It’s the most magical time of year and where better to relax for Christmas and Hogmanay than nestled in the beautiful Scottish countryside? Whether you’re up conquering snow-dusted peaks in the Cairngorms, fireside with a dram in the Highlands, or strolling sandy beaches at your coastal retreat, Scotland’s festive season is for everyone; now all you need is a cosy cottage to spend it in.
Coorie in for Christmas in the Trossachs
Gather your family, friends, presents and pets and spend the perfect Christmas at Blairuskin Lodge in the Trossachs National Park. Coorie into your grand home in Kinlochard, near Aberfoyle and enjoy the festive season surrounded by 30 acres of private woodland with The Trossachs just outside your door, for unlimited adventure. Cycle part of the NCN 7 to the bustling tourist town of Callander and visit the Christmas market. Spend frosty evenings at Blairuskin, cosied up in the library or warming up by the wood-burning stove. Discover Blairuskin’s connection with the legend Rob Roy McGregor, then venture on part of the Rob Roy Way or walk the route to uncover his hiding place at a cave concealed on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. Visit Blair Drummond Safari Park (20 miles) for festive fun, meet Santa and his elves, step into the Snowflake Forest, or tuck into a toasted Marshmallow round the fire pit. Your ideal Christmas —spending time with the ones you love —just needs a warm, homely haven to spend it in. Blairuskin awaits.
Reindeer, lochs and mountaintops in the Cairngorms
Spend the festive season with your loved ones at Hearthside in the charming town of Grantown-on-Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. Take a relaxing Boxing Day stroll in the adjacent Anagach Woods or, just 20 miles from your cosy cottage, visit the Cairngorm Herd, Scotland’s only free-roaming Reindeer herd. Get into the festive spirit and meet the Reindeer while chatting to the friendly herders about their animals. Meet highland cows at the ‘Hairy Coo Safari’ at Rothiemurcus. Visit more wildlife at the Highland Wildlife Park (23 miles), where you can meet snow leopards, polar bears and arctic foxes. Stroll among ancient pine trees, mountains and find the castle ruin at Loch an Eilein (18 miles), then re-warm and relax in the Smugglers Sauna. Glide around on the Aviemore Ice Rink (15 miles), or tackle Cairngorm Mountain (23 miles); both snow sports enthusiasts and lovers of sublime scenery can expect a thrilling adventure. Return to the warmth of Hearthside with an ordered Christmas dinner pack from Hastie and Dyce Butchers in Inverness and tuck into your hot, hearty Christmas meal. Rest by the fire with a dram, fulfilled from adventure, surrounded by peaceful woodland and the people you love.
Snow, skiing and (dog) sledding
Take your family and friends to The Dower House, nestled in between Glen Taitneach and Ben Gulabin in Perthshire, the perfect place for a big family Hogmanay, with increased accessibility on the ground floor for guests with mobility issues. Lead your own team of huskies at Husky Haven, meet the gorgeous huskies and take your team dog sledding around the Aberdeenshire countryside, just over an hour and a half away. There are also seated sleds available to ensure customers of all abilities can have their turn in the sled. A mere 10-minute drive north leads you to Glenshee Ski Centre for thrill seeking in the snow and on mountain tops. Try surprisingly tasty haggis ice cream at Pinchy’s in Pitlochry (25 miles), sourced from across the street at Rory MacDonald’s butchers and look out for the mincemeat pie flavour coming for the festive season. Then, return down your private driveway to The Dower House, on the Dalmunzie Estate. Coorie in the communal spaces with loved ones and go into the New Year relaxed among the peacefulness of nature and enjoy the panoramic views with family, friends and canine companions.
Blaze into 2026 at the Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony
Settle next to the log fire in the grand baronial sitting room at the Garden Apartment, Reswallie House. Celebrate Hogmanay the local way at the magnificent Fireball Ceremony in Stonehaven, an exciting and traditional introduction to the New Year. Parade with people swinging fireballs round their heads down the main High Street, accompanied by pipes and drums. Beginning at midnight and lasting 20 minutes, Stonehaven is the perfect Hogmanay event to celebrate Scottish tradition and chat with locals, friends and family. Collect your Hogmanay meal or breakfast hamper at award-winning Bel’s Butcher (15 miles) to avoid stress for your Hogmanay feast or breakfast the following day. Take a New Year’s Day walk through a wooded glen and waterfalls on the Hermitage and Braan Walk in Dunkeld, or a restorative stroll along the sandy shores of Lunan Bay (15 miles).
Whichever part of Scotland you choose, immerse yourself in Scottish tradition, embark on countryside adventure and reset in the serenity of nature; your dream Scottish retreat is just a click away.