Hundreds of children from community groups across Aberdeen were treated to a day of open air ice skating, funfair rides and festive fun at Aberdeen Christmas Village’s annual Festive Fun Day.
Around 350 youngsters, their families, teachers and youth workers were invited by village organisers Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired and Codonas to enjoy some Christmas magic in the festive heart of the city centre.
Following a break last year due to the pandemic, the Festive Fun Day returned for the sixth time last week.
Unique to Aberdeen, the inclusive event allows community groups who may find it difficult to access the attraction to visit in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere and enjoy free rides and ice skating.
Among the groups who attended were Powis Community Centre as well as Woodside School and Riverbank School.
Aberdeen City Council culture spokesperson Councillor Marie Boulton said: “It’s wonderful to see the city full of festive cheer and the Festive Fun Day is one of our most important events this year. Seeing so many families get involved this year and having fun is great to see and really emphasises how important this celebration is.
“It’s equally important for everyone to continue to follow Covid-19 guidance to ensure that we can enjoy these events as safely as possible.”
Alfred Codona said: “We are thrilled that we were able to bring the Festive Fun Day back this year. It’s a great opportunity to invite children who wouldn’t be able to visit the Christmas Village under normal circumstances and gives them the chance to spend the afternoon getting into the Christmas spirit.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, added: “The Festive Fun Day is now a well-established annual event and a highlight for many local children and other guests who may not normally have the opportunity to experience Aberdeen Christmas Village.
“The response to the Christmas Village and the Curated in the Quad market at Marischal College has been fantastic and we are pleased to see so many people taking the opportunity to visit the city centre and soak up the atmosphere.
“We are delighted to be able to work with our partners Aberdeen City Council and Codonas to offer the same opportunity to everyone who attended the Festive Fun Day and we hope special festive memories were made.”
All proceeds from the Curated in the Quad market at Aberdeen Christmas Village will go to Charlie House, a local children's charity that aims to improve the quality of life for babies, children and young people in the north-east of Scotland who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and provide support to their families.
The Aberdeen Christmas Village is open up to and including Friday, December 31.