Looking for something to do over the next week with the kids in Aberdeen City & Shire, then why not check out one of these family friendly events?
** Event details as at time of posting, please check through relevant links for more details **
Special November Christmas Market!
Where: Banchory Farmers Market, Bellfield Carpark. Dee Street, Banchory AB31
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Description: As always, our fabulous stall holders will be in Bellfield carpark from 9am til 1pm with all their delicious produce!
Then we will go straight into our fabulous Christmas event from 2pm where there will be Christmas food, drinks, crafts and entertainment.
There will even be a visit from a very special man. Get all wrapped up, bring your families, and prepare for a fabulous day of festive fun.
At 5pm the Banchory Christmas tree lights will be switched on by local celeb Colin Wight – it promises to be a super fun-filled festive day
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Banchory-Farmers-Market-357596284308498/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/831212940355187/
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Bon Accord
Where: Bon Accord Shopping Centre, George Street, Aberdeen AB25 1HZ
Date: From Saturday 19 November
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Price: Entry £4.50 which includes a free gift and all proceeds go to Clan Cancer Support
Description: It’s time for excitement. It’s time for enchantment. It’s time…to meet Santa. The magic of Christmas is to be brought to life when a Winter Wonderland arrives at Bon Accord.
There will be snow and magic all around when the wonderland at Bon Accord opens its doors this week (November 19th), and children of all ages are invited to come on down and soak up the sparkle.Santa and his magical Winter Wonderland, will be based in the upper mall at the Bon Accord Centre.
Website: visit http://www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com/whats-on-in-aberdeen/422-santa-visits-the-centre for full details of November & December dates
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/370206386652156/
Busy Beasties Copthorne Hotel
Where: Copthorne Hotel, 122 Huntly Street, Aberdeen AB10 1SU
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm
Price: £2 per adult under 12s free
Description: Showcasing the very best of Aberdeen business Fun shopping and fun day in the heart of the city centre.
Lots of free entertainment for your children, mascots, crafts, competitions, face paints, glitter tattoos and more Supporting local businesses and charities.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BusyBeasties/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1008632932568549/
Christmas Fair
Where: Westhill Community Church, Old Skene Road, Westhill, Aberdeenshire AB32 6AQ
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
Description: Looking for a relaxing way to start your Christmas Shopping?Are you searching for a unique gift?
Come along to our Christmas Fair at The Westhill Community Church on November 19th between 10.00am – 3pm.
The following local crafters & businesses will be showcasing their range of gifts:The Glass Needle – Doolally – My Secret Kitchen – ScentsyShowcase – The Happy Unicorn – Button and Sparkle – My Little Creative Getaway – Homebird Creations by Rachael – Bailey & Lou -Jenstarknits – PK Quilting – Rituka – Jamberry – Westhill Community Church Homebakes
Refreshments are available at The Green Pastures Cafe.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1119130828201304/
Launch: Santa’s Post Office
Where: Aberdeen Trinity Centre, 155 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BE
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 11.00am – 4.00pm
Price: Free
Description: An enchanting Santa’s Post Office where friendly elves help children write and send their Christmas wish list is set to open and bring some Christmas magic to The Trinity Centre and its shoppers – aimed at children, families and the young at heart.
A team of Christmas elves will be busy at work every weekend from Saturday 19th November until Christmas Eve, including the 23rd and 24th of December. With the help of Santa’s elves, we’re inviting children to write their Christmas wish list and post their letters through a magical post box and watch as it travels all the way to Santa in Lapland – we reckon it will be the perfect place to make some special memories this Christmas.
The post office will be open every weekend from 19th November from 11.00am – 4.00pm and is 100% FREE to participate. Please feel free to share your magical experiences with us via the hashtag #TrinityXmas.
Website: http://www.trinityaberdeen.co.uk/events-and-news/something-magical-heading-this-way
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/447694008739066/
Ellon Xmas Lights Day
Where: Ellon
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 10.00am – 7.30pm
Description: Santa grotto (children’s gifts kindly donated by Tesco) and stalls will open for business at 10am. We will have music and local acts onstage all day with Original FM’s Rick Cowie coming along in the afternoon to host the fun.
Tickets for the draw of the decade (huge thanks again to Phil Anderson Financial Services) will be on sale only on the day at the event and will be priced at £5 for your chance to win a trip for up to 4 to Lapland with £500 spending money.
The parade will start at 4pm with a stop at the Chestnuts to turn on the Christmas lights. The day will end with a fantastic firework display at 5pm.
