Aberdeen Christmas Village has been hailed a success. Image - Norman Adams/Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeen Christmas Village has been hailed as “massive gift to the city” after a report showed it was a resounding hit with people over the festive period.
More than 87% of visitors surveyed for an independent report rated the event, which ran for six weeks in November and December last year, as either “good” or “excellent”.
And more than 90% of visitors said the event should be repeated in future, while 88% said their perception of Aberdeen was improved by the Christmas Village, on and around Broad Street, staged in a partnership with Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired and Codona’s.
The village – which included the Curated In The Square festive market in aid of local charity Charlie House - was the epicentre of Christmas in Aberdeen, featuring funfair rides and attractions, local food vendors and local independent traders and creatives, as well as a popular outdoor skating rink.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, the city centre Business Improvement District, said: “I am delighted that the Aberdeen Christmas Village and Curated In The Square have once again been highlighted as a massive gift to the Granite City – one that keeps on giving.
“These two glittering festive events brought so many people into the city centre, gave local traders a much-needed lift and supported the vital work of Charlie House – all while boosting the reputation of Aberdeen city centre.”
Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “It is good to hear the positive response to the Christmas Market, which is organised by Aberdeen City Council with help from partners.
“I am pleased that an independent report showed 87% of people surveyed rated the market as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. “
Thousands of people flocked into the city centre to enjoy the Aberdeen Christmas Village and Curated In The Quad. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Committee convener Councillor Alex Mclellan said: "I am pleased to see the positive response to the 2025 Christmas Village, and we will look forward to building on that success in future years.”
The survey’s findings included:
- 96% of visitors thought that the event should be repeated in future
- 87% of visitors surveyed rated the market as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’
- 88% of visitors from outside the city said that the Christmas Village improved their perception of Aberdeen;
- 82% said they were ‘very likely’ or ‘certain’ to recommend the event to friends and family
- 94% rated the location as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ – up 4% on prior year, with 98% saying that it felt like a safe environment
- 50% said that the Christmas Village was their main reason for visiting the city centre, with 38% visiting the city centre and Christmas Village together – up 15% on prior year indicating stronger integration of the event within the broader city centre
- The average spend per ‘party group’ was £44 across the Christmas Village and city centre – this is £2 less than the previous year, however, spend within the city centre increased by £4
- 83% of city centre businesses surveyed responded that they strongly agreed the Christmas Village helped boost the city centre
- 90% of businesses in the Curated in the Square Market said that the stall was good for their business – this is down 7% on 2024, but perhaps reflects the impact of the change of location
- 100% of businesses in the Curated Market were satisfied with their decision to become stallholders, with 97% willing to return in 2026
Changes made to the Christmas Village in 2025 included moving the Market to Marischal Square due to ongoing works in the Marischal College Quadrangle and this will be the same for 2026. Conversation is ongoing with Marischal Square with regards to using its footprint as per the 2025 event.