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Iwan and Manuela Wirth with two dogs in the woods A black and white photo of the Victorian Fife Arms hotel with ladies stood at the front Exterior of the Fife Arms hotel looking down on to the Clunie Water The entrance to the garden from the Fife Arms hotel A river winds through a rocky shoreline surrounded by dense green trees, with mountains rising in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
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A corner of a bed with a bedside table, lamp and red furnishings A bedroom with yellow walls, antique furnishings and a cabin bed An antique writing desk in a bedroom with botanical wallpaper and an eighteen-century portrait of a woman on the wall An opulent bedroom with a patterned rug, gold painted ceiling, and green sofa.
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Stag in the middle of a painted dining room Empty interior of the Flying Stag pub with wooden tables and chairs, large spherical chandeliers, art filled walls, and warm natural light filling the room. Elsa's Cocktail Bar during the day, a large window in the centre, pink bar stools on the right next to the cocktail bar. An atmospheric and dark whisky bar with red velvet chairs and shelves stacked with whisky bottles A waitress shaking up a cocktail in Elsa's Cocktail Bar A Sunday roast on a table at The Clunie Dining Room A dram of whisky in Bertie's Whisky Bar
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A painting by Lucien Freud hung on an orange wall in the hotel reception The Richard Jackson 'Red Deer Chandelier' on view in the hotel reception A landscape drawing by James Prosek who was one of our first artists in residence Circle Of Pieter Brueghel The Younger (1564 – 1636) in painted room with tables and chairs
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A wild swimmer in the river Dee Colourful flowers in a lush garden
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Drone shot of the exterior of the fife arms hotel, with mountains in the background The Braemar Literary Festival lanyard on a tartan fabric background
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Christmas in the Highlands

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The Christmas tree in the lobby at the Fife Arms
The Fife Arms Hotel at night from the outside, decorated with Christmas lights with a crowd of carol singers in a circle underneath singing.
A glass of whisky, a whisky bottle, and a tartan blanket in a Scottish landscape
A green and red Christmas stocking hanging on a bannister.
Beef steak cooked medium rare on a white plate at a dining room table with cutlery either side.
A young child in a red dress hanging a decoration on a Christmas tree laden with lights and with presents wrapped underneath.
Bagpiper playing the pipes behind a dining table with lit candles.
Northern Lights in the sky with a tree silhouetted in the foreground. The sky is coloured green and pink.

At the Fife Arms, the festive period is embraced wholeheartedly, with roaring log fires, tartan throws, and the scent of mulled wine drifting from room to room.  If you’re wondering where to spend Christmas in Scotland, few places capture the season like Braemar. Beyond the windows, snow gathers over the mountains, setting the stage for winter adventures, and through it all, Scottish traditions like St Andrew’s Day, Christmas, and Hogmanay bring the best of Highland culture to life.

On 20th November, the Fife Arms welcomes the festive season with its annual light switch-on. Step outside with a complimentary cup of mulled wine as Braemar’s local choir fills the air with carols, before the hotel and village are illuminated in a spectacular display of festive lights.

 

 

On 30th November, the Fife Arms celebrates St Andrew’s Day with a true taste of Scotland. From traditional music and local flavours to lively gatherings, the hotel offers a memorable way to honour the nation’s patron saint. Come together for an evening of celebration in the heart of Braemar.

Discover St Andrew's Day

Yuletide, or ‘Yogh’ in old Scots, marks the Winter Solstice and the return of longer, lighter days. Join us at the Fife Arms from 21st December as we celebrate this ancient Scottish tradition around our courtyard fire pit, gathering for mulled drinks and the ceremonial burning of the Yule log to welcome good fortune and the year ahead.

Experience Yuletide

Celebrate the season through exceptional food and drink, the centrepiece of any Christmas hotel break in Scotland, from indulgent feasts in The Clunie Dining Room to our much-loved Festive Afternoon Tea, serving seasonal treats inspired by classic Christmas flavours. Gather with loved ones, mark a special occasion, or simply enjoy a well-deserved treat amid the festive atmosphere of the Fife Arms.

Browse Restaurants & Bars

Step into the pages of a classic Christmas story as the Fife Arms transforms for the festive season. From cherished traditions to moments of quiet relaxation, every detail is thoughtfully taken care of, allowing you to fully unwind and enjoy time with those who matter most. Experience a quintessentially Scottish Christmas with three-night stay from 24th–27th December 2026 at the Fife Arms.

