A Merry Guide to Festive Glencoe
If you’re joining us in Glencoe over the festive season, we’ve put together this handy little guide for those staying in the area between 23rd December and 3rd January. Below, you’ll find useful details on everything from local restaurant hours and church services to handy tips on shops and seasonal activities.
Glencoe takes on a slower, more serene rhythm at this time of year, with many local businesses closing to enjoy the festivities. The gentler pace adds an extra touch of magic to the landscape, but it also means you’ll want to book any restaurants or taxis well in advance.
Here’s a list of local taxi companies: Alistair Taxi – 01855 811136, Glencoe Taxi – 01588 811764, Kinlochleven Taxi – 074705 82120 or West Highland Taxi – 01855 831495.
Something you can always rely on is the glorious great outdoors as it never takes a holiday! The glen is spectacular in winter, making it the perfect time to explore our favourite local walks or if you’re feeling brave, you can take a refreshing dip in icy open water. We’re also ideally situated between two fantastic ski resorts (Glencoe Mountain Resort & Nevis Range), both open daily throughout the season (except Christmas Day). And if the cold isn’t quite your style, you’re in luck: our Wilderness Sauna will be warm and welcoming throughout the entire festive season.
First things first, FOOD!
Let’s start with the big one: Christmas Day! If you’re dreaming of a traditional Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, these nearby favourites will be serving on the day itself, each within walking distance of the Woodlands Estate:
Fish Restaurant at Ballachulish Hotel (now fully booked on Christmas Day), Loch View Restaurant at the Loch Leven Hotel (15-minute walk) and Lochside Restaurant at the Onich Hotel (30-minute walk).
Top tip: Christmas Day tables disappear faster than mince pies at a family gathering, so book early! The good news? All three are happily dog friendly.
Kitchen Food Truck & Clubhouse Bar
Our on-site gourmet Food Truck will be open daily from 8am – midday and 5pm – 8pm (but closed 25th, 26th & 1st January). Expect hearty breakfast rolls in the morning & tasty local dishes in the evening. The Clubhouse Bar is open 1pm – 9pm daily (closed Christmas Day), serving local beers, whiskies, gins & handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy them fireside or if you’re staying with us, take them back to your lodge. Dog friendly, of course.
Loch View Restaurant at Loch Leven Hotel
Just a 15-minute stroll away, this relaxed candlelit spot serves lovely local produce and has a brilliant whisky and gin selection. Open daily 5.30pm – 8pm and dog friendly.
Lochside Restaurant at Onich Hotel
A short drive or scenic walk (around 30-minutes) brings you to the Lochside Restaurant with beautiful views (sunset is particularly dreamy). Expect modern Scottish favourites daily from 6pm – 8.30pm. Dog friendly.
The Holly Tree
A cosy winter favourite offering fresh seafood and seasonal dishes in a warm, nautical setting. Open 5.30pm – 8pm, but closed 24th, 25th & 26th. Dog friendly!
The Laroch
This traditional local pub serves up dishes prepared by its Michelin-Star Chef owner! Open Wednesday Sunday from 6pm–8pm (closed 25th & 26th December). Dog friendly.
The Clachaig Inn
A Highland icon just a ten minute drive away. Think hearty meals, local ales, live music and a classic Scottish welcome. Closed through December but it will reopen on 27th, serving food from 5.30pm – 8.30pm. Dog friendly!
Church Services
For many visitors, attending a local Christmas service is a lovely way to soak up the community spirit of the season. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly gathering, a peaceful candlelit service or a traditional Christmas Day celebration, here are some nearby options to help you plan ahead.
Church of Scotland
St Mary’s in Glencoe: Family Christingle Service at 4pm on Christmas Eve.
St Andrew’s Church in Fort William: Midnight Mass at 11.45pm on Christmas Eve.
St Paul’s in Kinlochleven: Christmas Day Eucharist at 11am.
Catholic Church
St Mun’s in Ballachulish: Christmas Day Service at 10am.
St. Mary’s in Fort William: Christmas Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve at 6pm.
Local Shops
The Co-op in Ballachulish Village (just a 5-minute drive away) will be open throughout the festive period (except Christmas Day). It’s the best spot for topping up on essentials, last-minute ingredients or a few extra snacks to see you through cosy evenings.
New Year’s Day Dooks
Fancy kicking off the New Year with a refreshing dip? The largest “dook” in the area is held in Glenfinnan (45-minute drive). Enjoy a lovely walk around this incredible village, then join the brave crowd as they plunge into Loch Shiel at midday!
Hogmanay in the Highlands
New Year’s Eve, better known as Hogmanay, is a major celebration in the Highlands, and Glencoe is no exception. While the festive period tends to slow the pace of village life, Hogmanay is the glorious exception: a lively, late-night burst of music, food and cheer that carries on well into the wee small hours. Most local restaurants and bars will be open, many offering special menus, live entertainment and a warm Highland welcome as everyone gathers to see in the New Year.
Here in the Glencoe and Ballachulish area, several favourites will be hosting Hogmanay celebrations. The Holly Tree, The Laroch, The Clachaig, and Roam West all plan to ring in the bells with dinner, drinks and music. These events are extremely popular, so be sure to book your table well in advance.
If you’re keen to dive deeper into the Highland music scene, you’ll also find live performances throughout the festive week. The Clachaig Inn runs nightly live music at 9pm from 27th December right through into the New Year. A brilliant way to enjoy local talent! For bigger events, two major concerts are happening beyond Glencoe:
Mànran at The Corran Halls, Oban on 1st January at 8pm.
Skerryvore and Friends at the Nevis Centre in Fort William on Friday 2nd January at 7pm
