By Emily Reid and Hannah Fortune
The opening ceremony of the Aberdeen Christmas Village took place Thursday afternoon. The crowd was serenaded by Robert Gordon College Pipe Band, accompanied by a festive performance from their Highland Dancers as the city came together to commence the countdown to Christmas.
From Thursday 13th November to Wednesday 31st December, Aberdonians and visitors alike can immerse themselves in Aberdeen’s annual Christmas Village, hosted on Broad Street and Marischal Square. Attractions include rides, an outdoor ice rink and food and drink stalls.
The 2025 Christmas Village is presented by Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired, Codona’s, and charity partner Charlie House.
Charlie House, a charity for children and families with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in Aberdeen, is the charity partner for this year’s Christmas Village. 100% of stall-holder fees from Curated in the Square will go directly to the charity, providing crucial support for families in the North-East.
John Brebner, Chief Executive of Charlie House, commented:
“Charlie House is proud to be part of Aberdeen’s magical Christmas celebrations this year. Being involved in the festivities allows us to connect with families, spread cheer, and raise awareness of our mission to support children with life-limiting conditions.
It’s a special time to create cherished memories, we look forward to celebrating with the community.”
This year, Aberdeen welcomes brand new as well as returning attractions, with the Curated in the Square making a move to Marischal Square, while Marischal College remains under construction.
With a showcase of local business, such as artists and food producers, Aberdeen’s Christmas Village aims to support local business and promote local causes. There will be something for everyone in Curated in the Square; from arts and crafts to homeware, jewellery and clothing.
The stalls will be open across six weekends (Friday to Sunday), exhibiting Aberdeen’s new and established small businesses.
The Gaudie spoke to Harry Butler, an MC and Event’s Host/DJ at John Codona’s Pleasure Fayre. He expressed excitement about the 2025 Christmas Village:
“Absolutely thrilled. I didn’t feel Christmassy at all until I walked down to the Christmas Village today, then it struck me.
Everybody who’s involved with this has done an amazing job getting local people to come in. I think that’s what we need to get home to the people of Aberdeen; this is a real local effort.”
When asked about the prospects for local businesses in Aberdeen, Butler expressed faith that it would give them a boost.
“There’s going to be a huge footfall going through the Christmas Village, so when people go through and they maybe see something they haven’t seen before, it’ll just raise awareness of their brand and that can only be good for the local producers.”
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr. David Cameron said:
“What a wonderful 2025 it has been for Aberdeen, from Aberdeen Football Club winning the Scottish Cup in May, The Tall Ships in July, and now finishing the year with the return of our much loved Christmas Festivities which people of all ages look forward to each year.”
Events following the opening of the Christmas Village include the Christmas Lights Parade on Sunday 16th November, the Nativity Scene at Union Terrace Gardens on Monday 1st December and Carol Concerts in the David Welch Winter Gardens on Saturday 13th December.
