Looking for something to do over the next week with the kids in Aberdeen City & Shire, then why not check out one of these family friendly events?
** Event details as at time of posting, please check through relevant links for more details **
Santa Specials
Where: Milton of Crathes Station, The Royal Deeside Railway, Milton of Crathes, Banchory AB31 5QH
Date: Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th & Wednesday 21st December 2016
Time: 11.00am – 3.30pm
Price: Santa Special Ticket Prices
Adult : (10 years & over) £7.00 – includes a train ride, a hot mince pie and a drink
Child (1 – 9 years inclusive) : £9.50 – includes a present, biscuit, drink and train ride
Description: Santa’s on the train! Santa will be at the Milton of Crathes again this year with a sack full of presents for the children, and hot mince pies and drinks for the adults.
This year he will again be handing out presents to the children in the coaches during the train ride from the Milton station.
Website: http://www.deeside-railway.co.uk/santax.html
Facebook Events: Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Bon Accord
Where: Bon Accord Shopping Centre, George Street, Aberdeen AB25 1HZ
Date: Saturday 17th to Saturday 24th December 2016
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm (10am – 1pm on 24th)
Price: Entry £4.50 which includes a free gift and all proceeds go to Clan Cancer Support
Description: It’s time for excitement. It’s time for enchantment. It’s time…to meet Santa
The magic of Christmas is to be brought to life in Santa’s Winter Wonderland. There will be snow and magic all around and children of all ages are invited to come on down and soak up the sparkle.
Santa and his magical Winter Wonderland, will be based in the upper mall at the Bon Accord Centre.
Website: visit http://www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com/whats-on-in-aberdeen/422-santa-visits-the-centre for full details of dates
Santa’s Post Office
Where: Aberdeen Trinity Centre, 155 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BE
Date: Saturday 17th, Sunday 19th & Saturday 24th 2016
Time: 11.00am – 4.00pm
Price: This event is 100% free so everyone will be able to enjoy some Christmas magic.
Description: With the help of Santa’s elves, we’re inviting children to write their Christmas wish list and post their letters through a magical post box and watch as it travels all the way to Santa in Lapland – we reckon it will be the perfect place to make some special memories this Christmas. You’ll even get a reply!
The post office will be open from 11.30am – 4.00pm every weekend up until Christmas.
Website: http://www.trinityaberdeen.co.uk/events-and-news/santas-post-office
Santa’s Grotto 2016
Where: Trump International Golf Links Scotland, Balmedie AB23 8YE
Date: Wednesday 14th – Friday 23rd December 2016
Times: Friday 16th 12.00pm – 6.00pm,
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th: 9am – 12pm & 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Wednesday 21st – Friday 23rd: 12.00pm – 6.00pm
Price: Visit price £10 per child to include goodie bag and commemorative Teddy Bear – To book, please call The Shop 01358 743300 ext 1
Description: It’s back! Santa’s Grotto 2016! We are delighted that Santa Claus will once again be joining us at Trump International in his beautiful Grotto! Mr Claus will be available to meet Children and grant their Christmas wishes.
Maximum of three children per visit. Due to the cosy nature of our Grotto, space for adults is limited therefore if you could please ensure that you have a maximum of three adults during your visit it will ensure there is plenty of space for everyone!
Our Clubhouse Restaurant will be open to serve fabulous lunches and dinners with great options for children. We strongly advise booking your table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TrumpInternationalGolfLinks/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/1670249303289843/
Kids Xmas Disco
Where: Kincorth Community Centre, Aberdeen AB12 5NA
Date: Friday 16th December 2016
Time: From 6pm
Price: £1 ticket
Description: Nursery to P3 – 6.00pm – 7.15pm
Primary 4 to Primary 7 – 7.30pm – 8.45pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kincorthcc/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/1782556035309701/
Sci-screen : Arthur Christmas
Where: Belmont Filmhouse, 49 Belmont Street, Aberdeen AB10 1JS
Date: Saturday 17th December 2016
Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm
Price: Tickets £4.50 for all – big or small!
Description: Ever wondered how Santa can deliver billions of presents to the whole world in just one night? Well we are here to help!
