When it comes to Christmas breaks with extended family or friends in Scotland, few experiences rival the magic of an exclusive use mansion in the heart of the Scottish highlands. At Candacraig, we offer the ultimate festive experience, a 17th-century baronial mansion that sleeps 24 guests in complete privacy located in Britain's largest national park, The Cairngorms. Our historic mansion combines 400 years of heritage with modern comfort, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your festive celebrations and a remarkable setting.
Why Choose Exclusive Use Properties in Scotland for the Festive Season?
Choosing an Exclusive use venue in Scotland provides something truly special during the festive season. Unlike hotels or shared accommodations, booking an entire estate means your group enjoys complete privacy, flexibility, and the freedom to celebrate exactly as you wish.
At Candacraig, exclusive use means:
Complete privacy across 12 beautifully appointed bedrooms
Flexibility to create your own festive schedule
No strangers sharing your personal celebration
Personalised experiences tailored to your group
Space for everyone with room to gather and retreat
Our Accommodation
Candacraig sleeps up to 24 guests across 12 bedrooms, each with private bathrooms although it is just as perfect for smaller groups or families due to the bedroom layouts. Our flexible room configurations include super king beds (convertible to twins if desired), kings, and doubles, perfect for families, friend groups, or corporate retreats.
Our accommodation brochure allows you to view each bedroom detail and customise room setups to suit your group's exact needs.
Traditional Highland Christmas
Imagine Christmas morning in your own Highland mansion, with:
A warm and welcoming drawing room with a dramatic open fire, where biomass heating creates the perfect cosy atmosphere for festive gift exchanges
Beautiful snow-dusted views across the Cairngorms
Tartan clad dining room to relax and enjoy a Christmas feast cooked by a private chef
A games room with a full-size snooker table for family/ friend tournaments
A walk in the Victorian walled garden to work off your festive meal
Every Christmas booking at Candacraig includes:
Fully staffed including butler service
Luxury Aesop toiletries in all bathrooms
Complimentary access to over 100 single malt whiskies or Scottish gins in our Whisky Library
Variety of unlimited soft and hot drinks
Fresh fruit and snacks
Expert-Led Whisky Tastings
Enjoy a guided whisky tasting from one of our expert tutors. Hear the history and taste the flavours of Scotland's finest single malts, the perfect way to celebrate another wonderful year.
Winter Activities
Wrap up warm with your woolies and venture outdoors for some highland adventure, whatever the weather! The Cairngorms in winter offers:
Onsite & Nearby Experiences
Guided whisky, gin, and champagne tastings (onsite)
Clay shooting for groups
4x4 winter safaris through snowy landscapes
Hiking on crisp winter trails
Fishing in Highland lochs
Bushcraft experiences
All activities are coordinated with expert local providers and outdoor experiences are weather dependent.
Corporate Retreats in Scotland: End-of-Year Team Gatherings
Candacraig is ideal for corporate retreat bookings during the festive season. Many companies choose us for:
Executive offsite meetings in inspiring surroundings
Team-building activities in the Cairngorms
Year-end celebrations with privacy and prestige
Strategic planning sessions away from office distractions
Client entertainment in an unforgettable setting
How to get here
Candacraig is located in Cairngorms National Park, easily accessible from:
Aberdeen Airport (1 hour)
Inverness Airport (1.5 hours)
Edinburgh Airport (2.5 hours)
Whether you're planning a family gathering in Scotland for Christmas, searching for New Year's Eve party houses in Scotland, or organising a corporate retreat to close out the year, Candacraig offers unmatched exclusivity, luxury, and Highland charm.
Ready to celebrate in one of Scotland's most exclusive settings? Contact us today to check availability for Christmas and Hogmanay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many guests can Candacraig accommodate for Christmas? A: We sleep up to 24 guests across 12 bedrooms, all with private bathrooms but are equally well set up for a small group of 6 guests.
Q: Is catering included for festive bookings? A: We partner with excellent external chefs who can create bespoke festive menus. Catering is arranged separately from accommodation.
Q: What's included in the exclusive use rate? A: Fully staffed including butler service, complimentary whisky library (100+ single malts), Aesop toiletries, unlimited drinks and snacks, and full access to the estate and facilities.
Q: Can we bring children for Christmas? A: Absolutely! Our flexible room configurations work perfectly for multi-generational family gatherings.
Q: How far in advance should we book for a festive stay? A: The Festive period is one of our busiest times of the year. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible, but we are always open to discussing late availability.