Scotland’s answer to Lapland is gearing up for a bumper festive season as Christmas shopping trends move away from material gifts towards experiences and wellbeing.
Research conducted by Censuswide/Aviva in late 2025 revealed that 41% of the 2000 people surveyed planned to gift shared experiences rather than physical items. In younger generations, the trend was found to be even more pronounced, with 59% of millennials choosing experience-based gifts. Similar figures were revealed in what people said they would like to receive.
Now, the Resort is preparing for the 2026 festive season with several key additions including the option to enjoy a two-night Santa Weekend as well as the traditional three-night break format.
The special weekends in November and December give guests the chance to step into an enchanted world of fun winter activities and adventures for all the family to enjoy together. From exclusive entertainment including this year’s pantomime: “Cinderella,” festive dining experiences, and leisure facilities, the weekends also allow guests to enjoy Christmas shopping on-site and in the surrounding village, discounted entry to the nearby Aviemore Ice Rink and the chance to meet the UK’s only free-range reindeer herd.
The Resort will also end the year in style thanks to a Hogmanay gala and four-course feast in the Osprey Arena starring the internationally acclaimed Red Hot Chilli Pipers who will ensure a high-octane start to 2027.
Commenting on plans for the 2026 festive season, Macdonald Aviemore Resort managing director Gareth Bevan, said: “Our decision to offer two-night breaks as well as three-night breaks will open up our Santa Weekends to an even wider audience, and we anticipate a bumper season on the back of the addition of this flexible option.
“Life is really busy for most people all year so it’s important that we open up the opportunity for as many families as possible to come together for a multi-generational break, make festive memories and give the gift of time in the heart of the Cairngorms.”
He added: “Our team is very proud of the Christmas traditions that have been created on the Resort and in the local area, and we look forward to welcoming guests for a spot of Highland hospitality this year.”
To find out more, visit https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/aviemore/venue/christmas