Aberdeen Christmas Village has won positive feedback from visitors. Image - Glen Cairns/Visit Aberdeenshire
Organisers of the hugely-popular Aberdeen Christmas Village are delighted by the “incredible feedback” from visitors to one of the biggest and best festive celebrations in Scotland.
The glittering village wrapped up on Hogmanay after six-weeks at Broad Street, offering attractions ranging from the debut of a new Ferris wheel to the return of the popular ice rink, along with food and drink stalls.
Organised by John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired, the village – along with the Curated in the Quad festive market – attracted thousands of people into the city centre.
Ian Littlewood, operations director for Codona’s, said: “The feedback we have received from visitors at the event has been incredible. The new Ferris wheel has without question been one of the busiest rides at the fair this year.
“Also, our new Aberdeen Christmas Village letters, giant Teddy bear and Christmas bauble decorations have been a huge hit, with groups of friends and family sometimes even queuing for photos and selfies next to them.”
Curated In The Quad festive market was a showcase for north-east producers and creatives. Image - Aberdeen Inspired.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said he was delighted that the Aberdeen Christmas Village had brought so much joy and fun to thousands of visitors who flocked to the hugely popular attraction over the past six weeks.
“Once again, the glittering Aberdeen Christmas Village has been at the heart of the Granite City’s festive season,” he said. “I am delighted that early feedback from a survey of visitors has been overwhelmingly positive about how much they enjoyed the Village.
“It was a real pleasure to see so many people having so much fun at all the attractions on offer – including the special atmosphere of the Curated in the Quad festive market which showcased the finest producers and creatives in the north-east, while raising an amazing £24,500 for Charlie House.
Aberdeen Christmas Village brought colour and fun to the heart of the Granite City. Image - Glen Cairns/Visit Aberdeenshire
“I think we can safely say that Aberdeen had one of the biggest and best celebrations in Scotland this year – after all, the Village was ranked the fifth-best festive market in the UK for 2023. I have no doubt it will have attracted thousands of people into the city centre, boosting local shops, bars, restaurants, and businesses.”
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, was also full of praise for this year’s Christmas In Aberdeen.
He said: “The events that have taken place throughout the festive period have been fantastic and it has been wonderful to see so many people coming together and enjoying what our city has to offer.
“From the Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade to Christmas Village and Curated in the Quad market, there has been something for all ages to enjoy. I was particularly delighted to see families exploring Union Terrace Gardens newly lit up with festive cheer.”
Union Terrace Gardens looked delightful with the new festive lights in place. Image - Glen Cairns/Visit Aberdeenshire
Meanwhile, Mr Littlewood said there had been an emphasis on even more local food and drink collaborations at the Christmas Village this year, which had proved popular with visitors, while stall holders said they have been extremely pleased with trading.
He said: “We have been delighted to work and support so many local companies in the market and the village. These included local whisky distillery Glen Garioch, local gin distillery The House Of Botanicals and local food operators Smoke & Soul, Angus & Oink, Cookie Cult, Big Mannys’ Pizza and, The Vegan Bay Bakery to name but a few.”
Local food producers agreed the Aberdeen Christmas Village had been a feast for them.
Callum Wright, director of Big Mannys’, said: “We were delighted to be included in this year’s Christmas Village and it’s great to see Codona’s taking public feedback on board and improving the market year on year - with this year seeing them have a particular focus on supporting local businesses and offering local products to market-goers on their food stalls.
“It has been fantastic exposure for our brand, and we've been amazed at the sheer volume of Detroit Style Slices we've slung out of our hut on Broad Street over the month! The feedback has been fantastic, and customers have definitely enjoyed seeing products from not just ourselves but other popular local brands such as Smoke & Soul and Cookie Cult.”