Book a Christmas Stay

Traditionally Scotland’s biggest celebration, Hogmanay is the historic Scottish term for New Year’s Eve. Celebrate in true Highland style at the Fife Arms, with Champagne, fireworks and beloved Scottish traditions, from ceilidh dancing to the singing of Auld Lang Syne. Welcome in the New Year with a three-night stay at the Fife Arms from 30th December 2026 to 2nd January 2027.

Stay for Hogmanay

Winter in the Cairngorms invites adventure by day and wonder by night. Take to the slopes for skiing, snowboarding or sledging, with lessons arranged by our Ghillie team. As darkness falls, discover the magic of the Highlands with The Hunt for the Dark Skies, an unforgettable stargazing experience led by a certified Star Ranger beneath some of the clearest night skies in the world.

Browse Experiences

At the Fife Arms, the festive period is embraced wholeheartedly, with roaring log fires, tartan throws, and the scent of mulled wine drifting from room to room.  If you’re wondering where to spend Christmas in Scotland, few places capture the season like Braemar. Beyond the windows, snow gathers over the mountains, setting the stage for winter adventures, and through it all, Scottish traditions like St Andrew’s Day, Christmas, and Hogmanay bring the best of Highland culture to life.

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A girl hanging a decoration on a Christmas tree
Two armchairs either side of a table in a warmly lit room, with a courtyard with fairy lights through a window in the background
Two Christmas stockings hanging above a fireplace with a mantlepiece topped with foliate decorations
Two girls sitting on a sofa in front of a Christmas reading stories on Christmas Eve
A Swiss fondue hut style setting with a fireplace and tables with red gingham tablecloths and sheepskins on chairs
A bagpipe player outside of the Fife Arms Hotel at night, the hotel is decorated in festive lights.
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A Magical Getaway

The festive season at the Fife Arms is a celebration of togetherness. From cherished family moments to laughter shared with friends, neighbours and loved ones, this is a place to slow down, reconnect and savour the joy of being together. Beneath twinkling lights and beautifully adorned trees, every corner of the hotel feels touched by a little festive magic. Spend crisp winter days exploring the snow-dusted hills of Braemar, before returning to the warmth of the hotel, where crackling fires, hot chocolate and the company of loved ones await.

Explore the 47 rooms and suites at the Fife Arms hotel, including our family suites, and get inspired for a winter escape to one of the finest Christmas hotels in Scotland.

The Victorian Fife Arms hotel in the snow, with a river and bridge in the foreground
Snowy mountains in the Scottish Highlands in the pink light of dusk
Two stags eating from a tree in the snow
A mountain hare in the snowy mountains of Scotland
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Winter in the Highlands

Spending Christmas in Scotland means waking to a landscape of quiet wonder. Snow-capped peaks rise above ancient forests, rivers sparkle in the low winter light, and there is nowhere quite like Braemar to experience the magic of it all. From red deer roaming the glens to mountain hares turning white against the snow, wildlife thrives in this remarkable corner of the Cairngorms. Here, the colder months are an invitation to reconnect with the natural world.

A Land Rover beside a white tent in a snowy glen in the Scottish Highlands
A river winding through a snowy landscapes with mountains in the background
A Land Rover with a picnic basket and blanket on its bonnet in a snowy mountain landscape
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Outdoor Adventures

Led by the Fife Arms Ghillies, winter in Braemar is filled with opportunities for outdoor adventure. Their knowledge of the Cairngorms opens the door to experiences that connect guests with the spirit of the Highlands. Whether carving through fresh snow on the slopes, setting out on a guided adventure through the hills or stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the world, the festive season offers an abundance of activities.

Discover all the experiences and excursions the Fife Arms has to offer and start planning your trip.

Three white spa robes hanging on pegs in the sun, each is embroidered with the Fife Arms Hotel logo.
A chair next to a window with a sheepskin throw on the back with a copper bowl of steaming water on the floor.
Three people's feet in front of a lit fire, each person has festive patterned or coloured, cable knit socks on.
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Unwind & Relax

Between festive gatherings and winter adventures, there is pleasure in simply taking a moment for yourself, whether that’s for an hour or an afternoon. Treat yourself, or someone you love, to a restorative treatment in the Albamhor Treatment Rooms, the perfect finishing touch to a luxury Christmas hotel break in Scotland. Afterwards, sip on one of our signature festive cocktails, claim a cosy corner by the fire, and master the art of doing very little at all. At the Fife Arms, winter is as much about unwinding as it is about celebration.

