T: 01540 661228.

Friday 8th December T: 01479 821203. www.kingussie.co.uk www.strathmorehotels-nethybridge.com F Face Painting at the l The Laundry Gallery Wildlife Park Opening Day Sunday 10th December Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

The Laundry Gallery, Upper Floor, Visit Santa at Blair Castle!

11am-3pm. T: 01540 651270.

Unit 1A, 10 Dalfaber Industrial Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. Booking www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk Estate, Aviemore. 9am-5pm. advised. T: 01796 481207. www.thelaundrygallery.net Garden Workshops www.blair-castle.co.uk Glen Tanar Walled Garden, F Christmas Tasting l Aboyne. 2-5pm. T: 01339 886451. Day Sunday Lunch in the www.glentanar.co.uk Ballroom at Blair Castle Elephants in the Pantry, Blair Castle, Blair Atholl.

Grantown on Spey. 11am-4pm.

Monday 4th December Booking essential. 12pm.

T: 01479 258070. www.blair-castle.co.uk Talk: This Ain’t No www.elephantsinthepantry.co.uk Everest, This Is K2!

Santa Ramble Evening Christmas Boat of Garten Community Hall.

Throughout Braemar. 12pm.

Market Booking essential. 7.30-9.30pm. susie@farkys.net Boat of Garten Community Hall.

T: 01479 831123.

TOMS Concert: Opera 4-7pm. www.boatofgarten.com Jez Hellard & The Djukella Bohemia Boat of Garten Community Hall.

Tuesday 5th December Orchestra 7.30pm.

Live Music: Fred Morrison Glenbuchat Hall, Strathdon.

Glenbuchat Hall, Strathdon. 8-11pm. 7.30-11.30pm. T: 01975 641303.

F Free Entry to Event l events@glenbuchatmusic.co.uk www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/383899 Balmoral Winter Guided Tours Balmoral Estate, Ballater.

11am-2pm. T: 01339 742534. www.balmoralcastle.com

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What’s On

what’s on december 2017

Balmoral Winter Guided Tour Balmoral Estate, Ballater. First tour 11am-2pm. T: 01339 742534. www.balmoralcastle.com Kinscraig Junior Shinty Club Christmas Craft Fayre Kincraig Community Hall. 11am-3pm.

F Christmas Tasting Day l Elephants in the Pantry, Grantown on Spey. 11am-4pm.

T: 01479 258070. www.elephantsinthepantry.co.uk Annual Newtonmore Shinty Sale Newtonmore Village Hall. 2pm.

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Monday 11th December

F Evening Talk: Eagle l

what’s on december 2017

Ecology & Predator Tourism Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

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Party Night with The Bicycle Thieves The Nethybridge Hotel.

T: 01479 821203. www.strathmorehotels-nethybridge.com

F Newtonmore Christmas l

Parade Newtonmore Main Street. Time TBC. www.facebook.com/ NewtonmoreBusinessAssociation

Sunday 17th December

Visit Santa at Blair Castle!

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. Booking Wednesday 13th December advised. T: 01796 481207.

Balmoral Winter Guided www.blair-castle.co.uk Tours Face Painting at the Balmoral Estate, Ballater.

Wildlife Park 11am-2pm. T: 01339 742534.

Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig. www.balmoralcastle.com 11am-3pm. T: 01540 651270. www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk Saturday 16th December DSUK Aviemore Santa Run Sunday Lunch in the Ballroom at Blair Castle MacDonalds Aviemore Resort.

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl.

10.30am. T: 01479 861272.

12pm. Booking essential. www.eventbrite.co.uk T: 01796 481207.

The Mountain Cafe www.blair-castle.co.uk Cookbook signing with Kirsten Gilmour Thursday 21st December Mountain Cafe, Aviemore.

F l Christmas Carols 10.30am-12.30pm.

Around the Tree www.mountaincafe-aviemore.co.uk Opposite the Nethy Bridge Stores.

Face Painting at the 6.30pm.

Wildlife Park Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

Saturday 23rd December 11am-3pm. T: 01540 651270.

F Reindeer Torchlight l www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk Procession F Christmas Tastings The Square, Grantown on Spey. l 7.30pm.

Elephants in the Pantry, Grantown on Spey. 11am-4pm.

Sunday 24th December T: 01479 258070.

