winter festival brochure 16/9/10 14:50 Page 1

aberdeenswinterfestival.com
winter festival brochure 16/9/10 14:50 Page 3

Aberdeen is the place to SHOP, STAY and PLAY

as we celebrate our Winter Festival with events,
entertainment, family fun and fantastic shopping.
With so much to do this festive season why
not take advantage of our fantastic winter
accommodation rates.
Aberdeen’s W inter Festival Introduction

The festival kicks off with our annual Fireworks Each December weekend before Christmas,
Spectacular on 5th November when the skies the City’s shopping centres will capture the
over Aberdeen Beach will be lit up with an spirit of the festive season with traditional
explosion of colour and sound. entertainment, characters and family fun.

It continues on 21 November with our ever
popular Christmas Lights Switch On. Union Street
will come alive with a cavalcade of characters,
music and special guests that will illuminate the
City Centre with a stunning display of lights.
Join us at the Castlegate on the 28 November to
light up our giant Christmas Tree, kindly donated
by the people of Stavanger.
See the New Year in with a bang during our
spectacular fireworks display at His Majesty’s
Theatre or book your seat at the Beach
Ballroom’s popular Hogmanay Ceilidh Party.
The Festival is rounded off with our traditional
Burns Night celebration at the Beach
Ballroom featuring top class ceilidh band,
Clachan Yell.

Whether you are a City resident or a visitor, there’s

something for all the family in Aberdeen’s Winter Festival.

For more offers and the latest festive news visit

aberdeenswinterfestival.com
2/3
winter festival brochure 16/9/10 14:50
Sound 10
Various venues throughout
Aberdeen City and Shire
Wed 20 Oct - Sun 14 Nov
Visit sound-scotland.co.uk
for more details
sound is an exciting festival
of new music, driven by the
passion to make new music
more accessible to audiences
of all ages and backgrounds.
We want people to experiment
and discover for themselves the
Aberdeen’s W inter Festival Events Guide
different types of music that are
out there today, taking risks
to find out what they enjoy
(or don't!). We introduce this
wide range of music and sound
(classical, contemporary,
improvisation, traditional, popular,
jazz, experimental, ambient,
sound art, electro-acoustic…)
through a variety of events
including concerts, talks,
installations and workshops.
4/5
Page 5
Fireworks Night
Aberdeen Beach
Fri 5 Nov
From 7pm, display starts at 8pm
FREE
A 20 minute display of high
aerial fireworks full of noise and
colour and set to music. Street
entertainment will also feature.
Christmas Craft Fair
Haddo House
Sat 7 and Sun 8 Nov
10am - 4pm
Adults £3, Under 16’s Free
Tel 08444 932179
Come and browse our
large selection of unique
handcrafted gifts from local
and Scottish crafters. Mulled
wine and mince pies will get
you in the festive mood!
Ceilidh with
Danse Macabre
Music Hall
Sat 6 Nov, 8pm
£10 + booking fee
To book call 01224 641122
The all girl ceilidh band from
the North of Scotland play an
eclectic and lively style of old
favourites and less familiar
dances as required.
Motorhead in Concert
AECC
Mon 8 Nov, 7pm
£26 + booking fee
To book call 08444 779000
The 35th anniversary tour of this
hard rocking band.
The Hollies in Concert
Music Hall
Wed 10 Nov, 7.30pm
£23.50 + booking fee
To book call 01224 641122
The American Hall of Fame
inductees make a welcome
return to the city.
University of Aberdeen
Choral Society and
Symphony Orchestra
Music Hall
Thurs 11 Nov, 7.30pm
£8
To book call 01224 641122
Music from America features in
this dazzling display of orchestral
virtuosity and choral luminosity.
Featuring the amazing Welsh
pianist, Iwan Llewellyn-Jones.
Ceilidh with Shindig
Music Hall
Fri 12 Nov, 8pm
£10 + booking fee
To book call 01224 641122
Come along and enjoy an evening
of traditional Scottish dancing
with one of the North East’s top
ceilidh bands.
aberdeenswinterfestival.com
Fiddlers Rally
Music Hall
Sat 13 Nov, 7.30pm
£11 - £13 + booking fee
To book call 01224 641122
Hosted by Strathspey and
Reel Society. A fantastic
evening of music with traditional
Scottish flair. Featuring Paul
Anderson, Shona Donaldson
and many more.
