Aberdeen's annual Christmas Parade takes place today, Sunday, November 15, bringing a colourful procession of festive floats, performers and Christmas characters to the city centre. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place for the celebrations.
Parade Timings and Route
The festivities begin on Union Street at 5.15pm, with the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, officially starting the event. Santas on scooters set off shortly after 5.15pm, followed by the All Life Chances Santa Fun Run at 5.25pm.
The main parade gets underway at 5.30pm, starting at Albyn Place before moving along Union Street and finishing at the Castlegate. The event is free to attend, with crowds expected to line the route.
Road Closures and Parking Restrictions
Several roads will be closed on Sunday, November 15, to allow the parade to take place safely. From 4pm to 6pm, Albyn Place will be closed from its junction with Albyn Grove to its junction with Holburn Junction.
From 5pm to 7pm, closures will affect Union Street, Union Terrace, Adelphi, Broad Street, Castle Street, Marischal Street, and King Street from its junction with East and West North Street to Castle Street. Alternative routes will be available for drivers during the closures.
Parking restrictions will be in place from 6pm on Saturday, November 14, until 7pm on Sunday, November 15. Drivers will be unable to park on Albyn Place, from its junction with Albyn Grove to its junction with Holburn Street; Victoria Street, from its junction with Albyn Place to its junction with Waverly Place/Thistle Street; and Union Terrace, from its junction with Union Street and Rosemount Viaduct.
Impact on Union Street Works
This year's parade takes place as the majority of improvement works on Union Street are completed, meaning the street will be fully accessible to pedestrians during the celebrations. Further work, including the conversion of Smith's Screen, will resume after the parade.
Anyone planning to attend the parade is encouraged to leave extra time for their journey and check travel arrangements before setting off.
