In the heart of Scotland, Aberdeen serves as a welcoming destination, especially during the festive season. Known for its striking granite architecture and rich maritime history, the city truly comes alive at Christmas, when Aberdeen Christmas Market fills Broad Street with decorations and Christmas chalets.
In this article, I share details such as the 2023 dates, opening times, locations and local specialties that set Aberdeen’s Christmas Market – the Christmas Village apart.
When Christmas arrives in Aberdeen, the city embraces the season with open arms. Streets come alive with shimmering festive lights, casting a warm glow against the city’s iconic granite buildings.
Aberdeen Christmas Market 2023
Aberdeen Christmas Village is spread across Broad Street and Upperkirkgate. The pop-up ice bar is a standout feature, where you can sip on seasonal drinks amid an icy decor.
Be sure to pay a visit to the entertainment marquee, which showcases a range of local talent in music and dance. This vibrant Christmas Village truly sets the tone for the festive season, providing a distinctive holiday experience in the heart of Aberdeen.
Dates and Location
Aberdeen Christmas Market dates: Likely dates: 16th November to 31st December 2023.
Location: Broad Street and Marischal College, Aberdeen.
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 12pm to 8pm. Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Switch on Parade is located at Union Terrace.
Christmas tree: The Christmas Tree Switch On takes place at Castlegate.
Santa: Yes, at Santa’s Grotto.
Ice skating: Yes, at Marischal College. Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 10pm. Friday: 12pm to midnight. Saturday: 10am to midnight. Sunday: 10am to 10pm.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: A fusion of maritime history and festive cheer, Ice bar experience, local entertainment in Aberdeen’s festive heart.
Recommended tour: History and culture walking tour.
Specialities: Aberdeen rowies, tablet sweets, Cullen skink, Aberdeenshire honey, cranachan and traditional Dundee cake.
Where to stay: BrewDog Kennels Aberdeen is located directly across from the Christmas market.
Hotels near Aberdeen Christmas Market
The city centre is the prime area to stay in Aberdeen for easy access to the Christmas Village on Broad Street, with an array of accommodations, shops and dining options.
The area has excellent transport links, making exploring the city and its surroundings easy. The Brewdog Kennels provides comfort and convenience, positioning you perfectly for your festive adventures.
Location of Aberdeen Christmas Market
Christmas in Aberdeen
This video provides a glimpse into the Aberdeen Christmas Market. As you watch, you’ll get an idea of the charm of the Christmas lights switch-on parade and what to expect when in Aberdeen this Christmas.
In my guide, I’ve done the groundwork for you and compiled a handy the best UK Christmas markets 2023, ensuring you have all the necessary information to plan your festive trips.
Food at the Christmas Market
Aberdeen Rowie: This unique local bread product, also known as a buttery or roll, has a rich buttery flavour. Its crisp, flaky exterior hides a soft, dense inside, making it a heartwarming treat in the chilly Aberdeen winter.
Dundee Cake: This traditional Scottish fruit cake hails from Dundee. Packed with currants, sultanas, and almonds, it’s often enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a sweet ending to a Christmas meal.
Clootie Dumpling: A clootie dumpling is 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, giving it a unique and pleasing texture.
Cranachan: A delightful dessert, cranachan layers whipped cream, whisky-soaked raspberries, honey, and toasted oats. It’s a sweet treat that offers a taste of Scotland in each spoonful.
Tablet: Scottish tablet is a kind of fudge but has a more brittle, grainy texture. Made from sugar, condensed milk, and butter, it’s a highly sweet treat that’s perfect for satisfying a festive sugar craving.
Mince Pies: A festive favourite throughout the UK, mince pies are crumbly shortcrust pastries filled with a sweet mixture of dried fruits and spices. Despite the name, the filling is entirely vegetarian and wonderfully fragrant with Christmas spices.
Mulled Wine: As you wander the market, you’ll likely catch mulled wine’s sweet, spiced aroma. This warm beverage is made by heating red wine with various mulling spices, citrus, and sugar – a perfect hand warmer as you browse the stalls.
Stollen: This German Christmas bread has made its way to Aberdeen. It’s a moist, dense loaf packed with dried fruit and often marzipan, dusted with a layer of powdered sugar.
Hot Roast Chestnuts: A Christmas market classic, hot roast chestnuts are a warming treat. Vendors roast these nuts over open fires, filling the air with a rich, nutty aroma that’s synonymous with the festive season.
Shortbread: An all-time favourite Scottish biscuit, shortbread is a crumbly, buttery delight. It’s a sweet treat that melts in your mouth, often served in festive shapes.
Roast Hog on a Roll: One of the meatier delights, this involves tender, juicy roast hog, often served with apple sauce and stuffing on a fresh roll. The combination of flavours and textures is a hearty comfort on a cold day.
Bratwurst: No Christmas market would be complete without this German sausage. These large, succulent sausages are typically served in a bun with mustard or ketchup, offering an international flavour amid local Scottish fare.
What to Buy
Harris Tweed Products: A favourite at Aberdeen Christmas Village, you’ll find an array of items made from this locally woven, durable fabric. Harris Tweed, hand-woven in the Outer Hebrides, is known for its distinct pattern and high-quality wool. It’s used in everything from handbags to hats and scarves, offering you a truly Scottish souvenir or gift.
