Shop Local this Christmas - Market Dates in Aberdeen

The winter woollies are out of the wardrobe, the lights are up in the city centre and the ice-rink opened yesterday. I think it's official: Santa is on his way! 

The countdown to Christmas is on - well and truly - and the more organised among us will already be stocking up on goodies to hide beneath the tree. This year, I'm trying to be a little less last-minute with my present purchases; to select gifts with a unique or personal touch; and to give a bit more thought to where I spend my money. We have an incredible range of producers, creators and retailers right here on our doorstep in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City, and I'm making it my mission to '#supportlocal' throughout this year's festivities. 

Markets are by far my favourite way to discover local goods. We're lucky to have a number taking place regularly throughout Aberdeen, but the lead up to Christmas is set to see even more popping up across the city. 

Here's my pick of the bunch, from this weekend through to December 23rd:

FLOCK Contemporary Craft and Design Fair

Sunday 19th November - The Barn, Burn o' Bennie, Banchory

With hands-on craft workshops and some 50 vendors, The Barn has curated a line-up of some of Scotland's best makers and creators for this festival-format shopping event.  

Website | Facebook Listing

FINE Food and Drink Market 

Thursday 23rd - Sunday 26th November - Christmas Village, Marischal College, Aberdeen 
One of three markets taking place at Marischal College - the new location for this year's Christmas Village - this foodie weekend looks set to delight with plenty of 'FINE' treats from across Aberdeen and the North East. The list of stallholders has my mouth watering already!
Website | Facebook Listing 

Belmont Street Market

Saturday 25th November, 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd December  - Belmont Street, Aberdeen
Belmont Street's regular monthly market is set to take place not just once, but every Saturday between now and Christmas. Regularly featured products include preserves, cheese, meat, fresh fish, vodka, gin, craft ales, woollen goods, cupcakes and my favourite almond flour brownies!
Facebook Listing

Maggie's Christmas Fair

Sunday 26th November - Maggie's, Elizabeth Montgomery Building, Westburn Road, Aberdeen 
Supported by the Ministry of Craft team, the Maggie's Christmas Fair will feature a Santa's Grotto and tombola alongside a range of market stalls. Entrance is charged at £5 with proceeds helping Maggie's to support people with cancer and their loved ones.
Facebook Listing

Old Togs New Tricks

Sunday 26th November - Spin, Littlejohn Street, Aberdeen 
This regular vintage fayre has a new venue for this, their last event before Christmas. Relocating to Spin on Littlejohn Street while Underdog undergoes a bit of a refurbishment, this market promises a line-up featuring house-plant lovers, The Potting Shed, alongside a range of vintage goodies. 
Facebook Listing

Etsy Made Local - Aberdeen 

Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd December - Foyer Restaurant and Gallery, Crown St, Aberdeen 
Perhaps one of the most popular places to shop online for that unique, handmade gift, the Etsy website has been brought to life thanks to the Aberdeen Etsy Team, offering shoppers the chance to  buy direct from local designers, makers and vintage collectors.
Facebook Listing

Ministry of Crafts

Saturday 2nd December - Methodist Church, Crown Terrace, Aberdeen 
Taking place on the first Saturday of every month, the Ministry of Crafts market is probably my favourite in Aberdeen. It regularly features a wide range of crafts, jewellery, paper goods, cakes (and everything in between!), from popular vendors such as Hannah Bakes Cakes, Paper Pine Tree, Embroidreams and Whimsical Lush. Watch their Facebook page for this month's line-up.    
Facebook Listing

HAAN Design Market 

7th-10th, 14th-17th, 21st-23rd December - Christmas Village, Marischal College, Aberdeen
Another part of this year's Christmas Village at Marischal College, the design market is set to offer up a range of high-quality haan-made ("handmade" in Aberdonian.. get it?) products  from local, national and international designers and makers. Taking place over three weekends before Christmas, the events will also offer a pop-up cafe and DIY craft opportunities.
Website | Facebook Listing

Thistle Street Food Market 

Saturday 9th December - Thistle Street, Aberdeen 
Hosted by The West End - Aberdeen team, the Thistle Street market takes place on the second Saturday of every month, offering up an array of locally-made foodie treats, including (but by no means limited to) cheese, smoked salmon, lemon curd, chocolate brownies, peanut butter, pasta, soft drinks and gin!
Facebook Listing

Hippy Market Takeover 

Saturday 9th December - Bridge Street Social Club, Aberdeen
Two floors of Bridge Street Social Club will be transformed into an indoor market for the Christmas edition of this regular event, promising "a pick'n'mix of Aberdeen's finest creators, makers and musicians."
Facebook Listing

Slains Handmade Christmas Market 

Sunday 17th December - Slains Castle, Belmont Street, Aberdeen
Belmont Street pub, Slains Castle, are set to host a line-up of local sellers, offering handmade gifts from in and around Aberdeen, with proceeds going to Mrs Murray's Cat and Dog Home. 
Facebook Listing

Purchases from the last Ministry of Crafts market.

What are you waiting for? Time to track down that perfect gift for your loved one, while supporting local producers in and around Aberdeen!

xo