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: Confirmed
Aberdeen Christmas Village dates: 12th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Curated in the Square: 13th November to 23rd December 2026
Last checked: August 2026
Update: Dates were announced in August. 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: 12pm to 10pm
New Year’s Day: Closed
Curated location: Marischal College
Opening times:
Friday: 12pm to 7pm
Saturday: 11am to 7pm
Sunday: 11am to 6pm
21st to 23rd December: 12pm to 7pm
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.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Lights switch-on: Not announced.
Fairground rides: Helter Skelter, the Blizzard and more.
Santa’s Grotto: 23rd November to 24th December. Plan your visit.
Ice skating: Marischal College.
Reason to visit: A community minded event with local entertainment and support for makers.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Aberdeen rowies, tablet sweets, Cullen skink, Aberdeenshire honey, cranachan and traditional Dundee cake.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes.
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 #UltimateChristmas — 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.
—
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.
Leave a Reply