Opening of the outdoor Christmas market at the quadrangle of Marischal College in Aberdeen
Shoppers will have the chance to choose handmade gifts, unique artwork, and locally made food and drink at this year’s Curated in the Quad Christmas Market, which is now open at Marischal College in Aberdeen.
More than 70 small businesses are preparing to sell their products over the next few weeks, with visitors invited to buy local this year and support independent traders as well as the city center.
Among this weekend’s exhibitors will be Cove Honeybees, which sells locally produced honey, locally made sterling silver jewelry from 1323 Jewelery, artisan fusion food from Zepice including chili paste, powders of curry, seasonings and spice blends, plus handcrafted gin and vodka created by Kincardine – based on Esker spirits.
The Curated in the Quad Market is organized by Charlie House in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired.
Each weekend as Christmas approaches, a different range of new and established brands will sell their unique finds in wooden cabins adorned with sparkling fairy lights.
Proceeds will go to Charlie House, a local children’s charity that aims to improve the quality of life for babies, children and young people in North East Scotland who suffer from life-threatening or life-threatening conditions and to provide support for their families.
As the City Center Business Improvement District (BID), Aberdeen Inspired supports festive events planned in the city center and promotes the Aberdeen Gift Card, which is accepted at many local outlets and enables the recipient to choose their own gift.
Managing Director Adrian Watson said: “After a very difficult 18 months and a quieter Christmas last year due to the pandemic, it is fantastic to see the Curated in the Quad Market return to downtown Aberdeen in the part of the wider Christmas Village festivities on Broad Rue.
“The open-air market will provide shoppers with the opportunity to pick up unusual locally produced gifts, clothing, food and drinks, while also raising funds for our event partner Charlie House.
“With Aberdeen’s wider shopping offering, bars and restaurants, the Christmas market and village will bring together family and friends to spend time in the city center. More than ever this year, we are encouraging people to visit Aberdeen to enjoy a festive day, soak up the atmosphere and shop local to support jobs and businesses.
The marketplace will feature the products and services of approximately 23 exhibitors each weekend, as well as Charlie House’s own charity merchandise booth.
His Big Build Appeal raises £ 8million for a dedicated support center in Aberdeen.
Louise Andrew, Managing Director of Charlie House, said: “We are extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to manage Curated in the Quad by Aberdeen Inspired, which is a fantastic addition to our range of festive events taking place before Christmas.
“The Charlie House team would like to thank Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council, Codona’s, the public and merchants for their continued support of our charity.
“Their help allows us to continue our important work with children and families in the local community and to achieve our long-term goal of establishing a dedicated support center here in Aberdeen. “
Previous outdoor Christmas markets at Quad Markets were held in 2018 and 2019, attracting thousands of visitors.
Aberdeen City Council Culture spokesperson Councilor Marie Boulton said: “It’s fantastic that the Curated in the Quad Christmas Market is returning to our festive events this year.
“It promises to be a wonderful addition to the Christmas Village offering and will bring much needed festive joy.
“It’s wonderful to see so many local producers and businesses present every weekend to sell festive and unique gifts, there really is something for everyone.
“Collaborative work is essential to the success of events such as our party programming, and through our Aberdeen 365 events program, partnerships like the one we have with Aberdeen Inspired demonstrate the success we can achieve by working together. “
The Curated in the Quad Market will run from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday until December 19.
The current list of merchants for this weekend (November 19-21) is Charlie House; 1323 Jewelry; AM Craft House; Artistic cricket; Courageous art design; Rosie color; Coullie candles; Cove the bees; Kalm crystal; Stunned candies; Spirits of Esker; Mist house spirits; Celestial Favors / Rita Colvin; Jade Elizabeth; the jewels of Joan; Juliethh Pattiserie / Johnny Forbes; Pilgrim’s Gin; Raw culture; Smarty Marty Wax Melts; Palm Safe; Sweet Toots cakes; and Zépice.