Castles At Christmas
Roaring fires, medieval halls, glorious gardens, choirs… and Santa
JUST as a dog is not just for Christmas, Aberdeenshire’s castles aren’t just for the summer! Some provide their own festivities so if you want to escape the city for the countryside, Christmas is never far away.
Drum Castle, near Drumoak a few miles north-east of Banchory, have organised their own Christmas festival for the past 25 years, since its acquisition by the National Trust for Scotland.
“It is likely that the Holly Fest, as it is traditionally known, has gone on long before that,” says the castle’s Aiden Mcaleese. “The name comes from the connection between the Irvines of Drum and the holly tree, which features on the coat of arms.
“Drum prides itself on a lived-in, family atmosphere in which the history of the Irvine family takes centre stage. This is something the National Trust has been keen to put at the forefront of visitor experience at the castle, so a warm, welcoming Christmas event lends itself very well.
“This year, the castle’s historic interior is given over to Exclusively Highlands whose exhibitors and stallholders will be selling a great variety of unique and bespoke crafts and festive food.
“Local horticultural nurseries will be supporting us this year with holly wreaths and other Christmas decorations, keeping that all-important holly tradition alive and well.
“Youngsters can meet Drum’s very own Christmas Fairy and send their Christmas wishes by special balloon delivery to Father Christmas.”
The Drum Festival runs from December 8-9. Santa’s going to be a busy man as he also has a few appointments to keep at Crathes Castle. Over the weekends of December 15 and 21, the great hall will be decked out as Santa’s grotto. While children can line up to collect their presents on both these dates, the Christmas Eve event is that bit special.
“Each family have the hall to themselves for the duration of their 10-minute slot, and they are served hot chocolate and other refreshments before going in to see Santa,” says Kyla Hislop, visitor services supervisor.
“We invite children to write and send their very own letter to Santa. He’ll be very happy to see what’s on the list and answer any questions.
“Cheeky elves will be on hand to take photographs, capturing this very special moment. When it’s time to say