The countdown to Christmas in Aberdeen officially started today with the opening of the Christmas Village to boost festive spirits.
‘Curated in the Quad’, run in partnership with Charlie House, is returning to spectacular Marischal College each weekend in the lead-up to Christmas, where a host of local makers and producers will showcase their goods, including festive food, drink and craft gifts.
Also returning is the Sculpture Trail, with twelve Totem Poles located around the city centre and each one containing a QR code that participants can scan to unlock a the ‘Hunt for the Lost Toys’ challenge, a new interactive trail with fun characters to discover.
After finishing the Hunt for the Lost Toys trail, participants will have the option of entering a prize draw to win one of three Aberdeen Shopping vouchers worth up to £250.
The Christmas Village on Broad Street also opened today. Organised by John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs on behalf of Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen City Council, it will remain in place until December 31.
Visitors can enjoy fun attractions, rides including the return of the popular festive ice rink, as well as bungy trampolines, children’s carousel, a helter skelter and the Fast and Furious ride.
The Christmas Tree, which is a 35-foot Norwegian Tree, is gifted every year by Aberdeen’s twin city Stavanger in Norway and will be positioned at the Castlegate before being officially lit on Sunday as part of the Lights switch-on Parade on Union Street.
The Lord Provost said: “It is wonderful to see the city lit up once again with festive cheer with the launch of this year’s Christmas celebrations.
“The events taking place this year are a great way for families and friends to come together and enjoy what our city has to offer, from enjoying the rides at the Christmas Village to taking part in our re-imagined Sculpture Trail around the city centre.”
Ian Littlewood, Operations Director at John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs said: “The whole team at Codona’s are really excited to be back at the Christmas Village.
“As well as the Village Ice Rink we have a great selection Rides with something for every age and thrill level.”
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired said: “Aberdeen Inspired is delighted to see the opening of the Christmas Village (on the 17th). After the year we have experienced so far, people from all over will be looking for this perfect festive anecdote. This will be complemented by the Aberdeen Inspired/Charlie House Christmas Curated Market operating within the Marischal Quad over the weekends.
“Of course, this also presents an opportunity for the public to also enjoy the wider Christmas retail and hospitality offering in our city centre and even make use of the Aberdeen Gift Card which will ensure spend is locked into our city at a time when it has never been more needed.”
For more information on all the exciting events happening over the festive period visit our website.