A round-up of some of the local markets and foodie events you can go to this festive season online and across the north and north east.
Christmas markets and events are often the best ways to sample the delights of local businesses, discover new products and find the perfect gifts for foodie friends and family.
Markets this year may look a little different but that’s not stopping them as we have a round-up below of some of the local producers, festivals and farmers’ markets that you can make the most of this festive season.
If you have or know of a Christmas market or event that will feature food or drink producers from across Inverness, Highlands, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire regions, then please let us know via email at foodandrink@dctmedia.co.uk
Online
Christmas wine tasting
What is it?: Hosted by Aberdeen University’s Wine Society, who have teamed up with local shop Wine Raks.
When?: Tonight – November 27 at 7pm.
Where?: Live on the society’s Instagram page @auwinesociety with more information on their Facebook event page here.
How do I sign up?: The event is free, you just need to find watch the society’s live Instagram at 7pm. A list of the wine’s being featured have been posted on their social media pages.
Inverness
Inverness Farmers’ Market and Pre-Christmas Market
What?: The IFM usually takes place on the first Saturday of every month from February to December, with an additional pre-Christmas market in the lead up to the big day.
When?: IFM, December 5, 9-3.30pm; Pre-Christmas Market, December 19, 9-3.30pm
Where?: Eastgate end of the High Street, Inverness
How do I sign up?: Turn up on the day.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen Christmas Market
When?: November 26-29 and December 3-6, both at 6pm
Where?: Bon Accord
How do I sign up?: You just need to turn up on the day.
Outdoor Festive Market
What is it?: Hosted by the Bonnymuir Green Community Trust, the outdoor festive market is held within the trust’s walled garden. There will be 12 stalls showcasing handcrafted local goods, as well as hot drinks and homemade bakes served from the Bonny cafe.
When?: December 12, 10.30 – 3pm
Where?: Bonnymuir Green
How do I sign up?: Just turn up on the day or register your interest on Facebook here.
Aberdeenshire
AFFA Fine Christmas Open Air Market
What is it?: An open air market showcasing tonnes of local producers, many of which are food and drink related. More information as to who will be attending can be found on the AFFA Fine website, linked below.
When?: December 6, 10am-3pm
Where?: Crathes Castle, Crathes
How do I sign up?: You can book a free visitor ticket here or take part in some of the offers from the local producers who will have stalls at the market on the AFFA Fine website here.
Highlands
The Cairngorms Farmers’ Market
What?: A market featuring lots of locally-produced food and crafts.
When?: November 29, 10am-3pm
Where?: The Square, Grantown On Spey
How?: Just turn up on the day, no need to book ahead, although you can register your interest on the Facebook event here.