Christmas in Aberdeen 2024

Christmas festivities set to return

Aberdeen is set to sparkle over the festive period as a new light trail is added to the Christmas programme later this year. 

Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the return of traditional festive favourites including the Christmas Parade, Aberdeen Christmas Village including the Curated in the Quad Christmas Market, and festive lighting in Union Terrace Gardens. 

The events line-up includes: 

  • Aberdeen Christmas Village – Thursday 14 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024

  • Christmas Light-up Trail – Thursday 14 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024

  • Curated in the Quad Christmas Market at Marischal College – Weekends only (Friday to Sunday) from 15 November to 22 December 2024

  • Aberdeen Christmas Parade and Charlie House Santa Run – Sunday 17 November 2024 

  • Nativity Scene – Monday 2 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025 (Blessing Event: 2 December) 

  • Carol Concerts – Saturday 14 December, David Welch Winter Gardens, Duthie Park

Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron said: “The festive events that will be taking place across the city are always so well received and I enjoy seeing all ages enjoying what the city has to offer. 

“Each year the events taking place offer something for everyone and it is always great to see families out enjoying the festivities. It also encourages more people to come into the city centre and visit local businesses.”

The new Christmas Light-up Trail will see 12 light features located across the city centre, with families able to discover them all while taking some fabulous Christmas selfies.

The Aberdeen Christmas Parade will feature a new route this year due to closures on Union Street Central. The Parade will begin as normal at Albyn Place and turn onto Union Terrace before finishing at His Majesty’s Theatre. 

Ian Littlewood, Codona’s Operations Director, said: ‘We are really excited about the event this year. The new layout and huge number of extra stalls at the Curated in the Quad Christmas Market is going to look spectacular’. 

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “As the song says, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year – and Aberdeen’s Christmas celebrations are among the most wonderful in the country. After all, last year’s Aberdeen Christmas Village was ranked the fifth best in the UK. 

“I have no doubt this year’s will be just as sparkling, thrilling and magical – all the elements that make Christmas in Aberdeen so special. Adding to that will be the unique Curated In The Quad festive market – 50% bigger than last year - that will showcase the finest producers and creatives in the north-east, raise money for the vital work of Charlie House, all while bringing thousands of people into the city centre to boost local shops, bars, restaurants and businesses." 

All events are subject to planning and licensing permission. Full details of the Christmas in Aberdeen events will be announced shortly via our website.