F Painting Demonstration www.elephantsinthepantry.co.uk l

by Chris Rose The Boat Reel: Beauty Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown & The Beast [PG] (2017) on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

Ball & Film T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk Boat of Garten Community Hall.

F Aviemore Christmas l 2.30pm. T: 01479 831123.

Parade, Carols & Fireworks www.boatofgarten.com Strathspey Thistle v Fort Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 6-8pm.

William F Kingussie Christmas l Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey. 3pm. Parade The Duke Hotel, Kingussie. Time F Free Entry to Event l TBC. www.kingussie.co.uk What’s On

Monday 25th December Christmas Day Lunch The Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

Booking essential. www.cairngorm.com/festive-specials Christmas Day Lunch Muckrach Lodge, Dulnain Bridge.

Booking essential. T: 01479 851227. www.muckrach.com F Evening Talk: Molotovs l and Merlin’s by Gordon Hamlett Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

Tuesday 26th December F Evening Talk: Birding l

Africa From the Equator to the Cape Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

Wednesday 27th December Evening Talk: North Wales - So Much More Than Sheep!

Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk F l

Thursday 28th December Live Music: The Old Blind Dogs Glenbuchat Hall, Strathdon.

7.30-11.30pm. T: 01975 641303. events@glenbuchatmusic.co.uk F Evening Talk: Jewels l in The Gambia by Ashley Grove

l www.visitcairngorms.com

Friday 29th December F Evening Talk: Two l

Scottish Islands - Handa Island and The Isle Of May by Graham Lenton Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

Saturday 30th December Strathspey Thistle v Fraserburgh Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey.

3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk F Evening Talk: l Adventures in Antarctica

by Nigel Redman Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

Sunday 31st December

Every Monday Glenlivet Health Walk Glenlivet Public Hall. 9.45-10.45am.

T: 01807 590689.

F Braemar Health Walk l Group Under the Mews, Braemar. 10-11am. (not the 25th) T: 01339 741426.

Cash Bingo (18+) Royal British Legion, Grantown on Spey. 7.50pm. (not the 25th) T: 01479 873690.

F Live Music & Dancing l with George Gordon Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8.30-10.30pm.

F Graeme Mackay in the l Cairn Bar Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

(Not the 4th) T: 01479 810233.

F l

Every Tuesday

Grantown Health Walk Group F Evening Talk: l Curling Rink Car Park, Anagach Wonderful Winter Wildlife Wood. 10.30-11.30am. (not the

by Ashley Grove 26th) T: 01479 872142.

Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on F Ballater Health Walk l Spey. T: 01479 872526.

Group New Years Day Walk Glenmuick Church Hall. 1-2pm. (not The Wildcat Centre, Newtonmore. the 26th) T: 01339 755634.

Time TBC. T: 01540 673131.

F Nethy Health Walk l New Years Day Shinty Nethy Bridge Community Centre.

Challenge Match 1.30-3pm. (not the 26th) Market Stance, Kingussie. 12pm.

T: 07519 569005. www.cairngorms.co.uk New Year’s Day Dip Loch Insh, Kincraig. 11am.

Grantown-on-Spey Slimming World Tuesday 2nd January Royal British Legion, Grantown on Spey. 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm.

F l Evening Talk: Round (not the 26th) T: 07545 399160. the Horn: Africa’s Endemic Hotspot by Nigel l F Live Music & Dancing Redman with Kenny Nairn Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, Spey. T: 01479 872526.

8pm. T: 01540 661302.

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Monday 1st January

Torchlit Procession and Family Ceilidh Nethybridge Community Hall.

7pm. Booking essential.

T: 07753 362352. abernethyprimarypc@gmail.com Hogmanay Ceilidh with Eabhal Boat of Garten Community Hall.

7.30pm. Booking essential.

T: 01479 831123. info@boathall.org.uk Kincraig Hogmanay Ceilidh with Hollow Whisper Band and Piper Kincraig Community Hall. 8pm-1am.

T: 01540 651325.

Every Day in December

www.visitcairngorms.com

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What’s On

what’s on december 2017

Torchlight Procession Newtonmore Main Street. 11.15pm.

Scottish Hogmanay at the Carrbridge Hotel Carrbridge Hotel. Booking essential. www.carrbridgehotel.com Hogmanay with Totico in Ballater Victoria and Albert Halls, Ballater.

