The Festive Scene in Aberdeen(shire)

Shops that put their Christmas goods on display before Halloween passes are my ultimate pet peeve at this time of year so it's a little ironic that I've decided to write a Christmas blog post before the end of October ..but bear with me here.

Whatever way you look at it, Christmas is rapidly descending upon us. Schools and churches are beginning to look out their nativity costumes; shop shelves are full of advent calendars; the weather has turned decidedly frosty and the organised among us might even have written their cards or purchased a present or two.

While the busy-ness and the consumerism of this season doesn't always appeal to me, I do love all the festivities and the sense of community that springs up over the next two months or so. Having lived near Glasgow for a few years, with all its Christmas Festival and ice-rink-clad goodness, the festivities can sometimes seem a bit sparse up here in the North East of the country.  

However, that image isn't necessarily true. And so I thought I'd share some of the things I've found across Aberdeen City and Shire that might help you immerse yourself fully in the spirit of the season!

Hit Up the Markets:

First and foremost, let's address the issue of gifts. Nothing stresses me out more than a day spent fighting with the crowds over the same old wares on the high street.. so why not seek out an alternative this year and pay a visit to one of Aberdeen & the surrounding area's many many markets? From international food to vintage clothes and unique craft pieces, there's bound to be something for everyone:

(Lots of these are happening this weekend, hence the 'early' blog post!)

• Aberdeen's International Street Market takes place on Union Terrace from November 1st to 3rd. 
• Candybelle's Christmas Cracker takes place in the Caledonian Hotel (also Union Terrace) on November 3rd.
• The Ministry of Craft hold their markets on Saturday November 2nd and December 7th in the Methodist Church on Crown Terrace.
• The March Hare Market takes place on November 30th and again on December 14th, both in the Boys Brigade HQ on Crimon Place. 
• And the National Trust get in on the act too with The Exclusively Highlands Christmas Fair at Crathes Castle from November 1st to 2nd and a Christmas Craft Fair at Haddo House is also happening on November 2nd to 3rd.

Lights and Parades:

Few things confirm the arrival of Christmas quite like the lights of the first neighbourhood Christmas tree. Every town and city seems to have its own unique way of making a fuss over its Christmas lights and many of them won't be announced for another few weeks, but confirmed so far are:

• Aberdeen Christmas lights switch-on parade on Sunday 24th November, 5:30-6pm, Union Street.
• Aberdeen Christmas tree switch-on, on Thurs 28th November, 7-7:30pm, Castlegate.
• And on less of a festive theme, Theatre Modo are showcasing their annual parade with the young people of Peterhead, Fraserburgh and the surrounding area. This year's event - Aden-een - takes place at Aden Park, Mintlaw, from 6pm on Friday 1st November.

Fireworks 

For an altogether different kind of light that's very much on our mind at this time of year, why not pop along to a local bonfire or fireworks display?

• The Theatre Modo parade mentioned above also includes a fireworks display sponsored by Shell. 
• Banff are also getting in on the act early with their bonfire and fireworks display at Duff House playing fields from 6:30pm on the 2nd of November.
• As are Stonehaven with theirs taking place at the Minnerwell Mark on November 3rd from 6pm.
• Come bonfire night (on the 5th of November, remember) there will be displays all across the North East. The biggest (and, let's face it, best) display will be at Aberdeen beach at 7:30pm, but some of the biggest bonfires will be hiding in the most surprising of little villages so do your research. 
• And if you aren't fed up of fire by the end of November, then why not bring in the New Year with the Stonehaven fireball ceremony?

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See A Pantomime:

No festive season would be complete without the laughter and cringing of a pantomime..

• This year's His Majesty's Theatre panto is Cinderella, starring Elaine C. Smith, Alan McHugh and Jordan Young. It runs from November 30th to January 5th and tickets tend to go pretty quickly so it's best to be prepared!

Alternatively, why not check out a smaller, local production?

• Peterhead Panto Group are doing their version of Cinderella at Peterhead Community Theatre from the 7th to 14th of December.
• Inverurie Panto are performing Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at Inverurie Town Hall from December 7th to 24th.
• And Fraserburgh Junior Arts Society will perform Beauty and the Beast from December 16th.

Or A Carol Concert Instead:

If a pantomime's not your scene, then perhaps a carol concert is more up your street?

• The Evening Express carol concert takes place at the Aberdeen Music Hall on Wednesday 4th December from 7:30pm, with performances from Aberdeen schools.
• Grampian Hospitals' Christmas carol concert, in aid of CLIC Sargent, also happens in the Music Hall on Sunday 8th December from 2:30pm.
• Tearfund's Christmas tour comes to Aberdeen with performances at Deeside Christian Fellowship from 7:30pm on Sunday 15th December and Dyce Parish Church from 7:30pm on Monday 16th.
• In Peterhead the Buchanhaven Heritage Society are hosting a carol service in Buchanhaven Community Centre on Friday 13th December from 6pm, led by the Salvation Army band. 
• And of course, wherever you live, you can always look up your nearest church to see when their carol services are taking place.

For an altogether different - and more sophisticated - kind of performance, and if you're still not tired of all the festivities come January, there's always the Scottish Ballet's Hansel and Gretel which is being performed at His Majesty's Theatre from January 15th-18th.

Whew! There's certainly plenty to keep us busy this festive season and this is by no means an exhaustive list.

Get out and explore your local area and see what it has to offer you this winter - you might, like me, find yourself surprised quite pleasantly!

xo