With plenty of events, entertainment and great shopping, Aberdeen is at its best during the festive season

"Known as the Silver City With The Golden Sands, this Scottish city is a hive of activity and entertainment. Aberdeen’s Winter Festival makes it the perfect place to stay and play during the Christmas period. And where better to escape to than the glorious 19th-century Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House mansion? We love Aberdeen when it’s buzzing with Christmas cheer and so will you."

Fireworks & twinkling lights

"Aberdeen’s Winter Festival celebrations start off on Fireworks Night on 5th November with an impressive display of musical pyrotechnics, as well as Fire Juggling and a Charity Firewalk. The show is the perfect way to start the Christmas season off in earnest. Another popular event on the calendar is the switching-on of the Christmas Lights and accompanying parade down Union Street, led by the Lord Provost. Tip: look out for the Kelly’s Cat on Union Street Bridge, part of Aberdeen’s sculpture tour. Packed with Christmas cheer, the town centre literally lights up with decorations aplenty and a parade to remember, complete with brass and pipe bands, costumes and floats."

Christmas shopping

"Those seeking a little cheering retail therapy will find everything from stocking-filler bargains to high-end luxury gifts. Top destinations include the Bon Accord & St Nicholas Centre, where you’ll find everything from fragrant Jo Malone goodies to Christmassy Yankee Candles and a Starbucks for your coffee cravings, and Union Square, where you’ll be spoilt for choice for presents at Cath Kidston, Apple or The White Company. Chocolate fans can also stock up at the Square’s Maison Chocolat. To really get into the spirit, try the Christmas Market at Little Belmont Street on 5th, 12th and 19th December, part of the Aberdeen Country Fair for local produce and hand-crafted gifts. For quirkier boutiques, try the Merchant Quarter with its independent stores and numerous restaurants and lively bars. After a hard day’s shopping, don’t forget to indulge in some guilt-free relaxation back at the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House spa, where a Foot Rejuvenation session will be just the thing. Or enjoy a well-earned drink in the cosy Soapie's Lounge Bar."

See the tree

Don’t miss the annual tradition that is the Christmas Tree Switch On. On 27th November every year, an impressive spruce (a gift from Aberdeen’s twin town of Stavanger in Norway) is officially turned on with plenty of sparkle. Three days later, Santa’s parade takes place. Catch a glimpse of the man in his sleigh on 30th November, as he travels along Castlegate with his faithful reindeers.

Catch a show

Of course, Aberdeen’s music and theatre scene contributes to the festive fun with seasonal favourites. For something light-hearted, don’t miss the great British tradition of pantomime. This year’s shows include Jack and the Beanstalk at the Aberdeen Arts Centre and Peter Pan at His Majesty’s Theatre. We also love the Christmas carols such as the Christmas Carol Concert in the Duthie Winter Park Gardens. Just the thing to get you into the mood…

New Year’s Eve

With more fireworks and Aberdeen’s famous Hogmanay ceilidhs (traditional Gaelic parties with music and dancing), Scotland is also the perfect place to see in the New Year. It’s up to you whether you join the crowds in the city or hide away in the luxurious and cosy surroundings of the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House.