It’s time to let the bells ring out for Christmas as the Aberdeen Christmas Village opens to the public today (Thursday, November 21).
With the introduction of the first festive themed silent disco by charity partner Friends of Anchor, a new crazy golf course and the return of familiar funfair favourites, visitors will have plenty to enjoy as they get into the seasonal spirit.
Organised in partnership by Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Codona’s, and supported by Vodafone and CityFibre, the village will run from today to December 31. Against the backdrop of Marischal College, the ice-rink will form the centerpiece of the village, surrounded by the bright lights of funfair attractions such as the Freak Out and Miami rides.
Daredevils will be taken 150ft high into the air courtesy of the Blizzard, which is located on Upperkirkgate. Youngsters can also have a go on candy cane bungee trampolines and new addition of the Balloon Ride, while visitors of all ages can test themselves against a new nine hole Christmas themed crazy golf course which also features a decorative Santa sleigh.
Santa Claus is making a list and checking it twice ahead of welcoming children to his grotto within Marischal College Quadrangle. Also in the Quad, this year there will also be even more stalls at the popular Christmas in the Quad Market, with an increase in local traders from 15 to 24 and extended opening hours. A host of Scottish makers and producers will showcase their goods at the craft market, which will be open during peak times from Thursday evening to Sunday evening and feature a unique line up of traders each week in the lead up to Christmas.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Seasonal cheer has certainly arrived in the city centre as we get festivities underway with the launch of the Aberdeen Christmas Village.
“This year we are delighted to be increasing the size of the Christmas in the Quad market, which received a great response from the public last year. We have a huge range of fantastic local producers taking part and would encourage the public to support local and enjoy this unique offering.
“From the first festive themed silent disco with our charity partners Friends of Anchor to crazy golf and a host of funfair rides, there is a range of attractions to enjoy. We would encourage the people of the city, region and further afield to visit and enjoy both our Christmas Village and the wider city. Whether that is staying in our wonderful hotels, sampling great cuisine in our restaurants and having fun in pubs, clubs or cafes, there is plenty to enjoy in Aberdeen this Christmas.”
Aberdeen City Council culture spokesperson, councillor Marie Boulton said: “The city is sparkling with festive cheer as Christmas in Aberdeen is shaping up to be a truly magical time of year.
Today kicks off the month-long festive events programme, with the Christmas Tree Switch on also taking place and the Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade on Sunday we are in full festive spirits.
“Through our City Centre Masterplan Aberdeen City Council is committed to making Aberdeen an even more vibrant place to live, work and visit. And Christmas in Aberdeen creates activities for everyone but, importantly, encourages people into the city centre, boosting the leisure economy.
“Our vision for the city is to create a programme that provides an opportunity to promote and enhance the long-term economic prosperity of Aberdeen and the wider region by attracting visitors, both local and from further afield.”
Alfred Codona, director of Aberdeen-based amusement firm Codona's, added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Aberdeen Christmas Village, which we are delighted to play a part in.
“This year we are pleased to introduce Christmas crazy golf, which will be great fun for all ages, along with the return of a wide range of rides including the Helter Skelter, candy cane bungy trampolines, outdoor ice-rink and Santa's Grotto.
“For the thrill seekers we have the Miami, Freak Out and welcome the return of the Blizzard, and with a selection of food and drink stalls and Christmas in the Quad, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information on the Aberdeen Christmas Village please visit www.aberdeeninspired.com/chrismasvillage.
