What’s on in Aberdeen City & Shire for Kids and Families
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?
** Mummy Mimi provides this page for information only and cannot guarantee accuracy. Events are subject to change and/or cancellation. If any doubt, please contact the event organisers for confirmation**
Aberdeen Christmas Village
Organiser: Aberdeen City Council – City Events
Where: Aberdeen City Centre
Date: Friday 17th November to Sunday 31st December 2017
Description: In partnership with Aberdeen City Council and delivered by John Codona’s Pleasure Fairs, Aberdeen Inspired are thrilled to bring the Aberdeen Christmas Village to Aberdeen’s brand new civic space. There will be something for ALL the family including a spectacular ice rink and a wonderful festive fairground! Official opening time is yet to be confirmed,
*OPEN AIR ICE RINK*
Monday – Friday: 12pm – 10pm
(school holidays 11am – 10pm)
Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 10pm
A relaxed skating session will be held on Friday 29 December at 10am – 11am. Low music and no strobes aim to make this hour as inclusive as possibe.
*FESTIVE FAIRGROUND RIDES*
Monday – Friday: 12pm – 10pm
(school holidays 11am – 10pm)
Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 10pm
*REFRESHMENTS*
Monday – Friday: 12pm – 10pm
(school holidays 11am – 10pm)
Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 10pm
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/152216245521618
Christmas Lights Switch On
Organiser: Alford Community
Where: Haughton Arms Hotel, Haughton Arms Hotel, Main Street, Alford, AB33 8WA
Date: Friday 24th November 2017
Time: 17:00 – 22:00
Description: Come and join us for the switching on of the christmas lights then come inside for the family disco at 8pm – 10 pm
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/121784475143138
Stoneywood School Fayre
Organiser: Pryde of Place Studios
Where: Stoneywood School, Aberdeen AB21 9
Date: Friday 24th November 2017
Time: 18:00 – 20:30
Description: Fun fayre for all ages and pockets.
Our quality crafters and quirky sellers will tempt you with amazing toys, foodie stalls, decorations, unique gifts including jewellery, fairy doors, handmade clothes, accessories, engraved giftware, hand painted glassware.
Christmas shopping just got easy!
Soak up some festive cheer with a fly cup and seasonal treat.
Get a photo with Santa at the grotto, let the kids do secret parent shopping in the special gift room and try your luck at the raffle and tombola. Tons of top prizes to be won on the night.
Please bring friends & family! All welcome.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1952617698294428
Santa’s Grotto
Organiser: Bon Accord Aberdeen
Where: Bon Accord Aberdeen, George St, Aberdeen AB25 1HZ
Date: Friday 17th November till Sunday 24th December 2017
Time: 09:00 – 17:00
Description: Santa only has one home this Christmas, and that’s Bon Accord! His magical winter wonderland opens on Friday the 17th of November.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/781595452049739
Fairy Wood Open (Weather Permitting)
Organiser: VSA Easter Anguston Farm
Where: Easter Anguston Farm, Peterculter, Aberdeen
Date: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November 2017
Time: 10:30AM – 3:30PM
Description: Fairy wood open 10.30 am – 3.30pm weather permitting
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/130019481050155
November Market
Organiser: Belmont St Market Aberdeen
Where: Belmont St Market Aberdeen, Belmont Street, Aberdeen AB10 1JH
Date: Saturday 25th November 2017
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Description: Come along to Belmont St Aberdeen’s market on Saturday, November 25. Local producers and makers will have a host of food, drink, crafts and more. Shop locally for Christmas this year, with food and gifts you can’t get anywhere else!
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/122169821789377
Victorian Christmas 2017
Organiser: Delgatie Castle
Where: Delgatie Castle, Delgaty, Turriff, Aberdeenshire AB53 5TD
Date: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Description: Christmas comes but once a year and here at Delgatie Castle we certainly celebrate it in the best way we know how with our amazing Victorian Christmas event!
Santa is here to speak to children, young and old, there are lots of amazing crafts and gifts for sale.
Entry to the event is £5 per person, admission for children includes their visit and gift from Santa.
Our Laird’s Kitchen tearoom will also be open serving Christmas fayre.
We look forward to giving all our visitors a very warm and festive welcome.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1491859204215293
& https://www.facebook.com/events/123194625001726
Looking for some Christmas Gift ideas for the wee ones? Then why not check out our latest post here.
Exclusively Highlands Christmas Craft & Food Fair
Organiser: Castle Fraser Garden & Estate
Where: Castle Fraser Garden & Estate, Sauchen, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire AB51 7LD
Date: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Description: Complete with roaring fires and one of the finest cafe/restaurants in the area, Castle Fraser makes for a great weekend treat for Christmas shoppers.
