Local traders and creatives are urged to be part of Aberdeen’s glittering festive market – which will have a new home for this year’s Christmas celebrations in the Granite City.
The market will flit from its traditional base in the Marischal College quadrangle to Marischal Square - under the banner of Curated In The Square - due to ongoing work on the college’s Mitchell Tower.
Organisers say the hugely-popular event - which raises vital funds for local charity Charlie House - will be the same sparkling wonderland of wooden chalets offering the finest mix of food, drink, arts, crafts, clothing, homeware and jewellery from the cream of the north-east traders.
Staged by Charlie House in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Codona’s, Curated In The Square will be a central attraction for the Aberdeen Christmas Village on and around Broad Street, which is expected to bring thousands of people into the city centre.
The Christmas Village will open daily from November 13 to December 31, with the Curated In The Square Market running for six weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from November 14 to December 21.
The call has now gone out for local traders and creatives to apply for a place in the 28 chalets, with organisers urging those wanting to take part to act quickly when applications open on Monday, September 22, as there is already a keen demand for stalls.
John Brebner, Chief Executive of Charlie House, said: “It is always a joy for Charlie House to play a part in Aberdeen’s Christmas Village, which brings so much excitement to the city during the festive season.
"This year is particularly exciting as the market takes on a new look as Curated In The Square, moving to its new home for 2025 at Marischal Square, nestled amongst the restaurants, cafes and bars at the heart of the festivities.
“Applications for stalls close at 10pm on Monday, October 6, and we urge local traders to apply for this fantastic opportunity to be part of this year's market. Every chalet helps us continue our vital work with babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, while also giving traders the chance to showcase their talent and contribute to the magic of the festive season.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “While it might have a new home for this year, this unique market will be where it always has been – right in the heart of Aberdeen Christmas Village, the epicentre of festive celebrations in the Granite City.
“It will have that same very special atmosphere of delightful chalets and sparkling lights, as well as creating a showcase for the very best of local traders and creatives. There is nowhere better to pick up those special Christmas gifts – created right here in in the north-east - for friends and loved ones
“Curated In The Square will be the gift that keeps on giving, helping the Aberdeen Christmas Village attract thousands of people into the heart of the city, giving the wider retail and leisure economy a huge boost.”
Depute Provost of Aberdeen, Councillor Steve Delaney, said: “We’re thrilled to bring Curated In The Square to the heart of Aberdeen’s Christmas Village this year.
“This vibrant market is not only a showcase of local talent but also a celebration of community spirit, supporting a wonderful cause while lighting up the city centre with festive cheer. We look forward to welcoming visitors and traders to its new location to get into the festive spirit.”
Ian Littlewood, Operations Director of Codona’s, said: “We as a local family-run business look forward to supporting Charlie House for another year at Curated In The Square. The great work they do in improving the quality of life for children across the north-east of Scotland is absolutely fantastic.
“Our planning , construction and logistics team have pulled out all the stops to make sure the market will open as usual in its new location. We look forward to seeing our regular local traders and visitors over the festive season”
Applications for a place at the Christmas market opened today (Monday, September 22) via the Curated In The Square website.
They will close on Monday, October 6, with successful applicants notified by email on Monday, October 13.
Each three-day weekend is priced at £200 plus VAT per chalet, with 100% of stallholder fees donated to Charlie House.
To apply, or to find out more about Curated In The Square visit the Charlie House website from Monday, September 22.