Top 5 to Make Christmas Shopping More Blissful than Woeful
31 October 2014
With Christmas less than 60 days away we thought we’d let you in on our little secret. Christmas shopping couldn’t be easier in Aberdeen. Shh! Don’t tell anyone.
1. Aberdeen has many unique shopping areas
In Aberdeen we like to think that we have something a little different than your usual high-street and we present it with a loving Scottish flare! There are a number of unique independent shopping areas in Aberdeen that even some of the locals don’t know much about! Visit us and you’ll definitely find yourself lost in a hidden gem or two. From Rosemount to Thistle Street’s Westend shopping area and many, many more you’ll find all things handmade, upcycled and one of kind. The perfect Christmas gift for any loved one!
2. Shopping Centres right on your doorstep
Here in Aberdeen we’re not short of shopping centres from long standing establishments to newer shopping destinations we’ve got all the bases covered. The Bon Accord and St Nicholas shopping centres are the longest standing shopping centres in the city with an ever changing offering of diverse products.
Whilst the Trinity Shopping Centre being newer houses a number of different retailers and department stores.
You get a different experience in the Academy Centre which hosts a number of eateries, stores and a unique outdoor courtyard for entertainment.
If you arrive in the city by train or bus you will be met by the newest in our shopping centre offering, Union Square, which packs a punch in the shopping stakes with accompanying cinema and hotel.
3. VAT back shopping
For a number of visitors tax-free shopping options are a very attractive consideration for a trip to Aberdeen. Not all retailers in Aberdeen offer a tax-free option, however many do, so it is worth looking out for the tax-free sticker on the window or asking a member of staff. To find out if you’re eligible, visit the UK Gov website.
4. Countryside locations and Local Produce
The Aberdeenshire countryside is very accessible from the city centre via bus services and so it’s never been easier to pick up a taste of the countryside and more importantly take it home with you! You can grab yourself a number of locally made items throughout our Aberdeenshire visitor attractions from whisky distilleries to textile makers. So if it’s a wee tipple you’re after or some winter woollies you can get your hands on something nice in many of the region’s areas from Royal Deeside to the Banffshire Coast.
5. Farmers Markets, Craft fairs and vintage goodies.
Aberdeen Country Fair
Since its beginnings in 2000, Aberdeen Country Fair has aimed to allow local producers the chance to showcase their goods to locals and visitors of Aberdeen.
In the heart of the city, Aberdeen Country Fair now operates from 9 am - 5 pm on the last Saturday of each month and runs the length of Belmont Street. During December additional Christmas markets are held to increase your chance of finding something special.
The International Street Market
Part of Aberdeen's Summer Festival, this hugely popular and well established market once again makes a return to the City and will attract large numbers of visitors and shoppers over the weekend offering an array of products from around Europe and the UK.
The Market will feature around 70 stalls displaying and selling food, crafts and gardening supplies from around Europe. France, Belgium, Spain, Holland, Italy and traders from the UK all feature. Amongst the most popular are wooden flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, garden furniture, herbs and spices and of course, the whole continental atmosphere and food tastings.
Aberdeen Ministry of Craft
Aberdeen Ministry of Craft is a monthly indoor arts, crafts & vintage fair with over 20 stalls and local businesses selling everything from handmade ceramic jewellery and chess sets to classic vintage clothing.
“This November and December to maximise the potential for Christmas shopping we will be opening up the upper floor to include more stalls and a pop up tea room. It will be an exquisite and eclectic mix of everything festive. With new makers and crafters every month, there will always be something new to see.”
If the ladies at Ministry of Craft have their way, Aberdeen will eventually have a thriving craft and vintage scene, reaching cult status to rival the infamous Chicago’s Renegade Market. Aberdeen has a rich artistic subculture and there is no better place to see it than at the Ministry of Crafts. For more information about our events please follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/701512536576430/
Candy Belle's Festive Frolic
Fresh from their success of being awarded finalist in the National vintage awards. Local vintage events company Candy belle Vintiques are back with their annual Christmas vintage event 'Candy Belle's festive frolic' allowing vintage fans the opportunity to peruse everything from a Downtown style headpiece, 1950s' prom dress to vintage glasses made to your prescription.
Renowned for their stylish posters featuring local landmarks (it is said many adorn student rooms in Aberdeen!) their new venue St Mark's Church (next to HMT) is the most recent landmark to be given the Candybelle vintage makeover. The fair on Saturday 15th November from 10-4 offers shoppers the chance to purchase a unique Christmas present, find that one off dress for the Christmas party or adorn their house with a stylish piece of mid century furniture. Entry is free and visitors can take a break from the vintage extravaganza with a break in the pop up vintage cafe.
So bag yourself a unique vintage present for a loved one or treat yourself at 'Candy Belle's festive frolic' Saturday 15th November 10-4 St Mark's Church, Rosemount Viaduct Aberdeen (next to His Majesty's theatre)
Take a look at the next event here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/299397753586701/
For more information see:
https://www.facebook.com/candybellevintiques
March Hare Market
The March Hare Craft & Vintage Market is a regular monthly market in Aberdeen City, Scotland. The event features an eclectic selection of stallholders from vintage fashion to handmade furnishings.
The Market is a FREE EVENT, doors open from 11am-4pm
http://www.marchharemarket.co.uk/
http://youtu.be/2bQQKiSLUcI