See you all there – it’s due to be chilly but bright and dry so dress up warm and dig deep. All donations on the day are used for the Christmas lights that we would all miss so much if they didn’t happen. This is the only funding for these lights do every penny matters.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Ellon-Xmas-Lights-Day-1301922193172142/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/219346068478230
The Mummies’ Market
Where: Waterside Inn, Fraserburgh Road, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire AB42 3
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm
Description: There are 25 stalls that are going to be jam-packed with new and preloved Baby/children’s clothes, toys, books and pregnancy related items!
Come early to get the best bargains!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/themummiesmarket/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1753754604887134/
Christmas Contemporary Craft and Design Fair
Where: The Barn, Banchory AB31 5QA
Date: Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th November 2016
Time: Sat 10.00am – 5.00pm, Sun 10.00am – 4.00pm
Description: Our signature Christmas Craft & Design fair returns, showcasing work from some of Scotland’s top makers and providing the perfect one-stop shop to buy high-quality ceramics, jewellery, stationary, textiles, glass, fashion accessories, woodwork and homewares. 2000 people came through the Barn’s doors last year, so be sure to beat the crowds!
Website: http://www.woodendbarn.com/flock2016/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/344956099229362/
Alford Christmas Charity Craft Fayre
Where: Howe Trinity, 110 Main Street, Alford, Aberdeenshire AB338AD
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 11.00am – 4.00pm
Price: Free entry on the day
Description: 25 Christmas Craft Traders will be waiting to greet you Tea/Coffee and Warm Mince Pies will be available on the day Charity Raffle, each of the exhibitors will be donating a raffle prize Look forward to seeing you on the 19th November
Website: https://www.facebook.com/alfordchristmascraftfayre/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1178668358845470
Culter Christmas Lights Switch On
Where: Peterculter Parish Church, 2 Craigton Crescent, Peterculter, Aberdeen AB14 0SB
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 3.45pm – 6.00pm
Price: Entry: adults £3, children £2, numbers in the hall are limited so please come early to avoid disappointment.
Description: The 10th Anniversary of Culter’s Christmas Light’s switch on.Entertainment from Bon Accord Silver Band, Rock Choir & Allan’s Magic.
Santa will have his grotto set up for a visit plus there will be stalls, raffles, mulled wine & mince pies.
Lights to be switched on at 6pm by our Culter School Christmas poster competition winners with a new light feature to be lit outside the church.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/CulterKirk/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1692019064391210/
Culter Playgroup Christmas Fayre
Where: Culter Village Hall, 178 North Deeside Road, AB14 0UD
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 11.00am – 2.00pm
Price: Entry is £2.50 for Adults and £1.00 for Children and includes tea, coffee or a soft drink and some home baking.
Description: We’ll have games and activities, stalls to do some Christmas shopping and you can meet Santa.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/culterplaygroup/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1333406366669887/
Busy Bees Nearly New Children’s Toy & Equipment Sale
Where: BP Centre, Turriff, Aberdeenshire AB53 4
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm
Description: Busy Bees Playgroup are hosting a nearly new toy & equipment (child related items) sale.
Come along to have a browse at the sale to see what bargains you can grab. Out with the old, in with the nearly new!!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/busybeesplaygroup/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1059992680774955/
Ellon Craft Fair
Where: The Ellon Kirk Centre, Station Road, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 9
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 10.00am
Price: Free Entry
Description: This event is organised by the ‘Association of Buchan Crafters’. There will be a wide variety of hand crafted items and gift ideas suitable for all ages. Teas & Coffees available.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Assoc.BuchanCrafters/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/545671612295582/
Roller Derby – Granite City Brawlers vs Beta Test Brummies
Where: Beach Leisure Centre, Aberdeen AB24 5NR
Date: Saturday 19th November 2016
Time: 2.15pm – 5.00pm
Price: £4 (Free entry for under 12s accompanied by an adult)
Description: Granite City Brawlers – Roller Derby are proud to present our first ever public home game! We take on Crash Test Brummies B team (Beta Test Brummies) in what promises to be a fun game of roller derby.
Doors – 2.15pm, First Whistle – 2.45pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/granitecitybrawlers/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/662329417258500/
Winter Wildlife Wander
Where: Haddo House & Country Park, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 7EQ
Date: Sunday 20th November 2016
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Price: £5 per person, under 12s free. Booking essential. Email haddo@visithaddo.com or 01651 851041
Description: Join us for a wintery wander around the park. We’ll see loads of ducks and geese on the lake, look for some late fungi and learn to identify trees in winter. There should also be lots of Red Squirrels out and about looking for food.
Mostly on level, surfaced tracks with some walking in the woods while looking for squirrels. Suitable for most ages although we may need to be still and quiet at some points to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Website: http://visithaddo.com/events/46/756-Winter-Wildlife-Wander/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1263266787047787/
The Jack & Jill Market – Aberdeen
Where: Hilton Aberdeen Treetops, 161 Springfield Road, Aberdeen
Date: Sunday 20th November 2016
Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm
Price: Entry £1.50 Adults. Children free.
