Four Christmassy Things To Do in Aberdeen
Not quite feeling the Christmas Spirit yet this year? We don’t blame you – it’s still only November! However, never fear – there’s plenty of time to get into the festive swing of things, and there’s plenty going on in Aberdeen to help you on your way.
From getting out and about in the crisp weather to being cuddled up in the cosy indoors – we’ve picked out four fun things in and around the city of Aberdeen to help you make the most of this most wonderful time of the year. Aberdeen’s Winter Festival
From the 17th of November, the Aberdeen Christmas Village has been in full swing at its new home in Broad Street, featuring everything you could possibly want to get you into a merry mood.
Start off with a bracing skate around the open-air ice rink, or get some winter thrills from the festive fair ground. There will be a choice of fun rides for all ages to enjoy, from the traditional carousel and helter-skelter to “The Blizzard” (for the more daring amongst us).
As part of the festival, Marischal College will be hosting a selection of different markets including: a FINE Christmas Food and Drink Market, showcasing some of the best produce the North East has to offer, and the HAAN Christmas Design Market – where you can browse handcrafted products from over 50 talented manufacturers.
The spectacular winter wonderland will be there until the 8th of January– so there’s plenty of time to check it out over the festive season.
Going to the Pantomime? Oh yes you are!
This year Qdos Pantomimes and Aberdeen Performing Arts will be presenting Aladdin at His Majesty’s Theatre. The show opens on Saturday 2nd of December and will run all the way through until the 7th of January (except for Mondays).
A pantomime is an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit, especially if you have young children to entertain during the holidays.
If magic lamps aren’t your thing then you can always pay a visit to the Aberdeen Arts Centre where an adaptation of Beauty and the Beast will be showing until New Year’s Eve!
Whichever show you choose, it’s sure to be filled with slapstick silliness, heart-warming fun and plenty of chance to exclaim “he’s behind you!”. It’s the perfect Christmas day out for all the family to enjoy.
Wooden Wonderland
The weather outside isn’t so frightful when you’re all wrapped up and ready for an adventure. The Twelve Days of Christmas Wooden Sculptures Trail is the perfect excuse to get out an about and do something a little bit different this winter.
Woodcarver Gary Shand has crafted twelve striking totem pole figures, each depicting a different gift from the popular 12 days of Christmas carol. The works of art have been placed around the city centre for adventurers of all ages to discover – but can you spot them all?
If you see one on your travels be sure to share it on social with the hashtag #AberdeenChristmas2017 – it’s the more the merrier!
Santa Fun Run
Looking for a way to spread some joy this Christmas? After a successful 2016, the Santa Run is back in Aberdeen on Sunday the 10th of December and hopefully bigger than ever!
Participants will be running in support of CHAS – the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, who are working to provide children and young people in Scotland with dedicated care when they need it the most.
Not much of a runner? Not a problem. The event is designed to be fun, not competitive and distances range from just 1 mile to 5km (for the more athletic Santas among us).
It cost just £14 to take part, which includes your Santa hat and suit, and a goodie bag and medal upon crossing the finishing line. Whether you want to take part in the race itself, or simply cheer Santa-clad loved ones on from the side-line, it’s a great way to come together as a community and make a positive difference this Christmas.