Find out more about the science of Santa in a fun and fascinating show from Dr Sharon George of Keele University.
Then sit back, relax and enjoy animated comedy Arthur Christmas on the big screen.You can even take home some Christmas crafts too!
This special, festive family event is the latest instalment of Aberdeen’s Sci-Screen series, brought to you by the British Science Association Branch in Aberdeen and supported by the Big Lottery Fund.
Website: http://www.belmontfilmhouse.com/showing/arthur-christmas-sci-screen-dec16
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/683576511816402/
Santa’s Arriving at Stonehaven Harbour!
Where: Stonehaven Harbour, Shorehead, Stonehaven AB39 2
Date: Saturday 17th December 2016
Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm then Santa’s Grotto 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Description: HO! HO! HO! Come along to Stonehaven Harbour on Saturday 17th December and see Santa arriving by the RNLI LIfe Boat!
There’s festive drinks and mince pies in aid of the RNLI at The Granary Garage, on the harbour front, from 12:30pm.
Meet Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol, then see Santa speed into the harbour at 1pm.
Follow his festive road train procession up through the town where you can meet him in his Paw Patrol themed grotto at Charles Michies, 24 Market Sq, Stonehaven. Santa will also be back in his grotto at Charles Michies, Stonehaven, on Saturday 24th December from 1.00 – 4.00 pm.
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/1072573326205328/
Christmas With Aberdeen Science Centre
Where: Aberdeen Science Centre, 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
Date: Saturday 17th December 2016
Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Price: Tickets are £12.95 per child and include two free adults as well as a present for every participating child!
Description: Join us for some festive fun at our Christmas Party on 17 December! Participate in Christmas-themed science activities shows, and party games, as we explore science in a festive way!
The Christmas Party will take place from 1pm to 4pm on the 17 December and is recommended for children aged 7 and under.
Places are limited, book your ticket in advance by phoning 01224 640340 or emailing info@ASC.scot
Website: http://aberdeensciencecentre.org/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/366511693682281/
Once Upon a Christmas (Ice Show)
Where: Linx Ice Arena, Beach Promenade, Aberdeen AB24 5NR
Date: Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December 2016
Time: 2.30pm
Price: £13 for adults and £10 for children
Description: The Linx Ice Arena is proud to present our 2016 ice show, Once Upon a Christmas featuring skaters from all levels and ages in our exciting and fun Christmas performance.
Performances featuring home grown skaters from the Linx ice arena in a show to entertain the whole family!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LinxIceArena/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/1343123262378213/
Carols in the park
Where: Winter Gardens, Duthie Park, Aberdeen
Date: Saturday 17th December 2016
Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm
Description: Part of the Aberdeen winter festival. Joined by the capriccio choir from Albyn school.
Come and join us for festive music and Christmas carol singing.
Two “sittings” 11:00am – 12:00pm, and 2:00pm – 3:00pm.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bonaccordsilverband/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/106279396504359/
Coastal Play Christmas Special
Where: Bettridge Centre, Coastal Park, Stonehaven AB39 3UL
Date: Saturday 17th December 2016
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Price: £7 per child for 2 hours play including gift from Santa. Must be booked and paid for in advance.
Description: Join us for a fantastic Coastal Play Christmas Special!
Website: http://www.bettridgecentre.org.uk/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/165505363915913/
Wynford Christmas Party
Where: Wynford Farm Park, Wynford, Kingswells, Aberdeen AB15 8RQ
Date: Saturday 17th December 2016
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Price: £9.50 per child
Description: Give the kids a special memory of an evening with Santa! At just £9.50 per child, come along for fun & games and a children’s buffet meal.
To book your ticket call 01224 745 411 – Don’t miss out! The Children’s Buffet will be served from 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Christmas menu available for all adults, last orders will be at 6.30pm
Website: http://www.wynfordfarm.com/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/1859975687566687
Breakfast or Dinner with Santa
Where: Mains of Balquharn, Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, AB12 4QS
Date: 10 am till 11.30 and supper with santa which is 3-4.30 17th,18th and 24th and 3.30-5 19th-23rd
Time:
Price: £8.99
Description: It’s £8.99 deposit including meals, games, meet santa and present from santa.