Description: SAVVY SHOPPERS – Shop smartly, be savvy and save. Find everything you need for baby and children up to 9 years of age, all under the one roof, all on the same day.
Whether its large items from our Large Items Gallery, or clothes, toys, and equipment from our quality nearly-new stalls, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for – why pay more when you can pay less – now that’s being smart!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/jackandjillmarket/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1108341609234849/
Maggie’s Christmas Fair
Where: Maggie’s Aberdeen, Elizabeth Montgomerie Building, Aberdeen AB25 2QY
Date: Sunday 20th November 2016
Time: 11.00am – 4.00pm
Price: Tickets are £5 each and available from the centre. Under 5’s go free. For tickets and more info please contact Megan on 01224 612 914 or email megan.davies@maggiescentres.org
Description: Join us for some festive cheer with a Christmas Craft Fair supported by Aberdeen Ministry of Crafts!!
We will have a variety of lovely stalls for you to browse as well as the chance to visit Santa’s Grotto, get your face painted, try your luck at the tombola and more!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/maggiesaberdeen/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/163847494027529/
Christmas Craft Fair
Where: Beacon & Bucksburn Community Association, Kepplehills Road, Aberdeen AB21 9PL
Date: Sunday 20th November 2016
Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
Description: Come along to our Christmas Craft Fair with a wee twist, there will be no items on stalls for more than £10.
There are over 25 stalls booked, so a great variety of items to choose from. There will be face painting, craft area, refreshments to buy in café and much more.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bucksburncommunity/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/280579828995541/
Udny Station Christmas Extravaganza
Where: Udny Station Community Hall, AB41 6QJ
Date: Sunday 20th November 2016
Time: 4.00pm – 7.00pm
Price: Free Entry
Description: Join us for the first ever Udny Station Christmas Extravaganza! We’ll have great music, hot food, a fabulous festive market filled with stalls from a variety of local crafters and producers, cakes and treats, delicious mulled wine and a tasty non-alcoholic option too. There will be games to play, a raffle with brilliant prizes up for grabs and even a visit from Santa to switch on the village Christmas lights.
Come along and join the festive fun from 4pm. Everybody welcome!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/UdnyStationLights/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1702381183420978/
Little Explorer Day: Minibeasts
Where: Aberdeen Science Centre, 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
Date: Wednesday 23rd November 2016
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Price: Prices On Little Explorer Days, discounted entry fees apply for all public visitors: Adults: £4.75 Children: £3.75 2’s and under are free of charge.
Description: On Little Explorer Day on the 23 November we’ll explore the fascinating world of bugs! Come along and meet our Giant African Land-snails and Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches.
Learn about how insects camouflage themselves in the wild, and why this is good for them. Dig a big pit, and help us spot ladybirds as we explore the world of insects.Little Explorer Days offer fun, hands-on science based activities that encourage learning through play and are suited for little scientists aged 3-5 years.
Each Little Explorer Day workshop lasts approximately 30 minutes and is supported by related activity tables on the Exhibition Floor. These days are open to both the public and groups however if you are wishing to attend with a group then we would recommend you book in advance Please contact a member of the STEM Learning Team on 01224 640 340 for more details.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/aberdeensciencecentre/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1102719743168550/
NCT Sling and Buggy Walk
Where: Duthie Park, Aberdeen AB11 7TH
Date: Thursday 24th November 2016
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Description: Join us for our free family friendly sling and buggy walk! We meet at 10am outside the Winter Gardens in Duthie Park, before heading along the railway line for a gentle stroll Everyone is welcome – Dads, Grans, friends and older siblings.
It’s a great way to meet other parents. If you need a hand with your sling, we can help on the day
Website: https://www.facebook.com/nctaberdeencityandshire/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1128859243849565/
Christmas Tree Switch-On 2016
Where: Castlegate
Date: Thursday 24th November 2016
Time: 7.00pm
Price: Free
Description: The Winter Festival continues with the Christmas Tree Switch on at the Castlegate. Our twin town of Stavanger in Norway has once again kindly donated a magnificent 35ft Norwegian spruce.
A short carol service will be held at the Castlegate prior to the switch-on which is led by Aberdeen Churches Together involving the Salvation Army Band, carols, readings and prayers.
This year we will have a performance from Stavanger singer Ms. Hanne Vasshus. At the end of the service the Lord Provost of Aberdeen and the Deputy Mayor of Stavanger Bjørg Tysdal Moe will light up the beautiful spruce.
We hope this has given you some inspiration for the week ahead. Let us know in the comments below or over on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter what you get up too!