A white Christmas has arrived a little bit earlier than usual this year with an extraordinary heavy amount of snow here at Loch Ness and around the country. However, we are still sailing and the scenery is magnificent.
We have clear blue skies and there are lots of families out and about, giving a welcome early holiday feel to the area. If you are planning a festive break, there is lots to do here in the Highlands over the next couple of weeks and into New Year. Here are some of the highlights …
The Winter Wonderland event takes place at Whin Park, next to our summer departure point at Tomnahurich, on the Caledonian Canal.
Santa Claus and his reindeer will be there along with light sculptures, a funfair and many magical moments. It opens on Friday 15th December (6pm to 9pm) and from 4pm to 7pm on the Saturday and Sunday.
Mirror mirror on the wall – yes Snow White is this year’s pantomime at Eden Court Theatre. It’s always a great favourite with young and old. The panto is on until 7th January so you have plenty of time to attend an evening or matinee performance.
To coincide with the pantomime, the Eastgate Centre is hosting a Snow White themed grotto in aid of the Highland Hospice.
Christmas and New Year is also a time for slightly over indulging on food and drink. You can fill your boots at the Farmers’ Market on December 16th at the Eastgate end of Inverness High Street.
You will find the best of Highland produce from scallops, venison, beef, lamb, artisan bread, jams, jellies, chutneys, cheeses, salmon smoked, and organic vegetables. It is also a great place to meet the locals and have a chat and a blether
Not far away is Aviemore and the Cairngorm National Park where you can ski, snowboard, sledge or just take a stroll through Rothiemurchus Forest. Or how about a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway, known as Santa’s Express?
Here at Loch Ness by Jacobite, we are sailing from the Clansman Harbour every day to Urquhart Castle. On board, you can enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. And, if you fancy something a bit stronger, you can have a tipple of local whisky or a beer as you cruise the mighty Loch Ness.
For New Year, the Red Hot Highland Fling is taking place at the Northern Meeting Park. Scotland’s biggest and most spectacular free Hogmanay party is being hosted this year by Scottish comedian Craig Hill and the featured bands include Skippinish and Skerryvore.
If you don’t fancy an outside gig, Rhythm and Reel are playing The Ironworks and also there is Bogmanay, at Bogbain Farm, with Bruce Macgregor, the internationally-renowned fiddler and member of the band Blazing Fiddles.
So, there is no excuse not to join us over the festive period and have a happy time in the snow-covered Highlands.
