And it's open ... the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch Aberdeen Christmas Village on Broad Street. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen’s festive season was officially launched today with the sparkling and fun-filled opening of the Christmas Village on Broad Street.
Organised by John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired, the Village will be open throughout the festive period in the lead-up to Christmas, closing on Christmas Day and Boxing Day before re-opening until Sunday 3 January 2027.
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron, opened the Christmas Village alongside Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired. They were joined by panto characters from Aberdeen Arts Centre and Charlie Dog from local charity Charlie House.
The gathered crowds were also treated to a stirring display from the Robert Gordon’s College Pipe Band and dancers.
Adrian Watson said: “Aberdeen ... your Christmas starts here! It was a joy to see so many people at the launch of the Christmas Village tonight. You could tell from all the smiling faces – and the excited children – that the Granite City is ready to get into the festive spirit.
Crowds loved the spectacle of the Robert Gordon's College Pipe Band and Dancers at the Aberdeen Christmas Village opening. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
“I’m sure thousands of visitors will love the delights of the Christmas Village and Curated In The Square, then go on to enjoy the many other attractions of our city centre.”
The Lord Provost said: “There is something truly special about seeing Aberdeen come alive at Christmas, and the Christmas Village brings a wonderful festive sparkle to the heart of our city.
“I hope residents and visitors come along to share in the celebrations, enjoy everything on offer, support our local businesses and producers, and make happy memories with family and friends in the city centre this Christmas.”
All ages will be able to enjoy familiar festive favourites including the ice rink, Helter Skelter, bungy trampolines, and new for this year Freak Out.
Tasty treats can also be found in the Village Food Plaza, featuring local food including Tucan, We Love Crumble and Big Manny’s Pizza.
Alfred Codona, Director at John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs, said: “We are extremely excited about this year's Christmas Village. We are partnering again with Charlie’s House charity for the Curated In the Square market which will be within Marischal Square.
"Local food heroes Big Manny's Pizza, Tucan, Hot Chip and We Love Crumble are also returning for another year. We will also have a selection of rides to suit all age groups and the ever-popular ice rink.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, speaking at the launch of the Aberdeen Christmas Village, which will include the Curated In The Square festive market. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
The popular open-air market, Curated in the Square, will open tomorrow in Marischal Square, and can be found there Friday to Sunday each week, with extended opening hours from Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 December in the run-up to Christmas.
The market will showcase a line-up of locally made gifts, crafts, food and drink, with a variety of stalls changing every weekend. It is run by Charlie House, and last year raised £27,780 for the charity.
John Brebner, CEO of Charlie House, said: “It’s great to see the launch of the Christmas Village including Curated In The Square with a great mix of traders and products on show.
“The market will provide opportunities for local businesses to showcase their unique, handcrafted goods while at the same time raising funds that are crucial in allowing us to provide vital support to families across the North-east of Scotland.”
Visitors and locals can also take part in the Christmas Light-up Trail, which will see 12 festive decorations located across the city centre.
Sparkling fun with some of the rides at the Aberdeen Christmas Village on and around Broad Street. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Two distinctive trees will be located in Union Terrace Gardens and Aberdeen Art Gallery, offering visitors and locals the chance to take seasonal photos, and will create a short Christmas trail between two of the city centre’s most prominent public spaces.
The festivities will continue this Sunday (15 November) with the Aberdeen Christmas Parade, alongside the All Life Chances Santa Fun Run.
The parade will begin at 5.15pm from Albyn Terrace, before heading down Union Street and finishing at Castlegate.
You can find out all about Christmas In Aberdeen, including the Christmas Village and Curated In The Square at Aberdeen Inspired’s website.