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Christmas in Aberdeen logo

Aberdeen Set to Sparkle as Christmas Festivities Return to the City

The Christmas season is nearly upon us, and Aberdeen is set to sparkle this festive season as Christmas celebrations return to the city again later this year.

Residents and visitors alike will be pleased to see traditional favourites return to the festive events line-up including the much-loved Christmas Village, a re-imagined family trail and the Christmas Lights Switch-on Parade which returns for the first time since 2019.

The Events line-up includes:

  • Christmas Tree Switch On - Thursday 17 November 2022
  • Aberdeen Christmas Village – Thursday 17 November – Saturday 31 December 2022 (Subject to planning permission)
  • Christmas Lights Switch-on Parade – Sunday 20 November 2022
  • Nativity Scene – Monday 28 November 2022 – Thursday 5 January 2023 (Blessing Event: 28 November) 
  • ‘Hunt for the Lost Toys’ Christmas Sculpture Trail with the chance to win a fantastic prize – Thursday 1 December – Saturday 24 December 2022 
  • Carol Concerts - Saturday 17 December 2022
  • Hogmanay - Saturday 31 December 2022 

Aberdeen Lord Provost Dr David Cameron said: “The ‘Christmas in Aberdeen’ festivities always promises to be a truly magical time of year, with a fantastic events line-up returning to the city to provide some much-needed cheer and celebration.

“Christmas in Aberdeen has something for everyone, particularly families with the return of the Christmas Lights Switch On Parade for the first time since 2019. But importantly, it encourages people into the city centre to boost the leisure and business economies.  I am looking forward to all the celebrations that ‘Christmas in Aberdeen’ will offer.”

Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, the city centre’s business improvement district said: “It is great to see the full Christmas programme return and at a time where we really do need that festive cheer. I hope the Council, Aberdeen Inspired and wider partners commitment to this exciting programme of events will attract many people in from across the city, wider north-east and further afield. 

“This is such a crucial time of year for our city centre hospitality and retail businesses and undoubtedly the ‘Christmas in Aberdeen’ festivities will help bring a very special atmosphere to the heart of our city.”

Plans have been submitted for the Aberdeen Christmas Village, which if approved would be situated in and around Aberdeen’s civic space on Broad Street and will run from Thursday 17 November- Saturday 31 December 2022.

All events are subject to planning and licensing permission. Full details of the Christmas in Aberdeen events will be announced shortly via our website.