Aberdeen’s Christmas celebrations were officially launched last night with the opening of the Christmas Village on Broad Street.
Organised by John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired, the Village will be open 7-days a week throughout the festive period until 31 December.
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron, opened the Christmas Village alongside Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired. They were joined by panto characters from Aberdeen Arts Centre and Charlie Dog from local charity Charlie House.
The Lord Provost said: “We are thrilled to welcome everyone to this year’s Christmas Village, bringing together the best of Aberdeen’s festive spirit right across the city centre.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together, enjoy the attractions, and create lasting memories right in the heart of the city. I am delighted to see this year’s Market in Marischal Square, where fantastic local traders will be able to showcase a range of food, drink and gifts.”
Visitors and locals of all ages can enjoy festive family favourites including the ice rink, Helter Skelter, Twister, bungy trampolines and children’s carousel. Tasty treats can also be found in the Village Food Plaza, featuring local food including Tucan, We Love Crumble and Big Manny’s Pizza.
The popular open-air market, Curated in the Square, opens tomorrow and will be in a new location, moving to Marischal Square due to ongoing work on Marischal College’s Mitchell Tower.
Curated in the Square will be open Friday to Sunday each week and will showcase a line-up of locally made gifts, crafts, food and drink, with a variety of stalls changing every weekend. The market is run by Charlie House, and last year raised £32,000 for the charity.
Alfred Codona, Director at John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs, said: “We are extremely excited about this year's Christmas Village. We are partnering again with Charlie’s House charity for the Curated In the Square market which will be in a brand-new location within Marischal Square. Local food heroes Big Mannys Pizza, Tucan, Hot Chip and We Love crumble are also returning for another year. We will also have a selection of rides to suit all age groups and the ever-popular ice rink.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: "For the next six weeks, Broad Street and surrounds will be the beating, glittering heart of Christmas in Aberdeen, attracting thousands of people into the city centre to enjoy one of the best festive offerings of any city in the UK.
"These Yuletide visitors won’t just be having fun, they will also be bringing a welcome economic boost to city centre traders, restaurants and bars. Aberdeen Christmas Village and Curated In The Square are the gifts that keep on giving for everyone."
John Brebner, chief executive of Charlie House, said: "The festive season is a time of joy, togetherness, and community; values that lie at the heart of everything we do at Charlie House. Being part of Aberdeen’s annual Christmas celebrations gives us a wonderful opportunity to connect with families, share in the cheer, and raise awareness of our mission to support children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. Christmas is a special time to create cherished memories, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with the community.”
Union Terrace Gardens has also been festively lit, and all ages can take part in the Christmas Light-up Trail, which will see 12 festive decorations located across the city centre.
The festivities will continue this Sunday (16 November) with the return of Aberdeen’s annual Christmas Parade, along with the Charlie House Santa Fun Run. The parade will begin at 5:15pm on
Union Street and make its way along Union Terrace and will also see the switch-on of the Union Street Christmas Lights and the Castlegate Christmas tree.
Full details of all the events coming up over the festive period, including road and traffic diversions, can be found on our website: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/christmas