View the available treatments and contact the team to receive personalised guidance and secure your booking.

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Gallery

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Two large armchairs to their backs to a festively lit courtyard. Each chair has a sheepskin rug on the back of it and there is a table positioned between them.
The exterior of the Fife Arms hotel at night, lit up with lights running along the hotel.
The Christmas tree in the lobby at the Fife Arms
Two stags eating from a tree in the snow
A fire burning in a fire pit in the middle of the Fife's courtyard at night.
The Victorian Fife Arms hotel in the snow, with a river and bridge in the foreground
A Swiss fondue hut style setting with a fireplace and tables with red gingham tablecloths and sheepskins on chairs
Mountains at dusk, covered in snow and a pink evening light
A girl hanging a decoration on a Christmas tree
A grand fireplace with windows either side and floral Christmas arrangements on the mantlepiece
A river winding through a snowy landscapes with mountains in the background
A bagpipe player outside of the Fife Arms Hotel at night, the hotel is decorated in festive lights.
The Clunie Dining Room with tables and chairs

    • Is the Fife Arms open over Christmas?

      Yes, The Fife Arms is open over Christmas and celebrates the festive season with a special programme of events and experiences throughout December. Guests can also enjoy a dedicated three-night Highland Christmas stay from 24th-27th December, featuring festive dining, live music, seasonal traditions, and outdoor pursuits in the Cairngorms. 

      For the latest availability and Christmas package details, please contact our reservations team directly. 

    • What's included in a Christmas break at the Fife Arms?

      The Christmas package includes a three-night stay from 24th-27th December, filled with festive food, seasonal traditions and memorable experiences. Highlights include Champagne Afternoon Tea on Christmas Eve, a visit from the Cairngorms reindeer, a candlelit concert, Christmas Day breakfast and four-course lunch, live music, and a choice of outdoor pursuits on Boxing Day.

    • Can I book a shorter Christmas stay?

      The Fife Arms Christmas package is offered as a dedicated three-night stay, designed to include the full programme of festive celebrations and experiences. 

      If you’re looking to stay for different dates or a shorter visit during the festive period, please contact our reservations team who can advise on availability and the options available

    • When should I book Christmas at the Fife Arms?

      It is recommended to book as early as possible, as Christmas stays at the Fife Arms are extremely popular and availability is limited.

    • Is the Fife Arms good for a family Christmas break in Scotland?

      The Fife Arms is the perfect place for a family Christmas break in Scotland. The festive programme includes an abundance of family-oriented events, including live music, games, outdoor activities, and special experiences such as the Cairngorms reindeer parade. Families can spend time together around roaring fires, enjoy festive dining, and explore the Cairngorms while celebrating Christmas in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. 

    • Can I bring my dog at Christmas?

      Yes, dogs are very welcome at the Fife Arms, including during the festive season.

      As some room types and areas of the hotel have specific policies, it is recommended that you let the reservations team know when booking so they can help arrange the most suitable accommodation for you and your dog.

    • Do you serve Christmas Day lunch?

      Yes. Guests staying as part of the Fife Arms Christmas package can enjoy a special four-course Christmas Day lunch in The Clunie Dining Room, along with a celebratory breakfast on Christmas morning. Christmas Day lunch is also available to non-residents in The Flying Stag. 

      Advance booking is highly recommended, as Christmas Day dining is always in high demand.

    • Can I attend Hogmanay without staying?

      Yes. You do not need to be staying at The Fife Arms to enjoy Hogmanay celebrations. Non-residents are welcome to join us for selected Hogmanay events and dining experiences, subject to availability.

    • Will there be snow at Christmas in the Cairngorms?

      While snow is very much possible in the Cairngorms at Christmas, it cannot be guaranteed. Winter weather in the Scottish Highlands is naturally unpredictable, with conditions varying from year to year. Whether covered in snow or simply frosted by crisp winter mornings, the Cairngorms provide a beautiful backdrop for a festive escape, with dramatic scenery and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season outdoors.

© Fife Arms 2026