Aberdeen Christmas Market 2026: Village and Curated in the Square

Every winter, the granite gives way to colour when the Aberdeen Christmas Village takes over the city’s main street. It’s a compact setup with artisan stalls, fairground rides, and a charitable element through the Curated event, and the whole thing runs long enough through November and December that you don’t need to rush.

Aberdeen Christmas Market 2026

Dates

Status: Expected, based on previous years
Aberdeen Christmas Village dates: 12th November to 31st December 2026
Curated in the Square: 13th November to 21st December 2026
Last checked: July 2026

Update: Last year’s dates were announced in September. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.

Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via Aberdeen Inspired.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Christmas Village location: Broad Street.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 10pm.
Friday: 12pm to midnight.
Saturday: 10am to midnight.
Sunday: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: 11am to 10pm.

Curated location: Marischal College.
Opening times:
Friday: 12pm to 7pm.
Saturday: 11am to 7pm.
Sunday: 11am to 6pm.

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 Hotel is around the corner from Broad Street.

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 Hotel is ideally situated in this area.

Read my complete guide to the UK Christmas Markets.

Alternatively, 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 Curated charity 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, a dense texture, and a 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, then dried in an oven.
• Cranachan: An interesting dessert, cranachan layers whipped cream, whisky-soaked raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.
• Tablet: Scottish tablet is a type of fudge, but it 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 is featured 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 of the city’s sights are within walking distance. Utilise the city’s public transportation network, including buses and trains, for efficient travel throughout 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 as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.