The Countdown is on to the Aberdeen Winter Festival!
21 November 2016
With just days to go until the Aberdeen Winter Festival is in full swing with the opening of the Aberdeen Christmas Village, we take a look at what's to come and get excited at the prospect of delicious hot chocolate, festive cheer, shopping and entertainment all winter long!
Aberdeen Christmas Village
Union Terrace
Friday 25 November 2016 – Sunday 8 January 2017
Christmas is the time of year to spend with friends and family. Why not plan a trip with your loved ones to the fabulously festive Aberdeen Christmas Village?
The 2016 Christmas Village is bigger and better! The village includes a larger open-air ice rink, there will be double the number of market stalls, plus the return of the fairground rides and entertainment marquee!
This year’s larger ice rink is made from real ice, glide around the outdoor rink situated across from the Central Library. Non-skaters can keep warm and enjoy refreshments on offer in the village while watching those on the ice.
Children will love the Helter Skelter, cups and saucers and Christmas Carousel while the adults can release their inner child and test their nerve on the Bomber thrill ride.
Soak up the atmosphere and take a break from the shops with some traditional snacks and drinks.
Head to the array of festive market stalls for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers for friends and family.
Enjoy performances in the entertainment marquee including live music and comedy.
Christmas Tree Switch On
Castlegate
Thursday 24 November 2016 at 7pm
Our twin town of Stavanger in Norway has once again kindly donated a magnificent Christmas tree. A short carol service will be held at the Castlegate prior to the switch-on, where the Lord Provost of Aberdeen and the Deputy Mayor of Stavanger Bjørg Tysdal Moe will light up the beautiful spruce. She will be accompanied by this year’s artist of Stavanger, Ms. Hanne Vasshus.
Lighting of Marischal College
Broad Street
Thursday 24th November 2016
See Aberdeen’s most iconic building illuminated for the winter period in traditional festive colours. Christmas trees will brighten Broad Street while Littlejohn Street will see the much-loved leopard in his favourite spot on the grassy mound.
Why not visit Marischal College after you’ve seen the Christmas Tree donated by our twin city Stavanger, at the Castlegate.
Twelve Days of Christmas Trail
Various city centre locations
Thursday 24 November – throughout December 2016
Local chainsaw wood carver, Garry Shand has been commissioned to create 12 unique wooden totem pole sculptures based on the theme of the popular carol The Twelve Days of Christmas. Located across the city centre, this mini-trail is sure to be a popular challenge for all ages.
Christmas Tree Maze
Union Terrace Gardens
Friday 25 November – Saturday 31 December 2016 (Closed Christmas Day)
Prepare to get lost in the magical Christmas Tree Maze. A joy for children and adults alike – can you make your way to the elves workshop and back? When you enter the maze, pick up a word card and collect stamps on your way around the maze, which when completed spells a festive word. Ticket holders will eventually find their way to the elf hut and after you hand in your completed word card you’ll be rewarded with a pouch of treasure.
The maze is designed and operated by the successful entertainment company Underbelly who produce Edinburgh’s popular Christmas maze too.
Reindeer Parade
Union Street
Sunday 27th November 2016
Santa and his Cairngorm reindeer travel from the Castlegate up to the Trinity
Centre. For full details visit www.trinityaberdeen.co.uk
Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade
Union Street
Sunday 27th November 2016 at 5.30pm
The Lord Provost leads the colourful parade from Albyn Place, down Union Street to the Castlegate. This year’s theme is Snow and Ice.
Carol Concerts
Duthie Park Winter Gardens
Saturday 17th December 2016 11am & 2pm
Come along and sing all your favourite carols to the accompaniment of the Bon Accord Silver Band supported by the Capriccio Choir from Albyn School. The Granite City Chorus will provide entertainment as you arrive, from 10.30am & 1.30pm.
Hazlehead Winter Wonderland
Hazlehead Park
Sunday 18th December 2016
Get in the festive spirit with Santa and his reindeers, enjoy festive music from the rock choir, Hazlehead School choir, Bon Accord Brass Band and join in with the carol sing-along.
Browse craft stalls, purchase a Santa hat or two as well as don’t miss the children’s face painting on offer. Visit the Friends of Hazlehead Park Facebook page for details.
Hogmanay Celebrations
Schoolhill
Saturday 31st December 2016
Watch local bands The Lorelei and Funk Connection perform, enjoy the Christmas Village attractions and see in 2017 with an impressive fireworks display from the HMT rooftop.
All information is correct at the time of publishing, we recommend that you check opening times and information for individual places before visiting.