Booking essential. www.victoriaandalberthalls.co.uk Hogmanay Dinner & Dance The Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

Booking essential. www.cairngorm.com/festive-specials Highland Hogmanay Dinner & Dance Muckrach Lodge, Dulnain Bridge.

Booking essential. www.muckrach.com Hogmanay at the OBI The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore.

9.30pm. Tickets on the door. www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk

Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk F Live Music with Chris l Grant Cairngorm Hotel. 9.30-11.30pm. www.cairngorm.com

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what’sthings on december to do 2017

FREE. Live Music Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm.

Quiz Night Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

T: 01479 810233.

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Junior Youth Club YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey. 6.30-8pm.

T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org F Live Music & Dancing l Every Wednesday with Ronnie Douglas Duke of Gordon Hotel, Community Cafe Kingussie. 8.30-10.30pm.

St Andrews Church Hall, Aviemore. www.dukeofgordonhotel.co.uk 10am-4pm.

F Live Music with Tweed F l Boat of Garten Health l Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

Walk Group 9.30pm. (not the 28th).

Boat Hotel. 1.30-2.30pm.

T: 01479 831562.

F Live Music l Rotary Club of Spey Valley Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30-10.30pm. T: 01479 810661.

Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. www.hiltonaviemore.com 6-8.15pm. T: 01479 810233. www.speyvalley.rotary1010.org Every Friday The Killiecrankies Cabaret Community Cafe Band YMCA Community Centre, Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

Grantown on Spey.

10am-2pm.

8.30-10.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

T: 01479 872262.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org F Glen Tanar Health l F Live Music with Davy l Walk Holt Glen Tanar Visitor Centre.

Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

10-11.30am. T: 01339 886072.

9.30-11.30pm. T: 01479 810233.

F Tomintoul Health l www.cairngorm.com Walk Tomnabat Court. 10-11am.

Every Thursday T: 01807 590689.

F Kingussie Health Walk l Y-Engage Group YMCA Community Centre, Badenoch Centre. 10.30-11.30am.

Grantown on Spey. 7-9pm.

T: 01540 661878.

T: 01479 872262.

F l Carrbridge Health www.grantowncommunitycentre.org Walk Group Meet by the Old Bridge, Carrbridge. l F Live Music 11am-12pm. T: 01479 841749.

Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm.

F Aviemore Health Walk l Live Music with Carl Group Wilson Singer & Guitarist Myrtlefield Car Park, near Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

Mike’s Bikes. 1.30-2.30pm.

8.30-10.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

T: 01479 810519.

F Live Music l Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

F Free Entry to Event l T: 01479 810233.

What’s On

Every Saturday Friday Afternoon Kids Club Bluff House, Kincraig. 1.30-5pm.

T: 01540 651272. www.lochinsh.com Live Music with Nigel Dyson Singer & Guitarist Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

F Live Music l Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

9.30-11.30pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com Christmas Party Nights The Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

7pm-00.45am. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com

Every Sunday F Live Music with Anne l

& Calumn Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 6-8pm.

T: 01479 810233.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

F Scottish Night with l Ceilidh Dancing Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

Details correct at time of going to press - please note events may change.

MAKE SURE

‘WHAT’S ON’ KNOWS WHAT’S ON!

l www.visitcairngorms.com

Contact Jolene at info@visitcairngorms.com or register your event online at www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson to get your events in Copy deadline 6th of December for January 2018 edition.

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map 10

What’s On

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map

See www.visitcairngorms.com for more information on each of the villages in the area.

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What’s On

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Why would you schlep to Lapland, when you have a Highland winter wonderland on your UK doorstep? That’s the question on many a visitor’s lips after a Christmas break in the Cairngorms.

Besides, everyone knows that Santa and his reindeer have a second home here, which is why there are so many magical opportunities to meet him in the valley during the festive season.

insider’s guide things to do

Here are our pick of the best places to meet Santa and his reindeer: Cairngorm Reindeer Centre Kids are enchanted by this experience, where they can marvel at the “Elf house” complete with miniature toys and beds, before getting stuck into crafty Christmas activities and quizzes. They can poke around Santa’s own bedroom and the gentle, jolly man himself will be on site every weekend in December bearing gifts, and between the 21st and 24th on the run up to Christmas between midday and 3pm.

But the real gem is the hillside trip to meet the reindeer on Cairngorm Mountain.