Steeped in history there is the perfect opportunity to enjoy browsing around the entire Castle together with the opportunity to purchase unique items handcrafted from all corners of Scotland – fine painted ceramics, exquisite beaded jewellery, delicately felted pictures, gorgeously aromatic candles & diffusers, the renown tweedy beasties, beautiful stained glass and elegant turned wood to name a few.
Foodies will also be on hand with an extremely tempting array of cheeses, marshmallows, seafood, locally roasted coffee, cakes, bakery and chocolates all freshly hand made.
Admission is £4 and free for Children
Tickets are purchased on the door
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1429676943748160
A Woodside Woody Experience
Organiser: Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service
Where: Persley, River Don
Date: Saturday 25th November 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 1:00PM
Description: Come and join the Countryside Rangers for this fun family morning of shelter building with natural materials. Make a hot drink using water boiled in an outdoor kettle and get creative with some natural art to decorate your shelter. Please wear clothing suitable for the weather.
Meet at the Persley Walled Garden car park. First bus 18 goes to Mugiemoss Road close by.
Booking essential – please call 01224 326 429 or email countrysideranger@aberdeencity.gov.uk to book your FREE place!
Suitable for families.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/358012404642090
RSC Chemistry Week ‘Takeover’ at ASC
Organiser: Aberdeen Science Centre
Where: Aberdeen Science Centre, 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
Date: Saturday 25th November 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Description: Chemistry Week is an annual celebration of the chemical sciences, run by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Try your hand at some real chemistry! Our chemists will be there to help you do some exciting experiments such as making silly putty, magic writing and even making your own volcano. There will also be a chance to see a spectacular flashes and bangs show.
http://www.rsc.org/campaigning-outreach/outreach/everyone/#chemistry-week
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/153573308584041
Santa Specials
Organiser: Milton of Crathes Station
Where: Milton of Crathes Station, The Royal Deeside Railway, Milton of Crathes, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5QH
Date: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November 2017
Time: 10:30AM – 3:30PM
Description: Santa will be at the Milton of Crathes again this year with a sack full of presents for the children, and hot mince pies and drinks for the adults.
He will again be handing out presents to the children in the coaches during the steam train ride from the Milton station.
Christmas singing on all services, which this year will be steam hauled.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1541068735951605 & https://www.facebook.com/events/1824125951234519
Family Cinema Despicable Me 3
Organiser: Culter Village Hall
Where: Culter Village Hall, 178 North Deeside Road, Peterculter, Aberdeen AB14 0UD
Date: Saturday 25th November 2017
Time: 10:30AM – 1:00PM
Description: Family cinema tickets at the door £2.50 include free soft or hot drink.
Fresh made popcorn, sweets and hotdogs for sale.
This months film is despicable me 3. Doors open 10.30am film starts at 11am. Interval approx 12pm.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/141509366485406
NCT November Nearly New Sale
Organiser: NCT Aberdeen City and Shire Nearly New Sales
Where: Portlethen Academy, Bruntland Road, Portlethen, Aberdeenshire AB12 4QL
Date: Saturday 25th November 2017
Time: 11:00AM – 12:30PM
Description: It’s our biggest Nearly New Sale of the year, as our sellers have a huge clearout in time for Christmas.
Volunteers are on hand for advice and help during the sale, if you have a shopping list ask a volunteer to point you in the right direction.
We will lend you a shopping bag to collect your goodies in then have a one stop checkout with chip and pin facilities, also a reclaim area where large bulky items can be safely left whilst you continue to shop.
Cots, toys, highchairs, walkers, puzzles, bouncy chairs, bikes, ride on’s, bumbo’s, stair gates, more toys, books, DVD’s, computer games, curtains, lampshades, bedding, maternity equipment & clothing, dressing up clothes, more toys, moses baskets, prams, slings, re-useable nappies, clothes carefully displayed from newborn up to approx 10 years, scooters, carriers, playmats, bouncy chairs, jumperoo’s, travel cots, kids furniture – all dependant on what our sellers decide to bring! We can’t sell baby car seats or items that require a plug.
Our sales are 100% powered by volunteers and a % of the takings goes back into the NCT the UK’s largest parenting charity to support work locally and nationally.