Scrooge
HMT
Mon 15 - Sat 20 Nov, 7.30pm
£10.50 - £32.50 + booking fee
To book call 01224 641122
The record breaking London
Palladium production of Scrooge
features Tommy Steele one of
Britain’s best loved entertainers.
Jools Holland
in Concert
AECC
Thurs 18 Nov, 7.30pm
£32.50 + booking fee
To book call 08444 779000
Jools Holland will be joined for
the first time by one of the UK’s
most enduring and acclaimed
vocalists, performer and songwriter,
Alison Moyet. His regular featured
vocalists, legendary Ruby Turner
and soulful Louise Marshall, will
also be joining his tour to make
sure it will be an evening of
spectacular singing and swinging.
Accompanied by his Rhythm
and Blues Orchestra.
winter festival brochure 16/9/10 14:50
Glenn Miller
Orchestra UK
Music Hall
Sat 20 Nov, 7.30pm
£16.50 - £18 + booking fee
To book call 01224 641122
Ray McVay presents a brand
new show with the Glenn Miller
Orchestra bringing the 40s
back to Aberdeen. A must
see show for Big Band fans.
Aberdeen’s W inter Festival Events Guide
Christmas Lights
Switch On
Union Street
Sun 21 Nov, 5.30pm
FREE
The Lord Provost will lead a
parade of carnival and panto
characters with music and
entertainers along Aberdeen’s
premier street, switching on
each light as the parade
passes underneath.
6/7
Page 7
Aberdeen’s Singing
Chorus Concert
Music Hall
Wed 24 Nov, 7.30pm
£6.00
To book call 01224 641122
Aberdeen’s Singing Chorus
returns to the Music Hall to
perform at the ever popular
concert. This year’s theme
is ‘Pop goes the Classics’.
International
Street Market
Union Terrace
Fri 26 - Sun 28 Nov
9am - 6pm
FREE
The hugely popular International
Street Market returns to the
city attracting thousands of
visitors over the weekend.
Festive gifts, delicious foods,
fruit and vegetables, crafts,
leather and clothing will all
feature.
Aberdeen
Country Fair
Belmont Street
Sat 27 Nov, 9am - 5pm
FREE
See local farmers and crafters
showcasing quality home
grown and handcrafted
products.
St Andrew’s Weekend Al Murray
Celebrations Pub Landlord
City Centre Music Hall
Sat 27 - Sun 28 Nov Sun 28 Nov, 8pm
11am - 4pm £25 + booking fee
FREE To book call 01224 641122
Celebrate Scotland’s patron The pub landlord is back
saint with a weekend of on the road to roll out his
traditional music and “Barrel of Fun”, his brand
entertainment. new stand up show for 2010.
Christmas Tree Victorian
Switch On Photographer’s Studio
Castlegate Aberdeen Art Gallery
Sun 28 Nov, 4pm Sat 4 Dec
FREE 10.30am-4pm
Aberdeen’s Lord Provost will For prices and to book
switch on the city’s Christmas call 01224 523700
tree kindly gifted by the people Dress up in Victorian clothes
of Stavanger. for a festive family portrait,
then design and make a card
to mount your portrait in.
Festive Weekend
Entertainment
Sat 4, 11 and 18 Dec
Sun 5, 12 and 19 Dec
11am - 4pm
FREE
The city’s shopping centres will
come alive with festive music
and entertainment. Catch a
talking christmas tree, big robin,
christmas puddings, the lairy
fairy and many more!
aberdeenswinterfestival.com
Aberdeen Country Fair
Belmont Street
Sat 4, 11 and 18 Dec
9am - 5pm
FREE
See local farmers and crafters
showcasing quality home grown
and handcrafted products.
Sleeping Beauty
HMT
Sat 4 Dec - Sun 9 Jan
Various times
£17.75 - £78 + booking fee
To book call 01224 641122
A fabulous cast, comedy in
abundance and as ever a few
magical surprises!
Cinderella
Aberdeen Arts Centre
Sat 4 - Sun 26 Dec, various times
£11
To book call 01224 641122
Our spellbinding production of
Cinderella will thrill audiences with
a fabulous cast backed by magical
special effects and a soundtrack
that will have you dancing in the
aisles. Castlegate Arts Ltd’s first
ever in house Christmas show.