The can book by coming in or call us on 01224 783 856 Santa is coming to the mains and it’s not to be missed!
Breakfast with Santa 10.00am till 11.30am (17th, 18th & 24th)
Dinner with Santa 3.00pm – 4.30pm (17th, 18th & 24th) 3.30pm – 5.00pm (19th – 23rd)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/playatbalquharn/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/943944339083645/
Santa and his Reindeer Visit & Craft Fayre
Where: White Horse Hotel & Restaurant, Old Road, Balmedie AB23 8
Date: Saturday 17th December 2016
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Description: Come and visit Santa in his grotto, his reindeer will be outside while you visit so remember to pop past and meet them too! There will also be our annual craft fayre where you will be able to pick up any last minute gifts.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/horsebalmedie/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/1371072579570850/
Breakfast With Santa
Where: Culter Village Hall, 178 North Deeside Road, Peterculter, Aberdeen City AB14 0UD
Date: Saturday 17th December 2016
Time: 10.30am
Price: Tickets £7.50 for children, include breakfast and a gift. Adults free entry, refreshments will be available to buy.
Description: Santa will be taking a break from his busy schedule to come have breakfast at Culter Village Hall.
Tickets must be purchased in advance so Santa will know who’s coming!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Culter-Village-Hall-553093404712775/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/190918741348116/
Winter Wonderland
Where: Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen
Date: Sunday 18th December 2016
Time: 12.00pm – 2.30pm
Description: As part of Aberdeen’s Winter Festival 2016 we will be having a Friends of Hazlehead Winter Wonderland in the park on Sunday 18th December!
There will be fun for all the family including entertainment from:• Santa Parade • Rock Choir • Carol Singalong • Hazlehead School Choir • Bon Accord Brass Band…
and of course there will also be: • Craft Stalls • Mince Pies • Santa Hats • Face Painting. Spread the word and come and join us!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfHazlehead/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/200479767025613/
Winter Wildlife Wander
Where: Haddo House & Country Park, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 7EQ
Date: Sunday 18th December 2016
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Price: £5 per person, under 12s free.
Booking essential- email haddo@visithaddo.com or 01651 851041
Description: Escape the Christmas chaos and join us for a wintery wander around the park. We’ll see loads of ducks and geese on the lake, look for some late fungi and learn to identify trees in winter.
Mostly on level, surfaced tracks with some walking in the woods while looking for squirrels. We will be walking for the full 2 hours and may have to stop and stand very quietly for some time while looking for squirrels.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/visithaddo/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/1089997911068412/
LoveLocal Christmas Market
Where: Lochter Activity Centre, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire AB51 0DZ
Date: Sunday 18th December 2016
Time: 12.00pm – 4.00pm
Price: FREE + FRIENDLY
Description: Christmas Shopping Market, Local Traders and Makers.
Onsite Cafe with Coffees, Cakes and Carvery!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LoveLocalEvents/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/1271491229539428/
Sunday Lunch with Santa
Where: The Aberdeen Altens Hotel, Souterhead Road, Aberdeen AB12 3LF
Date: Sunday 18th December 2016
Time: 12.00pm – 5.00pm
Price: £20 per adult (Leisure Club Members £16)
£12 per child (Leisure Club Members £10) Children under 5 eat free
Description: A festive buffet lunch for all of the family with a gift from Santa for the children.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/aberdeenaltenshotel/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/631127770380658/
Pre-school Christmas Fun (under 5’s)
Where: Aberdeen Sports Village, Linksfield Road, Aberdeen AB245RU
Date: Tuesday 20th December 2016
Time: 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Price: £5, Call reception on 01224 438900 to book.
Description: Ho Ho Ho! Celebrate Christmas with our festive parties! Inflatable fun, games and sensory activities.
Children under 5 will receive a visit from Santa’s helper and a gift!
Website: http://www.aberdeensportsvillage.com/
Facebook Events: https://www.facebook.com/events/611683229018245/
We hope this has given you some inspiration for the week ahead. Let us know in the comments below or over on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter what you get up too!