Top 20 to do
Macdonald Aviemore Resort
Aviemore, Inverness-shire PH22 1PN
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Telephone: 0344 879 9152
International: +44 1479 815100
With Autumn moving into Winter we've picked out the top 20 things to do in the run up to Christmas right here in Aviemore and the Cairngorms. From meeting real reindeer and getting closer than ever to a snow leopard to boarding the santa express and zipping through a forest, we've got it all covered.
1. Get up close with reindeer
Visit Britain's only free-range reindeer herd. It's sure to make you feel all Christmassy.
2. The Christmas Panto
It wouldn't be Christmas without a panto. Join us for our live Robinson Crusoe panto on dates throughout December.
3. Zip through trees
Experience the UK's first zip trek adventure park. It's an exhilarating and memorable way to see the winter landscapes.
4. Board the Santa Express
Enjoy festive family fun as you travel by heritage steam train through the Cairngorms winter landscape. Meet Santa and get a present. Books up quickly!
5. Visit Snow Leopards & Polar Bears
Head to Highland Wildlife Park and get closer than ever to all kinds of incredible animals and see the newly arrived baby snow leopards.
6. Go to a music concert
Watch Little Fix the UK's official no.1 tribute to Little Mix, and join in as they perform all the big hits. Only £12 per ticket. On Saturday 23 November at Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
7. Take in an amazing view
Head to Loch Morlich or Loch an Eilein for some seriously stunning winter landscapes. Don't forget your camera.
8. Unique Christmas Shopping
Visit our large department store with designer brands and unique gifts for the whole family. You'll also find more shops on the high street that you won't see anywhere else.
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9. Sleep in a tree tent
Sounds pretty cool doesn't it? You'll be suspended above the ground surrounded by a forest with a cosy log burner to keep you snug.
10. Visit a gin distillery
Visit the popular Caorunn Gin Distillery for a tour and taste (naturally). You'll find we stock a range of Scottish gins on resort too, and for sale in Spey Valley Shopping at Macdonald Aviemore Resort.
11. Experience a Santa weekend
Whisk the kids away for a truly magical experience. There's Santa, his grotto, his real reindeer herd, plus our elves too! And much more.
12. Visit Landmark Theme Park
The big rides might be closed but there's still loads open especially for toddlers (with reduced prices too). Visit the Butterfly House, Dinosaur Kingdom and lots more.
13. Go on a hairy coo safari
Join a ranger and get up close to some wonderful hairy heilan coos. They will come right up to the fence and be happy to pose for hundreds of photos!
14. Go on a Segway adventure
Start your adventure on a nice flat open field to learn the machine and head out to the Rothiemurchus heather moorland for a real off-road experience.
15. Whisky and chocolate experience
Sample 6 classic single malt whiskies paired with specially selected luxury highland chocolates. You'll receive a whisky glass and a tasting gift to cap off the tour. Book ahead and check the weather.
16. Enjoy a winter guided walk
You don't need to undertake a serious expedition to enjoy the hills of the Cairngorms. Five of the six highest mountains in Britain can be found nearby.
17. Race in a go kart
Speed around a 500-metre circuit right here in Aviemore with a beautiful backdrop of the Cairngorms.
18. Taste some local beer
Visit Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore who offer a great choice of craft beers from the Highlands of Scotland. Take a tour and sample the beer.
19. Quad trek through the Cairngorms
Set in beautiful surroundings trek your way over rolling moorland and take on a river crossing with spectacular views of the Cairngorms.
20. Spot some winter wildlife
Join a guided wildlife watching day and you could be spotting ptarmigan on the high tops, capercaillie in the forests and much more.
And when the snow comes...
Ski, snowboard, sledge and build a snowman! if you're new to snowsports why not take a lesson.
