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Christmas Village Aerial Credit Glen Cairns Photography smaller

Aberdeen Christmas Village is set to burst back into life this festive season. Image - Glen Cairns Photography.

The sparkling line-up for Aberdeen’s Christmas celebrations has been unveiled – including a glittering new light trail and a bigger and better Curated In The Quad festive market.

Also in the exciting mix will be the hugely popular Aberdeen Christmas village with a host of family-friendly attractions plus food and drink stalls; the traditional and much-loved Christmas Parade and lights switch-on - and Union Terrace Gardens will shine with festive lights.

The Christmas In Aberdeen programme – staged by Aberdeen City Council, Codona’s and Aberdeen Inspired – aims to transform the Granite City into a Winter Wonderland, starting from Thursday, November 14 when the Christmas Village and new Christmas Light-up Trail will burst into life.

The new trail will see 12 light features located across the city centre, with families able to discover them all while taking some fabulous Christmas selfies.

MC Quad Stall 2022 Credit Aberdeen Inspired

Curated In The Quad will feature festive stalls with local traders and creatives. Image - Aberdeen Inspired

Here are some dates for your diary:

  • Aberdeen Christmas Village – Thursday 14 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024
  • Christmas Light-up Trail – Thursday 14 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024
  • Curated in the Quad Christmas Market at Marischal College – Weekends only (Friday to Sunday) from 15 November to 22 December 2024
  • Aberdeen Christmas Parade and Charlie House Santa Run – Sunday 17 November 2024
  • Nativity Scene – Monday 2 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025 (Blessing Event: 2 December)
  • Carol Concerts – Saturday 14 December, David Welch Winter Gardens, Duthie Park

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “As the song says, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year – and Aberdeen’s Christmas celebrations are among the most wonderful in the country. After all, last year’s Aberdeen Christmas Village was ranked the fifth best in the UK.

“I have no doubt this year’s will be just as sparkling, thrilling and magical – all the elements that make Christmas in Aberdeen so special.

“Adding to that will be the unique Curated In The Quad festive market – 50% bigger than last year - that will showcase the finest producers and creatives in the north-east, raise money for the vital work of Charlie House, all while bringing thousands of people into the city centre to boost local shops, bars, restaurants and businesses."

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Christmas will be sparkling in Aberdeen. Image - Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron said: “The festive events that will be taking place across the city are always so well received and I enjoy seeing all ages enjoying what the city has to offer.

“Each year the events taking place offer something for everyone and it is always great to see families out enjoying the festivities. It also encourages more people to come into the city centre and visit local businesses.”

Ian Littlewood, Codona’s Operations Director, said: “We are really excited about the event this year. The new layout and huge number of extra stalls at the Curated in the Quad Christmas Market is going to look spectacular.”

The Aberdeen Christmas Parade will feature a new route this year due to closures on Union Street Central. The Parade will begin as normal at Albyn Place and turn onto Union Terrace before finishing at His Majesty’s Theatre.

All events are subject to planning and licensing permission. Full details of the Christmas in Aberdeen events will be announced shortly via the Aberdeen City Council website.