You’ll be amazed how friendly the animals are, as they nozzle into you, full of character and mischief.

The trip lasts about an hour and a half. Winter woollies are highly recommended, as is a steaming hot chocolate with marshmallows at the café afterwards.

Run / Ramble with Santa Both Aviemore and Braemar host these events, the most merry in the Cairngorm calendar (on the 16th and 10th December respectively), where you can meet not one Santa, but over two hundred (250 runners competed in Aviemore last year). At sign up, you’ll receive the essential kit to transform you into a convincing Mr Claus on the day: a bobble hat, red trousers and top and the all-important flowing white beard.

There’s something magical and exhilarating about being surrounded by so many smiling Santas, which is why everywhere you go you’ll hear the chorus of “ho ho ho” from kids, grannies and parents alike.

What better way to embrace the Christmas spirit? To top it off, they’re both in aid of good charitable causes; Aviemore’s for Disability Snowsport UK and Braemar’s for local groups.

RZSS Highland Wildlife Park As an animal lover, there’s no way Santa would visit the Highlands without dropping in at one of his favourite hangouts, the Wildlife Park in Kincraig. He’ll be making some surprise appearances on the weekends of 2nd/3rd, 9th/10th and 16th/17th December, accompanied by Walker the polar bear mascot. Even better, there’s no additional charge to see him, the experience is included in the standard entry fee.

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What’s On

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Street Parades If it’s community, camaraderie and Christmas cheer you’re after, then you can’t beat a Highland street parade, which feels more like a party because of the famously friendly reception you’ll get from the locals.

One of the most legendary parades is the Aviemore Christmas Parade on Christmas Eve. This free event starts at around 6pm at the primary school/health centre car park and makes it way along the main Aviemore strip to finish in a fanfare at the Cairngorm Hotel.

There’s nothing that will get you in the mood more than sipping mulled wine and taking it all in, as the array of festive floats goes by, with special guests Santa and his reindeer taking up the rear. Fireworks and piping mark the finale outside the Cairngorm Hotel, where the party can continue for those who have the stamina.

It’s going to be a busy night for Santa and his reindeer because they will also be parading through the streets of Newtonmore and Kingussie on Christmas Eve. The day before, too, Santa, his reindeer and a pipe band will be marching through the streets of Grantown by torchlight to the Square for 7.30pm for carol singing and mince pies.

Blair Castle Visitors flock from far and wide to see Santa in this most regal of venues (10th &17th Dec), which seems particularly fitting for the King of Christmas. His grotto is found in one of the oldest parts of the castle, which adds to the wonder, as does the walk there via the secret garden where Santa’s helpers greet you at the gate to show you the way. Visitors especially enjoy leaving a note to Santa hanging on his “wish tree” on their way out, all of which they can do in the two weekends leading up to Christmas.

But it’s not only the atmospheric Victorian look, which the castle is dressed in at this time of year, that makes this experience such a memorable one, it’s also because when Santa comes here he has a tendency to pick up and puff his beloved bagpipes, which is quite a spectacle.

insider’s guide

The Macdonald Aviemore Resort Macdonald offers special “Santa Weekends” throughout December excluding Christmas, designed to eke the magic out a bit longer and create lasting memories. On arrival on the Friday night, families are invited to welcome Santa at his “grand arrival” which consists of a seasonal buffet dinner, followed by a show full of festive frolics.

In excited anticipation, children are led through the woodland forest path to Santa’s grotto in the glen. These Santa visits are very popular and offered first to hotel guests in advance. However, there are a limited number of tickets available on standby to non-residents 24 hours before.

He’ll also be popping into the Hilton Coylumbridge on Christmas Day, too, before he returns to Mrs Claus.

Check our event listings for more events happening through the Cairngorms National Park in December.

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to do

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here’s a whole host of things to do in the Cairngorms National Park and more and more people are discovering just how special this place is. There are so many ways to make the most of our beautiful surroundings so what are you waiting for? See www.visitcairngorms.com for more ideas and offers.

to do

SEASONAL STEAMIN’

Chill out after your Christmas festivities with a trip on our Mince Pie Special MINCE PIE SPECIALS 27th DECEMBER TO 3rd JANUARY 2018 WWW.STRATHSPEYRAILWAY.CO.UK

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eat & drink

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ook out for local produce & help reduce food miles within the Cairngorms National Park. We really are spoilt for choice.