Scottish Whisky: There’s no better place than Scotland to buy Scotch, and you’ll find a range of bottles available at the market. From popular distilleries to small-batch producers, there’s a Scotch to suit every palate, whether you prefer a smoky Islay malt or a smooth Highland blend. Some stalls even offer whisky-filled Christmas ornaments for a unique festive gift.
Thistle Crafts: The thistle is a symbol of Scotland, and you’ll see it replicated in many craft items available at the market. From thistle-themed jewellery to locally made ceramics featuring this spiky plant, these items make for unique mementos of your visit to Aberdeen.
Shortbread Cookies: These classic Scottish cookies are common at the market, often presented in attractive tins or festive packaging. They’re a popular choice for a sweet gift or stocking filler, with many local bakeries offering their own unique recipes for this buttery biscuit.
Traditional Scottish Tartan: You’ll see this iconic pattern throughout the market in various forms. Tartan scarves, throws, and other items make for lovely gifts that carry a distinctly Scottish sentiment. Many vendors provide goods in a range of clan tartans and generic Royal Stewart and Black Watch designs.
Local Art and Photography: The market also showcases local artists and photographers who capture Scotland’s natural beauty and historic sites. You can pick up a print or a canvas as a lasting reminder of your trip or as a gift for someone who appreciates the stunning landscapes of Scotland.
Scottish Wool Products: Shopping at Aberdeen’s Christmas Village, you’ll encounter an array of cosy wool items such as tartan scarves, gloves, and hats. These pieces are often knitted from the wool of local Scottish sheep, ensuring a high-quality, warm, and practical gift for friends or family.
Handmade Scottish Jewellery: Aberdeen’s Christmas Village is a great place to discover unique pieces of Scottish jewellery. You’ll find designs inspired by Celtic art and nature motifs created in silver, gold, and even local gemstones. It’s an ideal place to find a special gift that carries the spirit of Scotland.
Local Artisan Foods: Shopping for food lovers? Look for vendors selling locally-made jams, honey and chutneys. Often using regional produce, these culinary gifts can introduce recipients to the flavours of Scotland. Also popular are traditional shortbread cookies and Scottish tablet, a fudge-like sweet treat.
Handcrafted Christmas Decorations: Aberdeen’s Christmas Market features a range of traditional and locally made Christmas decorations. From hand-painted baubles to intricate wooden ornaments, there’s a host of unique decorations to add a special touch to your Christmas tree. Many of these are crafted by local artisans, lending a personal touch to the festive season.
Turning to Visit Aberdeenshire is a smart move for uncovering the most current happenings in the city, as it’s packed with useful insights into local events and activities you might fancy while in Aberdeen.
Sustainable Christmas Tips
Let’s delve into some practices that can help you to travel more consciously in Aberdeen this festive season.
Eco-friendly accommodation: Aberdeen is home to several environmentally conscious hotels that use renewable energy sources. By choosing to stay in these places, you’re directly supporting their sustainability efforts. These hotels often provide guidelines on how to reduce energy consumption during your stay, such as reusing towels and turning off lights and heating when you leave the room. They might also use locally sourced or recycled materials in their construction and decor, further reducing their environmental impact.
Mindful eating at markets: One of the joys of visiting Christmas markets is the abundance of food. While it can be tempting to try everything, it’s also important to be mindful of food waste. At Aberdeen’s Christmas Village, many vendors are local businesses that value sustainability, so you’re likely to find portion sizes that are just right. Try sharing different dishes with your travel companions to taste more without wasting food.
Ethical consumption: Buying souvenirs or gifts at the Christmas markets? Aim to only buy what you genuinely need or will use. Many stalls at the Christmas Village in Aberdeen feature local artisans, and buying from them helps support local businesses and reduces the carbon footprint associated with mass-produced goods.
Sustainable diets: Opt for plant-based or vegetarian options at the market wherever possible. The Christmas market in Aberdeen has numerous vendors serving delicious vegetarian haggis, vegan pastries and other plant-based treats, reducing the carbon footprint associated with your meal.
Sustainable transport: Aberdeen is a compact city, and many of the key sights are within walking distance of each other. So, put on your warmest coat and explore the city on foot! You’ll not only reduce your carbon footprint but also get to see the city from a different perspective. Alternatively, Aberdeen’s public transport network is an efficient way to get around, with frequent buses and trains connecting different parts of the city.
FAQ
Aberdeen Christmas Market usually starts on 16th November to 31st December 2023.
Aberdeen Christmas Market is located at Broad Street at Upperkirkgate in the city centre, a bustling location at the heart of the city’s festive celebrations.
Aberdeen Christmas Village typically opens Sunday to Thursday: 12pm to 8pm. Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 10pm.
Absolutely, winter in Aberdeen is a magical time, with the city beautifully illuminated and festive events like the Christmas Market adding to the seasonal cheer. Plus, the chillier weather provides a perfect excuse to sample some hearty Scottish fare.
December in Aberdeen tends to be cold, with average temperatures ranging from 1°C to 6°C. Snow is possible but not guaranteed, while some rain is likely, so it’s best to pack warm, waterproof clothing.
Yes, along with the Christmas Market, Aberdeen hosts various festive events such as pantomimes, carol concerts and charity fundraisers. The city’s Marischal College often features a spectacular festive light display, too.
If you would like to leave a review of Aberdeen Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Aberdeen, Scotland. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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