Regular Event:
1st Dec 2024 -
26th Dec 2024
As the lochs begin to freeze and a sprinkling of snow settles upon the mountains of the Cairngorms, we are reminded that the year’s end – and its festive celebrations – are just around the corner.
For the remainder of the year, immerse yourself in a series of joyful activities and embrace Victorian traditions, from roasting chestnuts over fire to indulging in a mouth-watering fondue in our Fog House. Sing carols around the piano or make festive decorations, enjoy candlelit concerts or discover artisanal treasures in our shop.
December
Sunday’s 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd – Candlelit Classical Strings @ 6.30pm – 7.15pm
Delight in our Classical String recitals in the Drawing Room, in the glow of candlelight.
Thursdays 5th, 12th and 19th – Christmas Carols around the piano @ 6pm – 6.30pm
Enjoy the festive sounds of Braemar Community Choir who will perform around the Mark Bradford piano in the Fife Arms Lobby.
Friday 6th – Sunday 8th December – Festival De Noel
A 3-day festive programme of community activities throughout the village.
Friday 6th December @ 6.30pm
Pop up Dinner with the Fish Shop @ The Highland Games Pavilion.
Saturday 7th December
Wreath Making Workshop with Coo Hill Studio @ 10am – 12noon
Create a unique, festive wreath for your home in our Wreath Making workshop @ The Highland Games Pavilion.
Christmas Wine Tasting @ 12.30pm – 2pm
Sip, savour and celebrate the season with Christmas wine tasting @ The Highland Games Pavilion.
Wreath Making Workshop with Coo Hill Studio @ 2pm – 4pm
Create a unique, festive wreath for your home in our Wreath Making workshop @ The Highland Games Pavilion.
Soundbath Taster with Lynn Park @ 3.45pm – 4.15pm
Relax in the ‘Sound Bath’ and help to bring the body and mind back into balance and harmony @ The Highland Games Pavilion.
Food Carts and Fires @ 4pm – 6pm
Outside St Margaret’s.
A celebration of Christmas – St Margaret’s Braemar @ 6pm – 8pm
A celebration of Christmas including choral singing, brass ensemble, renowned jazz singer Rachel Lightbody and jazz pianist Tom Gibbs, pupils of Braemar Primary School and more. A real opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit.
Jazz at The Flying Stag @ 8.30pm
Join jazz musicians Rachel Lightbody and Tom Gibbs for a chill down session in The Flying Stag.
Sunday 8th December
Christmas Market @ 10am – 2pm
Passionate about the amazing local produce available here in Highland Aberdeenshire? Explore our Christmas market experience across the village with thoughtfully curated local produce, drinks, crafts and food carts.
Horse and Carriage Rides
Enjoy Horse and Carriage rides through the village, sponsored by the Fife Arms.
Santa’s Grotto and Outdoor Games @ 10am – 11.30am and 12.30pm – 2pm
Braemar Mews
Festival Closing Event – Fife Arms @ 3pm
Celebrate the end of the festival with a glass of mulled wine at the Fife Arms from 3pm.
For further information and tickets, book here: Festival de Noel | St. Margaret’s Braemar
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Tuesday 10 December – Carols and Storytelling @ 6.30pm – 8pm
We say thank you to our village’s youngest helpers Braemar Community Cubs and Scouts with a special carol concert and storytelling event.
Thursday 12 December – Foil Embossing workshop (adults) @ 2pm – 4pm (Age 16+)
Join local artist and illustrator Tracey Johnston as she guides you through the art of metal foil embossing to make Victorian-styled festive themed decorations for your own home and the Flying Stag Community Christmas Tree.
Tuesday 17 December – Lantern Making Workshop @ Braemar Primary
A community-focused project working with local school children to create lanterns to accompany the Fife Arms Community Reindeer Parade on Christmas Eve.
Wednesday 18 December @ 10am – 12pm – Paper Ornament Workshop (Age 16+)
Add a handmade touch to your Christmas tree this year with Aberdeenshire designer, illustrator and printmaker Juniper Press in this simple, yet effective paper ornament workshop.
Saturday 21 December @ 10am – 11.30am – Winter Solstice – Yule Log Decoration Workshop (Age 16+)
Celebrate the winter solstice with the ancient Scottish custom of decorating a yule log as we mark the shortest day of the year.
Come along to this relaxed, fun festive workshop to create a yuletide decoration using natural materials according to folklore and tradition. We will use candlelight, birch slices and seasonal foliage and berries, such as holly, yew, pine and rosehips…with a touch of ribbon to make something beautiful.
Monday 23 December @ 10am – 12pm – Foil Embossing workshop (Children age 7+)
Join local artist and illustrator Tracey Johnston as she guides you through the art of metal foil embossing to make festive themed decorations for your own home and the Flying Stag Community Christmas Tree.