Santa Specials
Milton of Crathes
Sat 27 Nov and 4, 11, 18 Dec
Sun 28 Nov and 5, 12, 19 Dec,
11am - 4pm
Adults £5.50/£7
Children £7.50/£9
www.deeside-railway.co.uk
A 20 minute ride on either a
steam or a diesel locomotive
organised by the Royal Deeside
Railway Preservation Society.
Located at Milton Arts And
Crafts Village on the A93 next
to Crathes Castle.
winter festival brochure 16/9/10 14:50 Page 9

Paul Weller in Concert
AECC
Sun 5 Dec, 6.30pm
£35 + booking fee
To book call 08444 779000
One of Britain’s most influential
musicians has announced his
2010 arena tour. Paul Weller
otherwise known as “The
Modfather” returns to the city.
Santa and his The Puddock
Aberdeen’s W inter Festival Events Guide
Provost Skene’s House
Candlelight Tours
Provost Skene’s House
Tues 7 & Wed 15 Dec
5.15pm for 13 years old & under
6.15pm & 7.15pm
£7/£6 concessions & Friends
of Aberdeen Art Gallery &
Museums.
To book call 01224 523700
This magical tour takes in the
splendour of period rooms
decorated in traditional
The Enchanted Castle Santa’s Grotto
Crathes Castle and Sleigh Rides
Fri 10 - Sun 12 Dec Deeside Activity Park, Dess, Aboyne
4.45pm - 10pm Sun 12 & 19 Dec, 11am - 3pm
£4 - £9 £2
To book call 01224 641122 Tel 01339 883536
Experience an enchanting evening Experience exciting sleigh rides
in beautiful Royal Deeside featuring and a visit to Santa’s Grotto.
a stunning display of light and
sound installations and trails at one
of Scotlands most popular visitor Scottish Ensemble
attractions. The walled garden and Concert
estate will be transformed for three Queen’s Cross Church

Reindeer Parade
Castlegate - Union Street
Sun 5 Dec, 12 noon
FREE
Santa arrives in his sleigh pulled
by all your favourite reindeer.
See him travel up Union Street
to the Trinity Shopping Centre
where you can get up close
to his reindeer.
The Aberdeen
Legend Christmas
Show
Beach Ballroom
Sun 5 Dec, 4.30pm - 10pm
£15
To book call 01224 647647
Aberdeen’s finest singers
cover hits from the 60s,
70s and 80s. Featuring Ally
Dawson, Tommy Dene,
Sandy Davidson, George
Duncan and Eddie Corbett
with their special guest John
McCruvie. Lots of festive fun!
8/9
& the Princess
Lemon Tree
Mon 6 - Fri 24 Dec
See Box Office for times
£10 + booking fee
To book call 01224 641122
Join Scotland’s National Youth
Theatre “for and by” young
people for this Scottish twist on
the enchanting classic fairytale.
Christmas greenery.
Evening Express
Carol Concert
Music Hall
Wed 8 Dec, 7.30pm
£8
To book call 01224 641122
This annual and traditional
concert features music and
song performed by Aberdeen
Schools. All monies raised
go to local charities.
Christmas Tea Dance
Beach Ballroom
Thurs 9 Dec, 1.30pm
£6
To book call 01224 641122
Dance away the afternoon in
Aberdeen’s famous Beach
Ballroom to the sounds of
The Garioch Blend.
aberdeenswinterfestival.com
nights only into a winter wonderland
with cutting edge light and sound
technology creating stunning
choreographed effects.
Aberdeen Music Centre
Christmas Concerts
Music Hall
Sat 11 Dec, 1pm and 7.30pm
£4 - £8
To book call 01224 641122
Some of Aberdeen’s finest young
musicians perform in 2 concerts
of festive music by bands,
orchestras and choirs.
Granite City Chorus
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Sat 11 Dec
3pm and 3.40pm
FREE
Join us for a festive programme
of music in the impressive
surroundings of Aberdeen Maritime
Museum's Harbour Gallery.
Aberdeen Santa Run
Pittodrie Stadium
Sun 12 Dec, 1pm
Adult £15 inc Santa Suit
+ special children’s rates
Tel 01309 678100
www.wildheartsinaction.org
Join hundreds of Santa’s at this
festive fun run, from the home of
Aberdeen FC along the beach front.
