Aviemore - festive fun

[Lockdownhairdontcare]

We have booked a long weekend to Aviemore in December. Family of five, in a lodge. Looking for any suggestions on festive fun?

I can’t see much festive actives happening this year at all due to COVID. It likely won’t snow. You’d may be get a hot chocolate somewhere Which is nice on a cold day. The MacDonald Resort will be decorated. Beyond that I’m not sure.

There's normally a Santa train from Aviemore throughout December. And Landmark in Carrbridge might be decorated. But TBH we'll more likely be in full lockdown then or as PP said, v little will be happening.

We usually go in February half term. DD likes pony trekking through the woods in the snow. There’s also a sled dog experience, which is part of the dogs’ training, so they aren’t actually pulling you, they’re hitched to the front of the Land Rover. It’s beautiful going through the forest- you’ll see stag, and deer. We went just before sunset and it was stunning, but very, very cold. We usually go to ski, but do other activities too. I’m not sure how much will be available at the moment though. A walk around Loch Morlich is a must too.

There's the reindeer center. We were up in August. You couldn't get into the paddocks, but they were still doing the hill trips to see the reindeer herd. You could look into that?
There's Loch Eilein. Thats nice to walk around. Not really festive though.
There's the highland folk museum (not sure if they are open in winter, but they only ask for a donation) Again, not really festive, but still nice.
I don't think there will be many festive activities running unfortunately.

That sounds lovely @Imissmoominmama

Who do you do the sledding/ trecking with?

Walks, hot choc, board games, reindeer

You’ll probably be able to visit both the sled dog centre and reindeer centre on precooked tickets.
Landmark is open and can be Christmassy.
If you don’t get much snow where you are then you can more than likely find some by diving up to the ski centre even if there isn’t enough to actually ski (they do make snow for their learners slope now I think)

Strathsprey Highland Ponies and Cairngorm Sleddog Centre, @Iggypoppie.

I’d forgotten about the reindeer too- they were lovely!