The cold winter nights, decorative Christmas trees and beloved television shows are starting to appear in anticipation for the most talked about day of the year. With a great selection of festive events taking place in Aberdeen in 2018, we’ve rounded up some of the best to help get the family into the Christmas spirit.

The Big Switch on

A magical moment for all no matter what your age, Aberdeen's Christmas Tree Switch On will be held on the 22^nd of November. Aberdeen’s twin city, Stavanger, a picturesque part of southwestern Norway, has donated a spectacular Christmas tree this year. Guests from Norway will take part in the switch-on and a carol service on the night.

If you haven’t had your festive fill from the Christmas tree switch on, you can also watch the Christmas Lights Switch On Parade which will see the city lit up in a ‘Fire and Ice’ themed procession. Reindeer and carnival characters will be led by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen.

Christmas Crafts

There’s no better time to get creative with decorations than during the festive period. With lights, baubles, ornaments and more, the Aberdeen Christmas at Home Show offers an endless list of decorations, selling handcrafted pieces from local businesses. Experts will also be on hand at the event to offer advice on Christmas wrapping and tree decorating.

For those who like the idea of creating their own decorations, Festive Wreath Making is the perfect opportunity to produce a spectacular accessory for the home. With mulled wine and Christmas snacks providing an extra dash of Christmas cheer, this class uses the most premium products.

Festive Food and Drink

A favourite for many is visiting the Christmas markets. The scents and glistening lights entice us to discover the various wares of the stalls. Aberdeen isn’t short of Christmas markets this year with Ballater Winter Festival running from the 23^rd to 25^th of November with market stalls, competitions, ice skating and Santa’s grotto.

With a greater focus on food, the two-day Taste of Winter event offers a delicious range from local producers – a must-visit for those deciding what to fill their Christmas dinner table with this year.

If you enjoy attending the local farmers’ markets every month, the festive versions are not to be missed. These include the Thistle Street Food Market on November 10^th and December 8^th and the Belmont Street Christmas Market running from November 24^th through to December.

Christmas Cheer

Beloved Christmas songs and traditional shows contribute to the magic of the season. In Aberdeen this year, the Carol Concert in Duthie Park Winter Gardens is the ideal event to sing along to your favourite carols accompanied by the Bon Accord Silver Band.

If you enjoy the theatre, a Christmas pantomime is a must. The famous Aberdonian Tivoli Theatre is hosting ‘Peter Pan’ and His Majesty's Theatre is showing ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ throughout December.

With lots of festive events on in Aberdeen during the weeks leading up to Christmas, which are you most looking forward to attending?