Aberdeen’s countdown to Christmas begins next week as festive celebrations return to the city with a host of special events and family attractions that will bring a special sparkle to the Granite City.
Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired and John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs, will officially launch the festive season on Thursday 16 November with the opening of the Christmas Village on Broad Street.
New additions this year include a Ferris Wheel at the Christmas Village and festive lighting in Union Terrace Gardens.
Image credit - Aberdeen City Council
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “This will be an especially glittering festive season in the heart of Aberdeen, with so many unique and exciting events and attractions making the Granite City sparkle even more than it does all year round, bringing thousands of people into the city centre.”
The popular open-air Curated in the Quad market, managed by Charlie House, will return to the quadrangle at Marischal College each weekend (Friday to Sunday). The market will showcase a unique line-up each week of locally produced gifts, crafts, food and drink.
In addition, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a range of festive activities and events across the city, including:
- Christmas Lights Switch-on Parade and Charlie House Santa Run – Sunday 19 November 2023 from 5.15pm
- Christmas Sculpture Trail with interactive QR Code challenge – Friday 1 December 2023 to Sunday 24 December 2023
- Nativity Scene – Monday 4 December 2023 to Friday 5 January 2024
- Carol Concerts – Saturday 16 December 2023
Image credit - Aberdeen City Council
Mr Watson said: “Christmas is all about family and family is at the heart of the fun-filled Aberdeen Christmas Village, with the huge draw of the outdoor skating rink, the new big wheel along with other favourite rides, and the rich offering of food and drink.
“It is also the season for caring and giving and our unique Curated In The Quad festive market at Marischal College embraces that spirit by supporting the vital Charlie House charity, while showcasing the north-east’s finest locals and creatives, offering goods and gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
“This year, Aberdeen is one of very few cities across the country that will offer a Christmas festival of this scale and we hope that people will travel from near and far to enjoy the magical festive atmosphere of a very merry Christmas in Aberdeen City Centre.”
Image credit - Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron, said: “I am looking forward to welcoming back Aberdeen’s Christmas programme and seeing the city lit up with festive cheer.
“The events taking place across the city centre are a great way for people to come together and get in the festive spirit.”
The Lord Provost will lead the lights parade down Union Street and will be joined by the Mayor of Stavanger Mrs Sissel Knudsen Hegdal. The festivities will begin from 5.15pm with the popular Charlie House Santa Run prior to the main parade.
Aberdeen’s Christmas Tree, a 35-foot Norwegian Fir, gifted every year from the city’s twin city of Stavanger in Norway, will be positioned at the Castlegate and lit up as part of the parade.
The Nativity Scene will this year move to the festively lit Union Terrace Gardens, serving as an important reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. The blessing event will take place on Monday 4 December at 10.30am.
Full details of all the events and activities happening over the festive period, including road and traffic restrictions, can be found here.
Image credit - Aberdeen City Council