Discover the Magic of Winter in Speyside
While many people flock to Speyside in the warmer months, winter brings a quieter, more magical atmosphere to the region. Snow-dusted landscapes, cosy firesides, and festive events make it an enchanting time to explore—without the crowds. Although distilleries such as Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Glenlivet and The Macallan remain a key draw, winter in Speyside offers so much more, from reindeer encounters to scenic Nordic skiing, and local holiday markets. It’s a true winter wonderland with plenty to see and do.
If distillery tours are your main reason for visiting, please take a look at our previous post Top 10 Distilleries to visit in Speyside which covers our recommendations in more detail. Most distilleries in Speyside still offer tours throughout winter with reduced schedules, so we recommend booking in advance and checking their winter opening hours to make sure that they have availability.
For those looking to add a little extra adventure to their time in North East Scotland, be sure to:
Meet Scotland’s Only Free-Roaming Reindeer Herd
Surprisingly, you don’t need to travel to the North Pole to see reindeer; Speyside offers its own magical encounter just a short drive from Tannochbrae. Nestled in the rugged beauty of the Cairngorms, you’ll find the UK’s only free-roaming herd of Cairngorm Reindeer. These friendly animals are well-accustomed to visitors and make for a fantastic day out, whether you’re looking for a unique photo op or simply want to enjoy the highland scenery. Weather permitting, guided visits up to the herd are available, providing a chance to meet these gentle creatures up close amidst Scotland’s stunning winter landscape.
If you have a love for the great outdoors, you can also be sure to make time in your itinerary for a heathy dose of,
Winter Sports in the Heart of Speyside
While our slopes may not rival the towering Alps, Scotland does offer a variety of unique winter sports experiences. Just a short drive from The Tannochbrae, Huntly’s Nordic Ski and Outdoor Centre provides a base for cross-country skiing and lessons for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. Nearby lays the stunning Forest of Clashindarroch which also hosts more than 10 km of the best cross-country ski routes in the country. As an old target range, it also has the luxury of a few amenities in the forest, which is otherwise rare. For those craving more alpine action, a trip deeper into the Cairngorms brings you to Glenshee and Lecht 2090 Ski Centres which have a range of slopes catering to various skill levels.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, locals have been known to hike up the Conval Hills or Ben Rinnes in Dufftown and ski down their snowy slopes—perfect for those with their own equipment and a taste for off-piste exploration. Whether you’re a beginner or a thrill-seeker, the region offers winter sports to suit every type of adventurer.
If you’d prefer to turn skywards, we are one of the northern hemisphere countries to have front-row seats to:
Northern Lights and Dark Skies: Tomintoul’s Stellar Nights
You don’t have to journey as far as Iceland or Greenland to witness the magic of the Northern Lights—their ethereal dance can sometimes be seen right here in Speyside. For the best viewing spot, head to Tomintoul, a mere 30-minute drive from us here at The Tannochbrae. Tomintoul boasts a designated Dark Sky area, offering clear, unobstructed views of the night sky on crisp winter evenings. If you don’t catch the Northern Lights, you’re still in for a breath-taking display of stars and possibly even the sight of passing comets against a rugged Scottish backdrop.
To make the most of your stargazing, download a Northern Lights app like AuroraWatch UK, which provides alerts and helps track solar activity, so you can be ready when the lights do visit us and put on a show.
While winter is glorious outside, there are also moments that we want to enjoy the indoors, and for that we highly recommend a spot of holiday shopping.
Festive Christmas Markets: Local Charm and Highland Crafts
While bustling Edinburgh might have the most renowned Christmas market scene, our region offers its own unique and delightful festive shopping experiences. A bit further afield, Christmas at Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire creates a magical atmosphere, with local vendors offering culinary treats, plenty of whisky and mulled wine, and beautifully handmade gifts perfect for the season. You’ll find a warm, welcoming experience and an array of exclusive Highland-crafted goods that make ideal souvenirs or presents.
For even more options, head up to Inverness, where the Exclusively Highlands Christmas markets offer an inviting selection of Scottish foods, crafts, and festive cheer. Running during select weekends in November and December, these markets are the perfect spots to pick up unique finds for yourself or loved ones back home, all while soaking up the cosy atmosphere of Scotland’s winter festivities.
The Exclusively Highlands Christmas Market in Inverness, at the Eden Court is on from 10.00 am on the 17th, 29th, 30th November and the 1st December.
If you are interested in more luxury shopping options head over to our other blog post where we cover everything from Shortbread to Cashmere.
If you’re travelling with family this winter, you would be sure to enjoy,
Festive Fun on the Dufftown to Keith Railway
The Dufftown to Keith Railway offers a charming festive experience. Typically operating from April to October, this volunteer-run railway delights locals and visitors alike with special Santa Trains during December. Children will love the magical ride, complete with festive cheer and gifts from Santa himself. The nostalgic journey along this historic line makes for a memorable day out and captures the spirit of a Speyside Christmas in a truly unique way.
After a delightful day exploring distilleries, markets or winter landscapes, you may just prefer:
A Cosy Winter Retreat
For those seeking a relaxing escape, winter is the perfect time to embrace a slower pace and enjoy the warmth indoors. There’s nothing quite like settling down by a crackling open fire, nestled in one of our comfortable Chesterfield sofas, with a dram of your favourite (or new-found) whisky in hand. Share stories, savour the moment with your group, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance as the world outside settles into winter. A stay at The Tannochbrae is an invitation to unwind, connect, and make lasting memories, whether it’s in lively conversation or simply the pleasure of a quiet evening by the fire.
Your Winter Wonderland Getaway in Speyside
Winter in the North East of Scotland has a magic all its own. Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast, a whisky lover, or simply someone who relishes natural beauty, Speyside has something to offer everyone during the festive season. With the quiet, cosy atmosphere of wintertime, the landscape becomes even more breathtaking, especially if snow graces the hills and forests.
If you’re staying with us at The Tannochbrae, we’re here to help you plan a memorable winter getaway. We can advise on restaurants and tours, ahead of time as we do highly recommend planning in advance, as limited tours and dining spots book up quickly through the festive season. Let us help you make the most of your winter escape and visit the region.
For the cosiest winter getaway, be sure to book directly with us to secure your spot—our rooms tend to also fill quickly this time of year. You can Book Direct here, and use the promotional code: Elderflower.
