Aberdeen’s festive season transforms Broad Street into the Christmas Village with artisan products and fairground rides. This article provides information about the Aberdeen Christmas Market and the Curated in the Quad charity event.
Aberdeen Christmas Village and Market
Dates – Confirmed
Aberdeen Christmas Village dates: 14th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Curated in the Quad: 15th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in September. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the organiser.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Village location: Broad Street.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 12pm to 8pm.
Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Quad location: Marischal College.
Opening times:
Friday: 12pm to 7pm.
Saturday: 11am to 7pm.
Sunday: 11am to 6pm.
17th November: 11am to 8pm.
Travel and Accommodation
Public transport: Bus: Broad Street Stop H2.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Bon Accord Car Park on Loch Street has accessible parking.
Where to stay: BrewDog Kennels is located around the corner from Broad Street.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: Switch on Parade: 17th November at Union Street (unconfirmed).
Parade: Free. Starts at Albyn Place to Castlegate.
Fairground rides: Helter Skelter, the Blizzard and more.
Nativity Scene: 3rd December to 4th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Santa: At the parade.
Santa Fun Run: Union Street, 17th of November (unconfirmed).
Sculpture trail: 30th November to 24th December (unconfirmed).
Ice skating: Yes, at Marischal College. Monday to Friday: 12pm to 10pm (School holidays: 11am to 10pm). Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 10pm.
Reason to visit: A community minded event with local entertainment and support for makers.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Aberdeen rowies, tablet sweets, Cullen skink, Aberdeenshire honey, cranachan and traditional Dundee cake.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes.
Where to Stay
Castlegate is a convenient area to stay in Aberdeen, as it’s near shops, dining options and the Union Street parade. The Brewdog Kennels Hotel is ideally situated in this area.
In my guide, I’ve compiled a UK Christmas Markets List to help plan your festive trips.
Alternatively, you might like to visit one of these Christmas markets in Scotland.
Where to Find It
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
Christmas in Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s Village lights up Broad Street and Upperkirkgate with seasonal decorations.
Key attractions include the Quad Market, a Nativity scene, carol concerts and sculptures depicting the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Don’t miss the “Fire and Ice” lights switch-on parade or the Santa Fun Run on Union Street.
Regional Specialties
- Aberdeen Rowie: This unique local bread has a buttery flavour, dense texture and crisp, flaky exterior.
- Dundee Cake: This traditional Scottish fruit cake is packed with currants, sultanas and almonds.
- Clootie Dumpling: A spiced pudding stuffed with dried fruits and wrapped in a cloth (“cloot” in Scots). It’s slowly simmered until firm and then dried out in an oven.
- Cranachan: An interesting dessert, cranachan layers whipped cream, whisky-soaked raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.
- Tablet: Scottish tablet is a kind of fudge but has a more brittle, grainy texture.
- Mince Pies: A festive classic.
- Mulled Wine: The seasonal hot drink.
- Stollen: The famous German bread.
- Shortbread: An all-time favourite Scottish biscuit.
- Roast Hog on a Roll: Served with apple sauce and stuffing on a fresh roll.
- Bratwurst: No Christmas market would be complete without this German sausage.
What to Buy
- Harris Tweed: Hand-woven in the Outer Hebrides with a distinct pattern and high-quality wool.
- Scottish Whisky: From popular distilleries to small-batch producers.
- Thistle Crafts: The thistle is a symbol of Scotland, and it is replicated in many craft items.
- Shortbread Cookies: Common at local bakeries and stalls, often sold in attractive tins or festive packaging.
- Traditional Tartan and Wool: Scarves, throws, and other items make lovely gifts or stocking fillers.
- Artisan Foods: Jam, honey, chutney and sauces made using regional produce.
Sustainability
- Eco-Friendly Hotels: Book a hotel that uses renewable energy and promotes sustainable practices, such as water conservation and switching off lights and heating when leaving the room.
- Mindful Eating: Share dishes with your travel companions at local events to reduce food waste while trying a variety of foods.
- Ethical Consumption: Purchase only what you need from local producers and makers to support small businesses and avoid mass-produced goods.
- Sustainable Diets: To reduce environmental impact, choose plant-based or vegetarian options at local events, such as vegetarian haggis and vegan pastries.
- Walking and Public Transport: Explore Aberdeen on foot, as many sights are within walking distance. Use the city’s public transport network, including buses and trains, for efficient travel around the city.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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