Cosy Christmas at Ancarraig
Imagine waking up in a winter wonderland with snow-capped hills, frosted pine trees, and the iconic Loch Ness just a stone’s throw away. Our timber lodges, nestled in the serene hills above Loch Ness, offer the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort for an unforgettable winter retreat.
Why Choose Our Loch Ness Lodges This Christmas and Hogmanay?
Each of our lodges sleeps up to four guests and is fitted with a cosy log burner, perfect for warming up after a day exploring the Highlands. At just £160 per night (plus a one-off £70 cleaning fee), our lodges are the ideal base for experiencing the best of Scotland in winter. And if you have a four-legged friend, bring them along to share the magic—dogs are welcome for just £15 each!
Discover Winter in the Highlands
Visiting the Highlands in winter is a truly magical experience. Imagine crisp mornings walking along snowy paths, clear starry nights, and cosy evenings by the fire, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes dusted with snow. The Highlands offer an enchanting escape in winter, where you can explore misty lochs, watch wildlife in their winter habitats, and experience the warmth of local hospitality. Whether you’re strolling through frosted forests, visiting festive markets, or taking in the peaceful beauty of snow-capped mountains, winter in the Highlands promises an unforgettable adventure.
Must-Do Winter Activities:
Reindeer Herding in the Cairngorms
Join guides for a close encounter with these majestic creatures, where you can feed and walk alongside the herd in breathtaking snowy landscapes. Located just a scenic drive from Loch Ness, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre offers the incredible opportunity to meet and even help herd the only free-ranging reindeer herd in the UK. It’s an unforgettable experience perfect for families, couples, and adventurers of all ages. There are 150 of these tame and friendly animals between the Cairngorms and The Glenlivet Estate. Book a Guided Hill Trip to meet and mingle with these fantastic beasts in their own environment, or attend a Herder Talk in the paddocks.
Northern Lights
Spending Christmas in the Highlands offers a rare opportunity to witness the northern lights, or “Aurora Borealis,” one of nature’s most magical displays. This year has been exceptional, with more frequent and intense auroras lighting up the night skies across Scotland. The Highlands, with their vast open landscapes and low levels of light pollution, provide an ideal backdrop for viewing the auroras, especially on clear, crisp winter nights. .
Dog Sledding in Aviemore
Cairngorm Sleddog Centre is the only daily working sleddog centre in the UK (and one of only 5 in Europe!), offering a truly unique experience for any adventurous family with over 12s. The centre is open throughout the year, and although snow is great, it's not essential for the dogs to run as there are 18 miles (and 4 different routes) of purpose-built dry land sleddog trails to use. You will get a chance to meet the sleddogs, learn about their training and history, plus discover more about the sport!
Hogmanay Celebrations
The Highlands of Scotland are undoubtedly the spiritual home of Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve), with many of its traits and traditions originating in the area. Which is why, every year, people travel from across the world to enjoy Hogmanay in the Highlands! From lively ceilidh dancing and traditional music to the custom of “first-footing,” where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings gifts and good luck, Hogmanay is full of unique cultural practices that make it unlike New Year’s celebrations elsewhere.
Cross Country Skiiing
Scotland is known for its rugged highlands, enchanting lochs, and rich history. It transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months, luring winter sports enthusiasts into its dramatic landscapes. Cross-country skiing in Scotland takes you on a thrilling adventure of gliding through Scotland’s pristine snow-covered terrain, allowing you to soak up the country’s serene beauty. With a number of areas lending themselves to the sport, why not give it a go!
Visit Inverness
The Highland Capital sparkles with festive lights, offering cozy pubs, great restaurants and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss traditional music sessions in The Highlander Bar, Hootananny, MacGregor’s or Gellions! The fantastic Eden Court Theatre offers the chance to catch a holiday show or pantomime, a Christmas tradition in Scotland that’s fun for all ages! Or why not take a winter walk along the River Ness; for a peaceful outing, stroll through the Ness Islands, beautifully lit up for the season. Read more about winter in Inverness HERE.
Highland Scenery
Be sure to explore around the legendary Loch Ness - bring your camera to capture the misty, atmospheric scenery. Early morning mists often shroud the loch, creating a mystical atmosphere perfect for dramatic, ethereal shots. Snow-dusted hills and tranquil forests frame the loch, with occasional clear, crisp days giving way to striking reflections in the calm waters. Sunsets and sunrises over the loch bring soft, wintry light in shades of pink and orange, casting a warm glow across the landscape.
Curling
Holidaying in the Highlands for Christmas is the perfect opportunity to experience curling—a unique and quintessentially Scottish winter sport. The Inverness Ice Centre offers a welcoming introduction to curling, allowing visitors to try their hand at this strategic and social game on the ice. Curling blends skill, teamwork, and fun, and is a fantastic way to embrace Scotland’s rich sporting heritage.
Book Your Highland Christmas Getaway now!
Don’t miss out on a holiday season filled with the magic of the Scottish Highlands. Book now to secure your cosy cabin and enjoy a peaceful Christmas away from the crowds in your very own winter wonderland.
To complete the magic, why not get around in ultimate style with WildTrax!
Lodge & Landy: Explore in Style
Want to add adventure to your stay? Take advantage of our Lodge and Landy package! Book a stay with us, and enjoy 10% off Land Rover Defender hire, with rates starting from £89 per day. Whether you’re exploring snowy mountain roads or winding your way along scenic routes, the Defender will get you there in style and comfort.
WildTrax offers a range of Land Rovers to suit every adventure—will you choose the rugged classic Defender 90 or 110, the luxurious New Defender, or the steadfast Discovery to carry you across Highland landscapes from one unforgettable experience to the next?
Reference your booking at Ancarraig to redeem the discount.
