Aberdeen's Winter Festival and village runs between November 17th 2017 and 31st December 2017. There you will find markets, concerts, street entertainment, ceilidhs, firework and traditional carol concerts. The event takes place mainly in Broad Street and is run by a combination of 'Aberdeen Inspired' and Codona's Amusement Park
The Brand new civic space is used for the festivities which includes a a spectacular ice rink festive fairground
Activities are targeted at all the family all the family including an Open air Ice rink with the backdrop of Marischal College. Atmosphere is created by Fairy lights and music withrefreshments on offer in the village.
The rinks opening hours are mon-fri 12pm -10pm weekdays 10am to 10pm weekends.
Below is a sample of the main events and dates
Christmas Tree Switch-On
Castlegate - Thursday 23 November, 7pm - FREE
Our twin town of Stavanger in Norway has once again kindly donated a magnificent
Christmas tree. A carol service will be held at the Castlegate prior to the switch-on
where the Lord Provost of Aberdeen and the Deputy Mayor of Stavanger will light up
the beautiful spruce. Musical entertainment will be provided by Big Noise, Torry.
Trinity Centre Reindeer Parade
Union Street - Sunday 26 November, 12noon - FREE
Santa and his Cairngorm Reindeer will be in town offering an afternoon full of
Christmas magic plus a host of special festive guests will be taking part in the parade.
The fun starts at the Castlegate and travels along to The Trinity Centre followed
by festive choirs, balloon modelling, Santa freebies and lots more in the centre.
#TrinitySantaParade
Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade /
Denis Law Freedom of the City
Union Street -
Sunday 26 November, 5.30pm - FREE
Football legend Denis Law will be awarded the Freedom of Aberdeen, celebrated in a
colourful parade from Albyn Place down to Union Street to the Castlegate. Denis will
travel in an open top car to the Town House, in a parade led by the Lord Provost of
Aberdeen, as part of Aberdeen’s Christmas lights switch-on.
Twelve Days of Christmas Wooden
Sculptures Trail
Friday 1 - Wednesday 27 December - FREE
Twelve unique and striking totem pole sculptures will be located across the city centre.
Created by local chainsaw wood carver Gary Shand, the carvings depict the popular
carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas. This is sure to be a popular challenge for all ages,
join the fun by using the hashtag #aberdeenchristmas2017 and share your pictures
from the trail.
Nativity Scene
St Nicholas Kirkyard - Monday 4 December, 11am unveiling
Open Daily until Friday 5 January 2018, dawn - dusk - FREE
An important reminder of what this time of year is all about. Aberdeen Churches
Together will officially bless the crib and refreshments will be available after the event.
Carol Concerts
David Welch Winter Gardens, Duthie Park - Saturday 16 December
11am and 2pm FREE
Join in singing your favourite carols to the accompaniment of the Bon Accord Silver
Band and singers. Food bank donations are also being accepted in aid of CFINE - a
social enterprise charity committed to improving health and wellbeing for all. For more
details visit cfine.org
Friends of Hazlehead WinterWonderland
Hazlehead Park - Sunday 17 December, 12.30pm - 2.30pm - FREE
Get in the festive spirit with Santa and his reindeer; join in with music and browse the
craft stalls. Entertainment will be provided by Rock Choir, Hazlehead School Choir,
Cairngorm Reindeers and Bon Accord Silver Band.
This event is free to attend but donations to Friends of Hazlehead are welcome.
Hogmanay Celebrations
Schoolhill - Saturday 31 December, from 9.30pm
Fireworks at midnight - FREE
Bring in the bells at our open air stage on Schoolhill for the ultimate Aberdeen street
party. With live music from the Mersey Beatles and Banjo Lounge Four, before the
spectacular fireworks display from His Majesty’s Theatre rooftop at midnight - you don’t
want to miss the best party in town!
These are only a sample of events at the Aberdeen's Winter Festival so to learn more download the brochure.