Cairngorms Christmas - Lets Find father Christmas

AVIEMORE

Over the weekends of December 12/13, 19/20 and on the 24th, Santa will be on board his very own express train at the Strathspey Railway, bringing seasonal cheer to those making the trips from Aviemore to Broomhill and back through splendid Highland scenery. Trains run at 11am and 2pm, with children under 12 receiving a gift from Santa, while all others enjoy mulled wine, soft drink and mincemeat pies.

Advance booking is essential. Call 01479 810 725 or visit http://src.insch.info.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Glenmore, has Christmas fun and activities daily, with Santa in attendance from 10am-4pm on December 5/6, 12/13 and 19-24.

Call 01479 861228 or visit www.reindeer-company.demon.co.uk

At the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig you can meet Santa Claus and the park’s latest arrival, Mercedes the polar bear. Mulled drinks and mincemeat pies are available in the Polar Kiosk. Youngsters go free by downloading a voucher on the website, www.highlandwildlifepark.org. See Santa on December 5/6, 12/13 and 19/20.

On Christmas Eve, there will be a torchlight procession, led by a pipe band, Santa Claus and his reindeer from the village hall to the Cairngorm Hotel, where there will be a carol service, Gluwein, mincemeat pies and fireworks from 6pm. Torches can be bought on the street and during the parade.

KINGUSSIE

The Highland villa has a special Christmas shopping day, with pipe band, Santa’s grotto and switching on of the Christmas lights on Sunday, December 6, from noon-5pm.

On Christmas Eve, there’s a pipe band, carol singing, mulled wine, and mincemeat pies from 6.30pm, with Santa and his reindeer arriving at 7.30pm.

NEWTONMORE

On Christmas Eve, from 8.30pm, there’s a Santa parade with sleigh and reindeer from the Glen Hotel to the Highlander Hotel.