CLIC Sargent
Carol Concert
Music Hall
Sun 12 Dec, 2.30pm
£12
To book call 01224 641122
Grampian Hospitals Christmas
Carol Concert in aid of CLIC
Sargent supporting children
and adolescents with cancer.
Mon 13 Dec, 7.30pm
£14.50
To book call 01224 641122
An intimate candlelit concert as
part of “Christmas with a twist”.
Aberdeen Choral Society
Handel’s Messiah
Music Hall
Tues 14 Dec, 7.30pm
£12 - £14
To book call 01224 641122
Christmas is not Christmas
without a performance of Handel’s
ever popular oratorio “Messiah”.
Royal Scottish
National Orchestra
Christmas Concert
Music Hall
Wed 15 Dec, 7.30pm
£8.50 - £19
To book call 01224 641122
A family celebration of your
favourite Christmas carols.
winter festival brochure 16/9/10 14:50
Peter Andre
AECC
Thurs 16 Dec, 7.30pm
£28.75 - £83.50
To book call 01224 641122
Peter Andre will be returning
to Aberdeen as part of his first
arena tour in over ten years.
Tolbooth Winter’s Trails
The Tolbooth Museum
Thurs 16 Dec, 6pm & 8pm
Aberdeen’s W inter Festival Events Guide
Sun 19 Dec, 4pm & 6pm
Adult £7
Concessions & Friends of Aberdeen
Art Gallery & Museums £6
To book call 01224 523700
This tour explores the dark history
of Aberdeen’s 17th century prison.
Meet the gaoler and town’s minister
as they prepare the cells for
new prisoners as the Protestant
authorities try to ‘ban’ Christmas!
Seasonal refreshments included.
Status Quo
in Concert
AECC
Fri 17 Dec, 7.30pm
£38.75
To book call 08444 779000
Britain’s best-loved rockers
will be returning to the
Aberdeen Exhibition and
Conference Centre’s Press
& Journal Arena to perform
The Quid Pro Quo Tour.
10/11
Page 11
BBC Scottish
Symphony Orchestra
Christmas Classics
Music Hall
Fri 17 Dec, 7.30pm
£9.50 - £20
To book call 01224 641122
A perennial favourite, the
concert brings a warm festive
glow to the Music Hall.
Christmas Carol
Concerts
Winter Gardens
Sat 18 Dec, 1pm & 4pm
FREE
Come along and enjoy
singing all your favourite
carols to the accompaniment
of the Bon Accord Silver
Band. Look out for a visit
by a man in a red suit!
Carols by Candlelight
St Machar’s Cathedral
Old Aberdeen
Sat 18 Dec, 7.30pm
Admission by programme
(available at the door or in CLAN
outlets) £5 adults, children free
This will include Christmas
music, carols, poetry and
prose to suit all ages and tastes.
In aid of CLAN.
aberdeenswinterfestival.com
Royal Scottish
National Orchestra
Big Band
Christmas Party
Music Hall
Sun 19 Dec,7.30pm
£8.50 - £19
To book call 01224 641122
Join the RSNO Big Band and
special guest virtuoso jazz
trumpeter Bruce Adams for an
incomparable evening of light
hearted and distinctly merry
Christmas favourites.
“Nippy Dipper”
Boxing Day Dip
Aberdeen Beach
Sun 26 Dec, 10.30am
aberdeenlions@hotmail.co.uk
Calling all brave souls -
raise money for your favourite
charity by taking part in
Aberdeen Lions annual and
ever popular Boxing Day dip
in the ever warm North Sea!
Hogmanay Celebrations
City Centre
Fri 31 Dec, Midnight
FREE
See out the old year and
welcome in 2011 with a stunning
fireworks display fired from the
rooftop of His Majesty’s Theatre
in the heart of the city.
Hogmanay Concert
Music Hall
Fri 31 Dec, 7.30pm
See Box Office for prices
To book call 01224 641122
See the bells in in style at the
Music Hall this year with a traditional
Scottish celebration.
Hogmanay
Ceilidh Supper
Beach Ballroom
Fri 31 Dec, 7.30pm
£35 if purchased by 1st October
(£37.50 thereafter)
To book call 01224 647647
Bring in the New Year with a
traditional Hogmanay ceilidh
with music from Clachen Yell.
Stonehaven Fireballs
High Street, Stonehaven
Fri 31 Dec
Midnight
FREE
Moments before the old Town
House bell chimes midnight,
welcoming in January 1st,
the music of a small pipe band
is heard, fireballs are lit and
swingers emerge from the street
leading to the harbour, helping
to speed the Old Year on its way
and to herald in the New.
