Things to do in Inverness in winter
Things to do in Inverness in winter 2026/27
Looking for things to do in Inverness this winter? You’ve picked a magical season to visit. Snow-capped landscapes, glistening Loch Ness waters, and soaring pine trees make Inverness, Scotland, in winter a sight to behold. At the Kingsmills Hotel, our Winter Warmer breaks provide the perfect excuse to visit our historic city. So, here’s our guide to the best Inverness things to see and do this winter.
Winter walks
No matter the season, the breathtaking scenery around Inverness is amazing to behold. However, winter adds an extra bit of magic to an already magical setting. On the coldest days, a blanket of glistening snow or frost covers the landscapes. Take a look at our favourite local walks, spot some winter wildlife, and soak up the glittering surroundings. From the spectacular Glen Affric to the peaceful Ness Islands, you’re spoiled for choice.
And afterwards, there’s nothing better than thawing out with a hot drink. Conveniently, the Kingsmills Hotel sits just a short stroll from Inverness city centre.
Top things to do in Inverness: Winter festivals
There’s more to Inverness in winter than wildlife and scenic wilderness. In fact, the city hosts winter festivals and events to rival their summer counterparts. Sure, the days are shorter. But with the annual Christmas, Hogmanay, and Burns Night celebrations, the 2026/27 festival line-up looks bright indeed. Staying centrally makes it easy to enjoy every event, too. Consequently, many festival-goers base themselves at the Kingsmills Hotel and simply wander home when the celebrations wind down.
Warming whiskies
Winter is chilly! It is winter after all. But nothing warms you up more than a wee dram after coming in from the cold. In winter, whisky takes on a life of its own. The Kingsmills Hotel’s Whisky Bar stocks one of the largest selections of famous single malt whiskies in Inverness. So, after a frosty day exploring, there’s no place warmer or more welcoming.
Furthermore, a guided tour at one of our local whisky distilleries reveals how this famous drink is made. There will be plenty of opportunities to try a wee dram along the way, too. The closest distilleries to Inverness are Uilebheist, Tomatin, and Glen Ord, but many more sit dotted around the Highlands.
Christmas shopping: things to do in Inverness this winter
What would winter be without a festive Christmas shop? Inverness has fabulous options for seasonal shopping, and every Christmas shop in Inverness feels merrier with frost in the air. The Eastgate Shopping Centre and The Victorian Market are perfect stops for all those Christmas pressies. While you’re there, check out the Victorian Market’s refurbished Market Hall for a rest stop and some delicious refreshments. If you need stocking filler ideas, local fairs and markets stock beautiful Highland arts and crafts. And after the festivities pass, there’s always a bargain to grab in the January sales!
The Cairngorms in winter
The magnificent Cairngorms sit only a 30-minute drive from Inverness. Here, you can access a range of thrilling winter snow sports, including skiing and snowboarding. The Cairngorms in winter also attract walkers and mountaineers from across the UK. In fact, of all the Inverness things to do in winter, a Cairngorms day trip might top the list. Afterwards, the Kingsmills Hotel’s hot tub awaits your tired legs.
Guided winter walks and skills courses
Fancy something more adventurous? Guided winter walks in the Highlands let you experience the mountains safely, whatever your experience level. For example, Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre, sits in the heart of the Cairngorms. A winter skills course Cairngorms style covers ice axe and crampon technique, winter navigation, and avalanche awareness. Beginners are welcome on introductory courses, and you can even borrow technical kit on site. As a result, a Cairngorms winter adventure is far more accessible than many visitors expect.
Festive pantomime at Eden Court
Oh yes, you shall go to the ball! The Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, pantomime returns for 2026/27 with Cinderella, the most magical rags-to-riches tale of them all. Expect side-splitting slapstick, dazzling musical numbers, and plenty of audience participation for the whole family. The Eden Court Theatre pantomime runs in the Empire Theatre from 2nd December 2026 to 3rd January 2027. Each performance lasts around two hours and ten minutes, including the interval. Afterwards, the Kingsmills Hotel is only a few minutes away by car for a post-show treat.
Festive celebrations at the Kingsmills Hotel
Here at the Kingsmills Hotel, we celebrate Christmas and Hogmanay in style. There’s a choice of festive lunches, afternoon teas, live band nights, and disco party nights. Dining events run on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, too. Then, on Hogmanay, we host the hottest Hooley in Inverness, dancing to the wee sma’ hours at our Hogmanay Gala Dinner. However you fancy celebrating, take a look at this year’s festive brochure.
Winter attractions and activities
A few tours and attractions close over the winter months, so always check winter openings before you visit. That said, so many things to do in Inverness, Scotland, run all year round. Some of our favourites include Loch Ness by Jacobite, Fort George, Culloden Battlefield, and the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Because they all sit within easy reach of the Kingsmills Hotel, you can pack plenty into even a short break.
Fitness and wellness: things to do in Inverness this winter
After all that partying, our thoughts naturally turn to health and well-being in the new year. Take a look at our ideas for an Inverness Wellness break. For instance, you could get out in nature or let off steam with outdoor activities in the Highlands. Back at the Kingsmills Hotel, the pool, steam room, and spa treatments round off a restorative Inverness winter escape perfectly.
There’s no better time to start planning your trip, because there are so many great things to do in Inverness this winter! Book your stay with us today. Call us on 01463 237 166 or contact us here for more information.
There’s no better time to start planning your trip. There are so many great things to do in Inverness this winter! Book your stay with us today. Call us on 01463 237 166 or contact us here for more information.
Things to do in Inverness in Winter: FAQs
Yes, Inverness in winter offers snowy Highland scenery, whisky distilleries, festive celebrations, and year-round attractions like Loch Ness cruises and Culloden Battlefield, all with fewer crowds than summer.
The Eden Court Theatre pantomime for 2026/27 is Cinderella, running in the Empire Theatre from 2nd December 2026 to 3rd January 2027, with slapstick, musical numbers, and family-friendly audience participation.
Yes, the Cairngorms offer skiing and snowboarding around 30 minutes from Inverness, while Glenmore Lodge runs introductory winter skills courses covering ice axe, crampon, and navigation basics, with kit available to borrow.
Inverness celebrates Hogmanay with events across the city, while the Kingsmills Hotel hosts its own Hogmanay Gala Dinner with dinner and dancing into the early hours.
Many do, including Loch Ness by Jacobite, Fort George, and the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, although it’s always worth checking winter opening times before you visit.
The Kingsmills Hotel sits a short stroll from Inverness city centre and offers Winter Warmer breaks, a Whisky Bar, a pool, and spa treatments, making it a cosy base for exploring the Highlands in winter.
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