SCOTLAND’s best loved family resort Crieff Hydro has revealed details of its “biggest Winter Wonderland ever”, with more than 10,000 people expected to descend on the Perthshire hotel this Christmas.
The iconic resort has unveiled its full programme of festive events, which will see the hotel’s grounds transformed into a yuletide extravaganza from 25 November to 6 January 2024.
Complete with an impressive 200 sq-metre ice skating rink, fairground rides, Santa’s Grotto and reindeer experience, the wonderland is set to be a sell out with over 12,000 tickets sold so far.
Stephen Leckie, CEO and chairman of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “We are already delighted with the response to what is set to be the biggest Winter Wonderland that Crieff Hydro has ever seen.
“Ticket sales have been selling thick and fast, and as a result the wonderland is firmly on track to be one of the best Christmas events in Scotland this year.
“This is the first time we have introduced a real ice rink at Crieff, and we are delighted to welcome the return of Santa and his reindeer for families to spend time with ahead of Christmas Day.
“What’s more, our fairground rides and festive food stalls are the perfect accompaniments to what is set to be a truly unforgettable experience for families this Christmas.”
As well as the huge range of activities on offer, this year will also see the return of the legendary Crieff Hydro Christmas Pantomime, with theatre company TF Productions presenting their spin on the classic fairytale Cinderella.
Stephen added: “No festive season is complete without a trip to the panto, and we’re thrilled to be working with TF Productions to bring a contemporary twist to this much-loved story to the stage.
“It has got everything from side-splitting laughs, witty banter and heartwarming moments – it is not one to be missed.”
Alongside the Winter Wonderland at Crieff Hydro, the hotel’s sister company Highland Safaris has also unveiled details of its Christmas Experience, which is set to run every Saturday and Sunday from 2 – 24 December 2023.
Visitors will get the chance to come face-to-face with Britain’s largest native mammal – the red deer – in a 45-minute ranger-led trail, before taking part in a Christmas treasure hunt and enjoying an audience with Santa at the Winter Grotto.
Richard Leckie of Highland Safaris said: “Our Christmas Experience is hugely popular among visitors from Aberfeldy and beyond.
“We can’t wait to welcome them back for this truly magical experience.”
Tickets for the Crieff Hydro Winer Wonderland start from as little as £3. To find out more, visit: www.crieffhydro.com/events/winter-wonderland-2023
Tickets for the Christmas Experience at Highland Safaris start from £15 per adult. To book, visit: www.highlandsafaris.net/christmas-experience
In addition, Peebles Hydro have announced their very own Santa’s Grotto experience where they will be welcoming Santa to the famous Scottish Borders hotel from Sunday 3 December.
Tickets for the Santa’s Grotto Experience at Peebles Hydro start from £9.50 per child. To book, visit: www.itison.com/Dundee/events/santa-s-grotto-experience-at-peebles-hydro-hotel-6