If you’re still stuck for ideas have a look at the next few pages and you’ll soon be inspired!

Garth Hotel

& Restaurant

THE CROSS AT KINGUSSIE

Fine Dining in the Cairngorms Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner AA Three Red Rosettes Good Food & Michelin Guides 2017

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Restaurant open 7.30am-9.30pm Lunch served Monday-Sunday 12-5pm Evening meals served 5-9:30pm Early Bird Voucher - Sun-Fri until 6.30pm 15% discount based on pre-booking & taking 2 Courses - booking essential

The Square (Castle Rd) Grantown 01479 872 836 n www.garthhotel.com

www.thecross.co.uk 01540 661166

Cairngorm Hotel

Boat of Garten - Tel: 01479 831 466

eat & drink

RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS

The Place to Eat and Meet Opposite Aviemore Railway Station

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Local, Seasonal, Creative Food, Relaxed & Informal Dining Experience. * LUNCH SPECIAL ~ Monday to Saturday, daily changing blackboard menu, 2 courses £12.99, 3 courses £15.99 (Normal menu also available. Closed Tuesdays.)

T: 01479 831 466 or E: info@andersonsrestaurant.co.uk

www.andersonsrestaurant.co.uk What’s On

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Great Freshly Prepared Food All Day Beers, Wines, Spirits & Malts In the lively Lounge, All Day ‘til Late with Regular Entertainment + Live TV Sports

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Bed & Highland Breakfast from £52 pppn Book Direct on 01479 810233 to Guarantee The Best Prices

Grampian Road Aviemore 01479 810 233 n www.cairngorm.com

l www.visitcairngorms.com

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& RESTAURANT Restaurant Open Tues - Sun 6 - 8:30pm Reservations recommended

eat & drink

Family Run hotel with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Freshly prepared food using local and seasonal produce.

Large selection of Wines, Malts and Gins.

Christmas Day Lunch served 12.30pm-3pm. Booking Essential Loch Alvie, by Aviemore - 2 miles south on B9152

T: 01479 810 207

www.rowantreehotel.com

Royal Tandoori Restaurant and Take-away OPEN 7 DAYS

Lunch 12noon-2pm

Evening 5-10.30pm

Authentic Indian Cuisines Three Course Business Lunch ~ £7.95 10% Discount on Take-away Meals A La Carte Menu Freshly Prepared Coffees Private Function Room ~ Ideal For Stag, Hen Or Birthday Parties

Tel: 01479 811199 or 01479 811118

43 Grampian Road, Aviemore PH22 1RH www.royaltandoori.uk.com

accommodation

accommodation

W

e have a superb choice of quality accommodation in the area. Use the accommodation finder onvisitcairngorms.com to help plan your trip and keep an eye on the special offers page for last minute deals and great savings.

Great North Lodges

silverglades

holiday homes

Group of luxury self catering lodges. Set in fantastic locations, throughout the Spey Valley, within the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. We cater for all tastes, budgets and party sizes from 1 guest up to 23 guests. (Pets Welcome). Most of our lodges have log fires and wonderful outside Hot Tubs, many have luxury extras, including Saunas, Sky TV, Wi-Fi Internet access and much, much more. www.greatnorthlodges.co.uk gnl@greatnorthlodges.co.uk “Book Online” or call our Aviemore Office on 01479 812266

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What’s On

Cairngorm Highland Bungalows Beautifully furnished and equipped 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroomed bungalows sleeping 2 - 8. Open fires.

Mountain views, pets welcome, Leisure Club/Golf facilities available.

Easy walking distance to Aviemore.

S.T.B. 3H - 4H Contact Linda Murray Tel: 01479 810653 www.cairngorm-bungalows.co.uk

tel: 01479 810165 email: info@silverglades.co.uk web: www.silverglades.co.uk

Short Breaks from £195 Stylish self-catering bungalows in Aviemore. 3 & 4 star available. From 1-4 bedrooms.

All have TV, DVD, free view channels & Wi-Fi. BBQ, own garden & drive. Some with sauna, wood burner, designer kitchen & flat screen TV. Pets welcome in allocated properties. Guests discounted golf & leisure nearby.

STB HHH & HHHH. Colour brochure & Virtual Tours.

l www.visitcairngorms.com