Join us in celebrating the magic of the festive season with a weekend full of cheer, creativity and community spirit from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th December. From hands-on workshops, delicious dinner to concert, choirs and Father Christmas himself, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Wander between the Fife Arms, St Margaret’s, the Highland Games Pavilion and the Village Hall to soak up the atmosphere and taste local flavours. Read on for the full programme of events and make this Christmas one to remember!
Friday 12th December
10am - 1pm Festive Band Weaving Workshop, Highland Games Pavilion, £60pp
Learn to Weave a Christmas band/ribbon for decoration or to tie a special present. (Time for you amongst the Christmas chaos!)
1.30pm - 3.30pm Yuletide Workshop (Glass Baubles), Fog House at The Fife Arms, Free
Contact the Fife Arms to book
7pm - 11pm Festival Dinner by Fish Shop, Highland Games Pavilion, £60pp
Join us for the Festival Dinner by Fish Shop Ballater at the Highland Games Pavilion, starting at 7pm for a 7:30pm dinner. Enjoy an arrival drink before sitting down to a carefully prepared three-course meal. A paying bar will be available throughout the evening. After dinner, relax to the smooth, easy-listening music of Kim Anderson and Kyle Willox.
Saturday 13th December
10am - 1pm Fresh Christmas Wreath Making, Highland Games Pavilion, £80pp
All the goodies to make a wild natural festive wreath for your front door! Foraged and home grown foliages and textures with details such as dried fruit and flowers, little bells, and velvet ribbons.
1.30pm - 3pm Christmas Wine Tasting: Fruit of the Vine - Work of Human Hands, Highland Games Pavilion, £42pp
Join us for a journey around the world of wine —featuring favourite varietals, signature styles, and a few surprises along the way.
We’re delighted to collaborate with L’Art du Vin, who are generously offering tasting guests an exclusive 12% discount on their full online range. It’s a fantastic opportunity to stock up on top-quality wines delivered straight to your door.
Book a place for the wine tasting here
2pm - 3pm Family Garland Workshop, Highland Games Pavilion, £12pp
Suitable for age 5 up with an adult helper taking part too.
We will make wonderful decorative garlands to decorate our houses or trees. Using simple techniques with twine and wire, lots of fun natural elements like pine cones, dried fruit and flowers as well as fun details of ribbons and bells. Older children can learn to make pine needle tassels for their garlands as well (If you have under 5s they are free but it may be a bit fiddly for them.. be prepared to get making!)
4pm - 6pm A Celebration of Christmas Concert, St Margaret’s, £12pp (children free!)
St Margaret’s is delighted to once again host its much-loved Traditional Christmas Concert on Saturday, 13th December, beginning at 4:00pm.
This year’s concert features a wonderful lineup, including performances by Aberdeen City Music School, Ellie McLaren, Kim Anderson and Kyle Willox, Braemar Primary School, and Wheesht!
There will also be plenty of opportunities for everyone to join in and sing along to classic festive favourites — the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Come and celebrate the season with us — we can’t wait to see you there!
Book your concert tickets here
5.30pm Balnault Farm Hog Roast, Outside St Margaret’s
7pm Kim Anderson and Kyle Willox, Flying Stag at The Fife Arms, FREE
Sunday 14th December
10am - 2pm - Horse and Carriage rides, FREE
10am - 12noon/12.30pm - 2pm - Santa will be wandering throughout the festival, spreading cheer and a touch of Christmas magic—so keep an eye out and be sure to say hello!
10am - 2pm Ghillie’s Larder, St Margaret’s
10am - 2pm Ghillie’s Tipple, Highland Games Pavilion
10am - 2pm Christmas Fair, Village Hall
11am Wheesht! Choir, St Margaret’s
11.45am Wheesht! Choir, Village Hall
12.30pm Wheesht! Choir, Highland Games Pavilion
3pm Mulled Wine with Finale with members of the Simpson Singers, Fog House at the Fife Arms, FREE