Events in Aberdeen

Hogmanay/New Year's Eve (December)

Aberdeen makes a spectacular venue for New Year's Eve, which is traditionally known as 'Hogmanay'. Hogmanay is celebrated in style with a wide variety of events including theatre performances at His Majesty's Theatre (which hosts fireworks displays), and a huge range of parties at the city's dynamic clubs including Revolution.

Burns Night (January)

Burns Night on 25th January is the highlight of Scotland's winter programme and is marked by a jam-packed programme of festivities across the city. Celebrations include ceilidh dancing, live music with traditional bagpipes, more haggis than you can shake a stick at, and of course, renditions of Auld Lang Syne.

Festival of Light (February)

SPECTRA, the city's Festival of Light takes place annually in February. The event's vision is to be a trademark winter event that showcases the city's skills for technology and design without losing sight of the strong cultural traditions that exist. The festival features light installations and exhibitions in the city centre that attract tens of thousands of people. There's the opportunity to enjoy live music from international artists collaborating with established Scottish stars.

Highland Games (May-September)

From May to September Aberdeen takes part in the country's Highland Games, which combine tradition, entertainment and sport in a uniquely Scottish way and take place each weekend throughout summer. Events include displays of strength such as the hammer throw and stamina tests like hill races. You'll also find cultural festivities like bagpipes and drummers, highland dancing and members of the famous Scottish clans going head-to-head in tugs-of-war.