Thin Lizzy
in Concert
Music Hall
Thurs 6 Jan, 7pm
£23.50 + booking fee
To book call 01224 641122
One of rock music’s most
recognisable names after the fiery
Dublin band exploded onto the
scene with a fresh sound, look
and attitude in the late 60s.
Johann Strauss Gala
Music Hall
Fri 7 Jan, 7.30pm
£19 - £28 + booking fee
To book call 01224 641122
Waltz into the romantic elegance
of 19th Century Vienna.
Scottish Ballet’s
Cinderella
HMT
Wed 19 - Sat 22 Jan, 7.30pm
£10.50 - £29.50
To book call 01224 641122
A sumptuous reworking of this
well loved tale.
Traditional Burns Night
Beach Ballroom
Sat 22 Jan, 7.30pm
£17.50 if purchased by 1st
December (£19.50 thereafter)
To book call 01224 647647
Traditional Scottish Ceilidh
celebrating Burns Night
with music from Clachan Yell.
winter festival brochure 16/9/10 14:50 Page 13
SHOP
It’s arrived - festive shopping is here again
and just look at what Aberdeen has to offer!
Aberdeen is the new shopping destination!
Aberdeen’s vibrant Union Square Shopping Centre
Aberdeen’s W inter Festival Shop! Stay! Play!
complex of shops and retail park is a first for
Scotland. When it opened many of the stores were
new to the North East and others new to Scotland.
The Bon Accord & St Nicholas Shopping Centre
has added luxury brand names and flagship stores
to their retail offering as a result of their multi-million
pound facelift.
12/13
The Academy
The Academy offers great designer products to tantalise
you. The superb range of fashion, homeware, designer
jewellery and quality gifts is completely different with
brand names not found anywhere else in Aberdeen.
Take a break from your shopping trip and relax in one
of The Academy's unique bar restaurants. Whether it's
a coffee, a light snack or something more substantial,
there's a wide range to choose from. Whatever the
weather you can eat out in the idyllic surroundings of
The Academy Shopping Centre has a collection the Piazza style courtyard at Enigma, the sun terrace
of designer label shops and the surrounding at Chi, or in the beer garden of the Old School House!
area has seen an increase in new big name and
lifestyle brands - extending the shoppers choice. Email info@academyshoppingcentre.co.uk
Telephone 01224 633009
The International Market is held on Union Terrace www.academyaberdeen.co.uk
from 26 to 28 November while Belmont Street
hosts the Country Fair every Saturday through
December with a showcase on local produce.
Union Street is enjoying a revival with luxury
shops rubbing shoulders with our high street
brands and The Trinity Shopping Centre offers
excellent family shopping. The Green and recently
refurbished Merchant Quarter is a gem of quirky
shops, pubs and restaurants.
The West End’s Thistle Street and Rose Street
area, known as “Little Chelsea”, has sophisticated
independent boutiques and the Rosemount area
caters for the discerning shopper.
Aberdeen-
why go anywhere else?
aberdeenswinterfestival.com
winter festival brochure 16/9/10 14:50 Page 15
Bon Accord & St Nicholas Centres
We are gearing up for our most stylish Christmas
ever - from festive family fun and stunning decorations
to a shopping experience which is second to none
across Aberdeen City and Shire.
This year the range of choice in the centres is
better than ever thanks to a raft of new stores
which have opened in the last 18 months,
many of them new to Aberdeen.
The new stores include Scotland’s biggest
Aberdeen’s W inter Festival Shop! Stay! Play!
Next, as well as Karen Millen, Swarovski, Hobbs,
Jo Malone, Kurt Geiger, Lipsy and Phase 8, all of
whom opened their first stand alone store in the
region and the fantastic interactive Disney store,
which has already become a huge draw
for families.
And to make the festive season even more
magical, there’s the chance to win a £200
winter festival shopping spree including lunch
and free car parking.