Ready to become a seller? Keep an eye out on our facebook page for registration opening
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/122068398476275
Christmas Fayre
Where: The Drouthy Laird, Victoria Buildings, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire AB51 3QT
Date: Saturday 25th November 2017
Time: 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Description: Come along and support 3 fantastic charities and enjoy a browse round some fabulous local stall promoting various gift ideas and goodies as well as a raffle, bottle stall, chocolate tombola etc.
Santa will arrive at 1 pm and will be with us until 2pm. Bring your kids along to visit and get a gift in return.
Tea/coffee/juice and a fine piece included in the ticket cost.
Tickets priced at £3 for adults and £1.50 children/concessions.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1466668410055152
Summerhill Church Christmas Fayre
Organiser: Summerhill Parish Church
Where: Summerhill Parish Church, Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen AB15 6JL
Date: Saturday 25th November 2017
Time: 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Description: Come along to our annual Christmas Craft Fayre, with over 20 stalls full of hand crafted and popular goods. Entry is £2.50 for adults and £1 for kids, which includes refreshments and homebakes.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/146654096086619
Christmas Light Switch-On and Santa’s Arrival!
Organiser: Trump International Golf Links Scotland
Where: Trump International Golf Links Scotland, Menie Park Lodge, Menie Estate, Aberdeen AB23 8YE
Date: Saturday 25th November 2017
Time: 3:00PM – 6:00PM
Description: Our Christmas Light Switch-On is the highlight of the year and an amazing start to the festive season!
Everyone is welcome to join us to celebrate at our big Light Switch-On event on Saturday, November 25th where you can enjoy great food, music and entertainment and the exciting arrival of the main man, Father Christmas himself, at around 4.30pm
The event is free for everyone and there will be plenty of hot food and drink available to purchase as well as a bar, entertainment, music and fireworks.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/126209254795354
Wild Sounds at Hazelhead Park
Organiser: RSPB Aberdeen and North East Scotland
Where: Hazlehead Pets Corner, Groats Road, Aberdeen AB15 8BE
Date: Sunday 26th November 2017
Time: 10:30AM – 12:30PM
Description: BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Explore the natural world, discover wildlife and make music using sticks, stones, pinecones and other natural objects!
This event will begin with some outdoor exploration in the park, looking for wildlife as well as sticks, pine cones and other natural items to make musical instruments out of. We will then move indoors to try out our newly found instruments and sing some songs about wildlife.
THIS EVENT IS DESIGNED FOR 3-10 YEAR OLDS.
BOOK PLACES by emailing esro@rspb.org.uk or calling 01224 624824.
The workshop will last approximately 2 hours and children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration. Please wear warm clothing and sensible footwear for exploring the park.
Meet in front of Pets Corner in Hazelhead Park.
Recommended donation £4 per child (£2 for RSPB members).
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/145392102753934
Christmas Fair at Maggie’s
Organiser: Aberdeen Ministry of Crafts
Where: Maggie’s Aberdeen, Elizabeth Montgomerie Building, Aberdeen, AB25 2UZ
Date: Sunday 26th November 2017
Time: 11:00AM – 4:00PM
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 have your gifts expertly wrapped, try your luck at the tombola and more!
Santa is going to pay us a visit so make sure you visit between 11am and 2pm to see him!
Tickets are £5 each and available from the centre. Under 5’s go free.
For tickets and more info please contact 01224 612 914 or email aberdeenfundraising@maggiescentres.org
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1085657268233623
Santa & Reindeer Parade 2017
Organiser: Aberdeen Trinity Centre
Where: Aberdeen Trinity Centre, 155 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BE
Date: Sunday 26th November 2017
Time: 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Description: Kick off the festive season with The Trinity Centre’s annual Santa & Reindeer Parade with support from Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen City Council, taking place on Sunday 26th November ahead of Aberdeen City Council’s light switch on.
Santa and his Reindeer will be in town offering an afternoon full of Christmas magic for kids and adults alike. The fun starts at the Castlegate at 12pm – a host of special guests including stilt walkers, Festive Seagulls and Santa’s Reindeer, from The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, will be there to welcome you! Plus Santa Claus will be handing out free goodies to all children who visit him in the centre after the parade.
The fun doesn’t stop there – Pantomime characters, Singers, Dancers and Cheerleaders from local performing groups will ensure this is an afternoon not to be missed. There will also be FREE balloon modelling and face painting by Mr Puffin and Paint Me Pretty.
