The 2023 Festive Events Calendar
5 December 2023
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And an array of festive, family-fun events are coming to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire over the Christmas period including pantomimes, markets, and more. Here’s just a selection of the wonderful line-up that the whole family can enjoy.
Christmas events in Aberdeen
Aberdeen Christmas Village (Thursday 16 November – Sunday 31 December)
Delivered by Codona's and Aberdeen Inspired, the 2023 Aberdeen Christmas Village is not to be missed! Expect festive fairground rides, delicious food, an open-air ice rink, and so much more.
Curated in the Quad Market (Friday 17 November – Saturday 23 December)
Organised by local charity Charlie House, the popular Curated in the Quad Market has returned, with the festive wooden cabins welcoming a range of unique, local businesses offering delicious treats, crafts, and more.
Christmas Carol Concerts at Duthie Park (Saturday 16 December)
Sing your favourite Christmas carols with the beautiful accompaniment of the Bon Accord Silver Band! With performances running throughout the day from 11pm to 3pm, it is the perfect family friendly activity to get you in the festive spirit. Click here to learn more.
Peter Pan The Arena Spectacular (Wednesday 27 December)
Following the success of Elf the arena tour last year, the same production team headed by producer Jon Conway are back for another extravaganza! With incredible special effects and immersive audience experiences filled with magic and wonder, a fantastic night out is to be had at Aberdeen's P&J Live.
With a cast of fifty, including cirque performers, aerial stunts performers, a troupe of Irish and Highland dancers and rising comedy star Jordan Conway, this is not one to be missed.
Image credit: P&J Live
Christmas events in Aberdeenshire
Cairngorm Reindeer Parade (Saturday 9 December)
The beloved Cairngorm Reindeer visit Inverurie for their annual must-see event. Santa's beautiful creatures will parade through the town centre to create a truly magical spectacle. After the parade there will be an opportunity to see the reindeer up close as well as the chance to visit Santa in his Grotto.
Ardo Christmas Trees Pop Up Shop (Monday 5 - Saturday 23 December)
Visit the Ardo Christmas Trees Pop Up Shop to get your own real tree in time for Christmas Day, whilst also visiting the crafters exhibiting at the farm.
Santa's Magic School (Saturday 17 December)
Witness the magic of Mr & Mrs Claus as they visit Banff Castle this year to host a very special Masterclass! With entertaining interactive activities, special gifts, reindeer visits and an Elf Academy certificate, your little ones will have a magical time. All children should be accompanied by adults. Adults go free. Book your tickets here.
Christmas at the Castle (Friday 15 – Sunday 24 December)
Christmas at Crathes Castle is back this December! There's a festive food market, illuminated light displays, a fire pit where you can toast marshmallows, Santa's Grotto, plus a gift market. Click here to find out more.
Image credit: Arra Textiles
That’s not all!
To discover more events and activities like these, please head to our What’s On page. Don’t forget to share your festive adventures on social media and to add ‘#visitABDN’ to your posts for a chance to be reposted by us!
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All information is correct at the time of publishing, we recommend that you check opening times and information for individual places before visiting.