Simply enter by visiting
www.aberdeenfashion.com
14/15
The Trinity Centre Merchant Quarter
It's that time of year again, why not take a break Sandwiched between the big brand shopping centers,
from your hectic shopping schedule and bring Merchant Quarter has 12 Restaurants/Cafe Brasseries,
the kids down to Union Street to see the annual 15 Bars, 8 hotels boasting 706 bedrooms, eclectic
Trinity Centre 'Santa and Reindeer' parade. shopping, catering for visitors and locals looking for P
a more original experience. The quarter square mile
The kids can enjoy meeting Santa Claus in the Quarter boasts the best dining and entertainment
P
centre where he will be handing out goodies experiences in the city centre. 1
and they can meet real-life reindeers from the P
Aviemore Reindeer Centre in our Bridge Street Merchant Quarter Aberdeen links the transport hub of
6
entrance. Come along early to get a good Rail & Bus Stations, the Harbour and a dedicated direct
view, the parade is setting off from the Castlegate airport link with fantastic retail centres of Union Square, 5 P
at 12 noon and making its way up to The Trinity Centre, St Nicholas/Bon Accord Centres, linking 4
Trinity Centre. with cinemas, cultural and entertainment venues in the
2 7
heart of the city centre. P
There will be a Santa post-box in the centre P
3
next to the Christmas Tree from 21st November. You will find bohemian boutique, contemporary and P
Remind your children to put their address retro shopping, a wide range of cosmopolitan cafes
on the letter and Santa will reply to them. and brasseries, a diverse range of lifestyle businesses P
Visit the Trinity Centre on the weekends leading and a crop of the city’s most stylish hair stylists.
up to Christmas where there will be walkabout In the evening the Merchant Quarter comes alive
characters and entertainment. as dining and drinking in the city’s most fashionable
and hospitable bars and brasseries offering relaxed,
The Trinity Centre houses 22 exciting stores although vibrant atmosphere with a range of live
with a great selection of Christmas gift ideas. music and entertainment. With improved lighting,
CCTV, new clean wide pavements and traditional Aberdeen Festive shopping map
Stores include: cobbled streets, the history of The Green also 1 Bon Accord & St Nicholas Centre
• D2 • HMV remains intact. www.aberdeenfashion.com
• Holland & Barrett • Waterstones 2 The Trinity Centre
• JD Sports • AB10 Here, drink is not the focal point. It’s about wonderful www.thetrinitycentre.co.uk
• Quiz • Ernest Jones food, great wine, fantastic cocktails, friendly hospitality, 3 Union Square
• Argos • Claire's amazing shopping and a feast of culture and www.unionsquareaberdeen.com
• Debenhams • H. Samuel entertainment. 4 International Market - Union Terrace
• Schuh • Shoe Zone www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/whatson
• Progeny • News Stop www.merchantquarter-aberdeen.com 5 Country Fairs - Belmont Street
• Greggs • Timpson www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/whatson
• Clinton Cards • TGFS 6 The Academy
• Superdrug • T. Mobile www.academyshoppingcentre.co.uk
7 The Merchant Quarter
www.trinityaberdeen.co.uk aberdeenswinterfestival.com www.merchantquarter-aberdeen.com
winter festival brochure 16/9/10
STAY
There’s never been a better time
to visit and stay in Aberdeen
than during the festive season.
So why not take advantage of
fantastic accommodation offers
at one of Aberdeen City and
Shire Hotels Association’s 32
hotels from as little as £25pp
Aberdeen’s W inter Festival Shop! Stay! Play!
B&B*.
These winter festival rates give
you the choice of staying in
either a vibrant city centre
location or a more tranquil
countryside retreat.
To book one of these exceptional
value accommodations with
great restaurants, fantastic bars
and festive party events, visit
www.aberdeenhotels.org
* subject to availability
16/17 aberdeenswinterfestival.com
14:50 Page 17
VisitScotland can arrange accommodation
and suggest visitor attractions at
www.aberdeen-grampian.com
PLAY
Experience a wide range of events For full listings of events at His Majesty’s
from parades, shows, concerts,
ceilidhs, carol concerts, street Theatre, Music Hall and the Lemon Tree
entertainment to Country Fairs,
International Street Markets and go to www.boxofficeaberdeen.com
an Enchanted Castle.
Aberdeen features some of the
very best attractions and history
that Scotland has to offer and our
Winter Festival offers exciting
events, the opportunity to explore
Aberdeen’s historic old town, see
the bustle of Aberdeen harbour,
take a tour out to Crathes Castle
or simply enjoy the perfect sand
dunes of our dramatic coastline.