Don’t forget to share your Santa Parade Snaps with by using the #TrinitySantaParade
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/153153718616664
Christmas Lights Switch-On / Denis Law Freedom of the City
Organiser: Aberdeen City Council – City Events
Where: Union Street, Aberdeen
Date: Sunday 26th November 2017
Time: 5:30PM – 6:30PM
Description: ACC Official Event
Football legend Denis Law will be awarded the Freedom of Aberdeen celebrated in a colourful parade from Albyn Place down Union Street to the Castlegate. Denis will travel in an open top car to the Town house, in a parade led by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, as part of Aberdeen’s Christmas Lights Switch-On.
This is a free event. All welcome.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1937070653284428
Christmas Fair with Exclusively Highlands
Organiser: Fyvie Castle
Where: Fyvie Castle, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire AB53 8
Date: Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd December 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Description: Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to Fyvie Castle for the Christmas Fair. As ever we will have the castle all decorated beautifully ready for the holidays on the Saturday and Sunday. We will have carol singers, (non alcoholic) mulled wine, and of course a visit from the man himself, St Nick!! I know, we can’t believe we’ve got him for a whole weekend this year again! Please note, we don’t have Santa on Friday, he is too busy that day!
As an added treat this year we have Exclusively Highlands bringing their wonderful arts, crafts, and food on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They will be all through the castle and in the Racquets Court. The house will be positively brimming with wonderful treats for the that special someone or just yourself, because, you know what? You deserve it to!
Of course the tearoom and castle shop will be open throughout the three days.
As an added bonus we will also have appearances by the miniature donkeys from Jenny’s Donkeys on the Saturday and Sunday!
Admission is £4 for adults and £4 for wee ones. Tickets can be bought online beforehand or on the door.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1370288583082341
Don’t forget you can plan further ahead with our events calendar, full of events in the run up till Christmas & updated regularly!
Santa’s Grotto Bundle Offer
Organiser: Wynford Farm Park
Where: Wynford Farm Park, Wynford Farm, Aberdeen AB15 8RQ
Date: Friday 1st – Sunday 17th December 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Description: Meet Santa in his Wynford Wonderland Grotto!
Includes your Santa Experience, Choose your own Toy, Christmas Crafts with our Elves, and Child’s Dual Admission to all of our Indoor & Outdoor FUN!
Arrive and present yourself to our Cafe team for our Elves to bring you to his Grotto for 15 minutes of crafts and fun before meeting the man himself!
Here at Wynford, we like NO QUEUES CHRISTMAS so that you can ENJOY the festive season with no stress! Arrive on time for your session and we handle all the rest!
TICKETS – £13.50/Child
By appointment only, booking required. To book online click here.
A minimum of one Adult is required to supervise up to 5 children. Adult Admission cost can be added during the booking process, or paid on the day.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1681457525258039
Etsy Made Local 2017 – Aberdeen
Organiser: Aberdeen Etsy Team
Where: Foyer Restaurant & Gallery, 82a Crown St, Aberdeen AB11 6
Date: Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd December 2017
Time: Fri – 11am – 7pm (Late night shopping event) | Sat – 10.30am – 5.30pm | Sun 11.00am – 4.30pm
Description: Join us for Etsy Made Local this Christmas!
Popping-up in the site of the old Foyer restaurant over three days, the second annual Etsy Made Local market promises to be a fun alternative to the traditional Christmas shopping experience. Buy direct from local Etsy designers, makers and vintage collectors. Meet the people behind the product and look locally for this year’s Christmas gifting!
Etsy Made Local is a national initiative celebrating the crafters, collectors and artisans in local communities across the UK. From coast to coast, cities and towns will be participating between the 1st – 3rd December. Around the UK, Etsy artisans will sell their handmade wares and vintage goods to local Christmas shoppers at these markets, each of which will represent the spirit of the local community.
After our amazing 2016 market, we are so excited to bring this fantastic national event back to Aberdeen for a second time. We have been absolutely inundated with applications and cannot wait to introduce this year’s exciting vendor list.
Pop in and meet the maker – the perfect opportunity to find unique, affordable and meaningful gifts in the lead up to Christmas.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/153569028557345
A Ghoul Yule
Organiser: Haddo House & Country Park
Where: Haddo House & Country Park, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 7EQ
Date: Friday 1st December 2017
Time: 7:00PM – 9:00:PM
Description: Featuring two Christmas ghost stories, one from Iceland and one from Cumbria. There then follow three Norse tales that all feature the festival of Yule in one form or another – ghosts, trolls, and Valkyries abound in these epic and uncanny tales!
Join us around the fire for an evening of storytelling with David Brown to get you into the festive spirit. Bring plenty of warm clothes and something to sit on. Festive snacks and hot drinks will be provided.
Not suitable for children under eight.
£7 per person – please email svsohaddo@gmail.com to book.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/831158030386591