Aberdeen’s annual Christmas Parade will light up the city centre this weekend when it takes place on Sunday (17 November).
The festivities will get underway with Santas on scooters setting off just after 5.15pm, followed by the Charlie House Santa Fun Run.
The Lord Provost will lead the Christmas Parade on its new route and will be joined by the Deputy Mayor of Stavanger, Henrik Halleland.
The parade will begin as normal at Albyn Place at 5.30pm and turn onto Union Terrace before finishing at His Majesty’s Theatre. It will feature many festive favourites, including:
Santa and Rudolph
Festive characters, including giant nutcracker soldiers, an ice king and queen and lots of elves
Panto characters from the various shows across Aberdeen
Festive floats including a Nativity scene by Aberdeen Churches Together
Music and dance performances from Rock Choir and Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts
Local charities, including Inspire, NERV and Guide dogs for the Blind
Sports groups and community organisations led by Dunnottar Pipes and Drums
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron said: “The Christmas parade is one of my favourite events, and one which I look forward to every year. It helps to bring the city together, allowing everyone to share the start of some Christmas magic, as well as helping to illuminate the city centre with some festive sparkle.
“This year, I am delighted to be joined by the Deputy Mayor of Stavanger, Henrik Halleland – it is wonderful that, as one of our twin cities, they have once again gifted us the beautiful Norwegian Christmas tree that sits proudly in the Castlegate every year.”
Katie Bremner, Charlie House Fundraising and Event Coordinator said: “Christmas is one of the most cherished times on the Charlie House calendar, and we’re thrilled to kick off Aberdeen’s Christmas Parade with the Santa Run!
“Hundreds of Santa’s are already signed up to run, walk, or roll through the Granite City, each helping us create lasting memories for local children and families. Limited spaces remain, so I invite you to sign up now at www.charliehouse.org.uk/events/santa-run-2024. We can’t wait to see you there!”
Union Terrace Gardens will be festively lit, featuring a new candy cane lane, and new for this year is the Christmas Light-up Trail, which will see 12 festive decorations located across the city centre.
Various parking restrictions and road closures will be in place for the Christmas parade: ·
Between 6pm on Saturday 16 November and 7pm on Sunday 17 November there will no parking on Albyn Place between Albyn Grove and Holburn Street and various areas on Victoria Street, Union Terrace, St Andrews Street and Schoolhill.
Albyn Place will be closed on Sunday 17 November between its junctions with Albyn Grove and Holburn Junction from 4pm to 6pm.
From 5pm to 7pm, the following roads will also be closed: Union Street from its junction with Albyn Place to Union Bridge, Union Terrace, Chapel Street from Thistle Street to Union Street, Diamond Lane, Rosemount Viaduct from its junction with Skene Street to its junction with Blackfriars Street, Blackfriars Street, St. Andrews Street from its junction with Blackfriars Street to Charlotte Street/ Crooked Lane, and Schoolhill.
Alternative routes will be available, please follow diversions.
The Christmas Parade is just one of several events happening in Aberdeen during the festive period. To find out more visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/christmas