Regular Event:
1st Dec 2025 -
31st Dec 2025
Throughout December, The Fife Arms celebrates Scotland’s ancient Yuletide traditions, a season rich in folklore, warmth, and Highland magic. From candlelight and greenery to feasting and song, these age-old customs inspire our celebrations today.
This Christmas, gather in The Fog House for melted fondue, then step into the Drawing Room where choirs sing beside Mark Bradford’s piano. Enjoy candlelit classical strings, creative festive workshops, and a shop filled with thoughtful gifts before returning to roaring fires and the comfort of a Highland Christmas.
Whispering Words: A Children’s Christmas Trail
Out in the garden, winter’s quieter magic awaits. Inspired by The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris, our Christmas Children’s Trail, Whispering Words, invites families to wander, listen, and rediscover the words and wonders of nature that almost slipped away.
Little ones can collect a handout from the Ghillie Desk, follow gentle clues through the garden, and find all five “lost words” to receive a small prize.
Ongoing Festive Highlights
Sundays 7, 14 and 21 December
- Candlelit Classical Strings in the Drawing Room | 6:30pm–8:00pm
Thursdays 4, 11 and 18 December
- Christmas Carols around the Piano | 6:00pm–6:30pm
Featuring the Aberdeen Choir and Braemar Community Choir around Mark Bradford’s piano.
Special Events by Date
Friday 21 November
- Christmas Light Switch-On with the Braemar Community Choir. Join us as the village gathers for our annual Christmas light switch-on – a much-loved tradition filled with festive cheer. Enjoy mince pies, mulled wine and seasonal songs as the community comes together to welcome the start of the festive season.
Sunday 30 November
- St Andrew’s Day with poetry recitals, Scots song, fire performance and pipe band
Friday 5 – Sunday 7 December
- Festival de Noël – a three-day village celebration (details to be announced shortly)
Saturday 6 December
- Yuletide Wreathmaking with Chloe Macintyre | 2:00pm–4:00pm
Wednesday 10 December
- Carols and Storytelling with the Braemar Scouts | 6:30pm–8:00pm
Friday 12 December
- Yuletide Bauble Workshop with Nat Evans | 2:00pm–4:00pm
Wednesday 17 December
- Lantern Making Workshop at Braemar Primary | a community project with local school children
Tuesday 23 December
- Foil Embossing Workshop with Tracey Johnston | 2:00pm–4:00pm
Wednesday 24 December
- Reindeer Parade | 4:30pm–5:30pm
Led by the Cairngorm reindeer and handmade lanterns.
Thursday 25 December
- Christmas Day at The Fife Arms | Live music, board games and The Fife Arms Christmas Quiz throughout the day
Friday 26 December
- Boxing Day | Guided winter walk, falconry display and traditional folk music
Hogmanay and New Year Celebrations
Tuesday 30 December
- Afternoon tea with traditional folk music, followed by a festive dinner with live folk tunes
Wednesday 31 December
- Bucksburn Pipe Band and Piper lead guests into dinner
- Festive meal with traditional folk music, lively ceilidh dancing and a firework display to welcome the New Year
Thursday 1 January
- New Year’s Day at The Fife Arms | Buffet dinner with live music, a Loony Dook, guided winter walk, jazz in the lobby and a falconry display
Celebrate the season in true Highland style at The Fife Arms, where history, artistry, and tradition blend to create a Christmas experience like no other.