• Marvel at the annual switch on
of the City’s festive lighting on
Aberdeen’s mile long Union
Street
• Visit one of Aberdeen’s 2 major
pantomimes at His Majesty’s
Theatre or Aberdeen Arts Centre
• Witness dazzling fireworks
displays that will light up the
Aberdeen skyline
• Catch one of an array of
concerts, shows, ceilidhs and
dances held across the city
• See great entertainers over
each December weekend in
our 4 main shopping centres
winter festival brochure 16/9/10 14:50
travel
Road
For your route planner go to
www.theaa.com
Ferry
Ferries to Aberdeen from Orkney
and Shetland islands.
www.northlinkferries.co.uk
A b e r d e e n ’ s W i n t e r F e s t i v a l Tr a v e l I n f o r m a t i o n
Air
Aberdeen airport is only a short trip
away from the city centre with easy
access to the Aberdeenshire
countryside.
www.aberdeenairport.com
Taxis
Comcabs 01224 353535
Rainbow Taxis 01224 878787
Aberdeen Airport Taxis 01224
775555
Central Taxis 01224 898989
ABC Taxis 01224 696969
Park and Ride
Coming from the north and west of
Aberdeen?
Take advantage of free parking and
a range of tickets with one of three
park and ride sites.
Up to two children, under 16
years of age, can travel free when
accompanied by an adult from
Bridge of Don and Kingswells
18/19 Park and Rides.
Page 19
Bus
For bus routes and timetables
in and around the city visit
www.firstgroup.com/aberdeen
or visit First’s travel shop at the
east end of Union Street.
For bus routes and timetables in
and around Aberdeenshire visit
www.stagecoachbus.com
Check out the following sites
for detailed journey planning
www.transportdirect.info or
www.travelinescotland.com
Walk
Stay in the city? Check out
www.walkit.com for the quickest
and quietest walking routes around
the city.
Cycle
There are 20 cycle parking
locations across the city, free
to use. Check out the best cycling
routes with the Aberdeen City cycle
map available from the central
library, tourist information centre
and city centre bike shops. Cycle
parking is also available at all of
Aberdeenshire’s railway stations
and at Ellon Park and Ride.
Train
Travelling by train? Call National Rail
enquiries on 08457 484950
www.nationalrail.co.uk
Live in Aberdeenshire? The train will
take you straight into the city centre.
See www.scotrail.co.uk or
www.transportdirect.info for more
information or visit the ticket office
at the station to pick up a timetable.
The Traditional
Message of Christmas
In the dark, cold days of our For more information on events of
Northern winter, light and warmth interest in Aberdeen City and Shire,
can come from different sources. visit the Aberdeen Christian Diary,
a publication of ecumenical
Some people prefer the strong events held across the area
symbolism of the Burghead “Clavie” and in individual churches.
or Shetland’s “Up Helly Aa”; others
welcome the evergreen of the E abcd@the-abcd.org.uk
Christmas tree and the twinkling www.the-abcd.org.uk
coloured lights on branches or in
windows; brightly wrapped presents Church of Scotland -
from family members or from Santa Aberdeen Presbytery
with his reindeer bring a gleam to T 01224 698119
the eyes of young and old; and E aberdeen@cofscotland.org.uk
Christians, in church or at home,
celebrate the Gospel story of the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting
child in the manger. T 01224 643494
E enquiries@kirk-of-stnicholas.
The huge variety of greeting cards org.uk
shows the wide range of reasons
for celebration; and often, the Roman Catholic Church
reasons for celebration mix and T 01224 319154
overlap. The tree signals new E joyce@rcd-abdn.org
life when all seems dead; the
generosity of gift-giving undermines Scottish Episcopal Church -
the darkness of selfishness; the Diocesan Office Nativity Scene
fire-festivals challenge our fear T 01224 662247 Once again, a traditional nativity
of the dark; and for Christians E office@aberdeen.anglican.org scene will return to the City
the new-born babe is the Light Centre and will be open for
of the World. Salvation Army viewing from Advent Sunday.
T 01224 579370 The scene includes Jesus in
E david.alton@salvationarmy.org.uk his crib, Mary, Joseph, the
Three Kings, an observer and
Baptist Church a shepherd. The City Council
E secretary@crownterracebaptist is grateful for the support of
aberdeenswinterfestival.com church.org.uk the Regional Ecumenical Team.
Disclaimer : although the content of the Winter Festival Guide has been checked for accuracy, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for any errors or omissions.
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