5 fun family attractions to visit in the Cairngorms this festive season
With Halloween and Bonfire Night behind us, the excitement for the festive season is building as the Christmas holidays are on their way. To get you into the festive mood, here are VisitCairngorms' suggestions for families to enjoy a wonderful Christmas in the UK’s largest National Park. Take your pick from an illuminating winter light show at Landmark Forest Adventure Park, a festive expedition to Cairngorm Mountain, an up-close experience with the only free-ranging herd of reindeer in the UK, or step aboard Strathspey Railway Santa Express. If you are lucky, you might glimpse the northern lights at Tomintoul and Glenlivet Dark Sky Park.
Cairngorm Mountain
There’s a lot more than just snow sports on Cairngorm Mountain this winter. Just a short trip from Aviemore in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, Cairngorm Mountain is the ultimate festive and winter destination, offering an exciting range of activities and experiences for families and visitors of all ages, including opportunities to meet Santa and the Cairngorm Reindeer (5th-6th December and 12th-13th December). Throughout the winter period (excluding Christmas Day and weather permitting) The Cairngorm Mountain Railway will be running daily, offering families and visitors of all ages a scenic winter journey up the mountain with spectacular views across the Cairngorms winter wonderland. Visitors can also enjoy festive refreshments and treats at Cairngorm Café at the base of the mountain or take the Cairngorm Mountain Railway to the Ptarmigan Restaurant - the UK's highest restaurant and bar, offering breathtaking views across the Cairngorms National Park in all its winter splendour at 1,097 metres (3,599 feet) above sea level.
Visit CairngormsLandmark Forest Adventure Park winter illuminations Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS’
For stunning views of the illuminated woodland, visit Landmark Forest Adventure Park and enjoy the 'Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS' experience which takes place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as nightly during the Christmas and New Year holiday period and February half term. Families can follow a one-kilometre woodland trail and immerse themselves in the enchanting ancient pinewood forest, illuminated by thousands of lights, sounds and effects. Experience the magical UV light tunnel and ‘Red Squirrel Trail’, which takes you up eight metres into the forest canopy. This year there are some exciting new additions to the trail, including new laser features and interactive musical drums that magically light up the trees when played.
Visit CairngormsCairngorm Reindeer Centre, Glenmore, Aviemore
Get up close to see the country’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer at The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Glenmore, Aviemore, which celebrates its 75th Anniversary in May next year. Enjoy a festive reindeer experience in the Reindeer Paddock on weekends in the run-up to Christmas, and selected days over Christmas. The reindeer normally roam 10,000 acres of the Cairngorm National Park, but at this festive experience, you will get to meet 4 – 6 incredibly tame and relaxed reindeer and see them up close in a paddock. Reindeer herders will be on hand to tell you all about them. The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre provides an experience for all abilities. Remember to wrap up warm and bring a waterproof jacket. Santa will also be there in his Bothy, so families can meet him (he may even have sweeties for those who’ve been good). Tickets £7.88 per person including fees online. Children 0-2 free of charge. Pre-booking is essential.
Visit CairngormsStrathspey Railway, Aviemore Station
Make your visit to the Cairngorms even more magical this festive season with a journey aboard the Strathspey Railway. Climb aboard at Aviemore and travel through the wintry landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park on one of their special seasonal steam train experiences departing from Aviemore Station to Broomhill and return. Enjoy a journey through the beautiful winter scenery of Strathspey; a return journey lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. For a magical Christmas adventure Santa's Elf Express is a festive family experience filled with Christmas fun in a festively decorated heritage carriage. Cheeky elves roam the carriages, bringing fun and merriment, and Santa stops at every table with a gift for all children (aged 0 months-15 years). The festivities don't have to end on Christmas Day. Between Christmas and the New Year, step aboard the Mince Pie Specials and enjoy a complimentary mince pie aboard the train. A trolley service is also available for passengers wishing to purchase additional drinks and snacks, while children receive an activity book and crayons to enjoy during the journey. For an extra-special experience, upgrades are available, including the panoramic Observation Carriage, First Class private compartments and private VIP saloons. For dates, times, prices and booking, visit the Strathspey Railway website. Advance booking recommended.
Visit CairngormsTomintoul and Glenlivet ‘International Dark Sky Park’
The Cairngorms is home to Tomintoul and Glenlivet's ‘International Dark Sky Park,’ which is one of the very best places in the UK to see the stars at night. If you are lucky, you might even see the Aurora Borealis, northern lights. The Cairngorms Astronomy Group runs stargazing events throughout the year which are designed to allow both visitors and locals alike. The Tomintoul and Glenlivet areas were awarded Gold Tier status as an International Dark Sky Park in November 2018 by DarkSky International, allowing everyone to enjoy a night sky brimming with stars with three Dark Sky Discovery Sites at Tomintoul Field of Hope, The Carrachs or Blairfindy Moor. The Cairngorms Astronomy Group runs stargazing events throughout the year which are designed to allow both visitors and locals to view the diverse wonders of the night sky. Geminid Meteors 2026: Monday 14th December, 7pm Discovery Centre, Tomintoul.
Cairngorms Astronomy Group and TGDT