Festive cheer has returned to Aberdeen with the Christmas Village officially open.
The city centre was a bleak place last December, with the absence of colourful attractions and the usual ever-present Christmas music replaced with some silent nights.
Organisers pulled the plug months in advance, amid fears about the unpredictable nature of the pandemic.
But plans were formed last month to bring some yuletide joy back to the city centre, with life returning to normality thanks to the rollout of Covid vaccinations.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Virtual map
Zoom in and click on each marker to bring up information on our interactive Aberdeen Christmas Village map.
When will the Aberdeen Christmas Village run until?
There will be plenty time to get your fill of Christmas cheer, with the snow-sprinkled site in operation from November 18 to Hogmanay.
Where is it located?
It is spread across Broad Street, with 24 stalls dotted about the Marischal College quad and some attractions on the Upperkirkgate.
What are the opening hours?
It will run from noon to 11pm from Monday to Thursday, noon to midnight on a Friday, 10am to midnight each Saturday and between 10am and 11pm on Sundays.
What are the most exciting rides?
Favourites such as the ice rink, helter-skelter, balloon ride and more are back. And there is a new Frozen-themed fun house.
Anything new?
Yes. One fresh addition is a food and drink stall outside Marks and Spencer in the nearby St Nicholas Square.
What about Covid? Is there a risk it could be cancelled?
Organisers say the proposals have been developed in an adaptable way. There is scope to enforce any fresh Covid restrictions “using site infrastructure and staffing”.
So is it still too early to listen to Christmas music?
Yes… But not long until you can!
‘Much needed seasonal cheer’
In a statement published online, council bosses granted the proposals while citing the “significant economic benefits to the city”.
Aberdeen Inspired chief executive, Adrian Watson, said the amusements would bring “some much-needed seasonal cheer to the whole city”.