Organisers of Curated In The Square say they have had an overwhelming response from north-east creatives and producers clamouring to be part of Aberdeen’s sparkling Christmas market.
Their comments came as Charlie House today revealed more than 50 unique traders who will be scheduled across the 28 chalets that will transform Marischal Square into a winter wonderland for six weekends in the run up to Christmas.
Curated In The Square will be a mix of food, drink, arts, crafts, clothing, homeware and jewellery showcasing the cream of the north-east traders, said the charity, which stages the market with Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council and Codona’s.
The market will sit at the heart of the glittering Aberdeen Christmas Village which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the city centre over the festive period, from Thursday, November 13, to Hogmanay.
John Brebner, Chief Executive of Charlie House, said: “This year’s Christmas market is especially exciting, not only with a brand-new home for 2025 nestled within Marischal Square overlooking the hustle and bustle of the village, but also thanks to the fantastic calibre of applications from our talented trader community.
“The selection process was more competitive than ever, and we’re delighted to showcase a diverse and high-quality mix of stalls. With a new line-up each weekend, there will always be something different for Christmas shoppers to discover.
“The continued support from stallholders and shoppers means so much to us at Charlie House, helping to raise awareness and vital funds for children and families across the North-east. We’re so thankful to everyone who helps make it all happen.”
This year will see familiar faces from previous Curated Christmas events at the market – such as Sarah Leask Studio, Arctis Design and AberK9Treats – joined by creatives making their debut at the hugely-popular event.
These include Lily & Co Goat Milk Soap with products made from their own herd of goats, the family-run Spice Harmony Chutney and Little Dreamers Play Kits, who offer creative activity packs for children.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Once again the range and quality of the stallholders flocking to Curated In The Square demonstrates how blessed the north-east is to have such talented and innovative creatives and producers on our doorstep.
“It is always a delight to see the festive market showcase these excellent traders and it underlines the unique nature of Curated with its emphasis on home-grown businesses, where people can pick up gifts for loved ones they won’t find anywhere else.
“Speaking of Christmas presents, Curated In The Square, indeed the whole of the Aberdeen Village, offers the heart of Granite City the best gift of all – an influx of thousands upon thousands of visitors. They will not only discover the joy and magic of the market, but also the many shops, restaurants, bars and other attractions that make Aberdeen so special all year round.”
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron, said: “This is a fantastic line-up of local producers for this year’s Curated in the Square, in its brand-new location.
“Our open-air Christmas Market is always popular with both locals and visitors, giving them the chance to shop locally this Christmas. I am looking forward to visiting and seeing all that this year’s line-up has to offer.”
Curated is flitting from its traditional home in the Marischal College quadrangle this year, due to ongoing work on the Mitchell Tower. Codona’s tech and decorating teams are currently pulling together the final preparations before they start the build for the festive market.
Company director Alfred Codona said: “The new location has thrown up some challenges but we are all really excited about the prospect of utilising Marischal Square and the historic Provost Skene’s House as the backdrop for the Curated In The Square.
“Charlie House have done a super job once again with the line-up of traders so hopefully we can have another successful year and raise some much needed funds for their great cause.”
You can find the complete line-up of Curated In The Square stallholders here.
