Hundreds of people are expected to gather to see Aberdeen’s Christmas Tree lights switched on this week.
Every year, the Granite City’s twin city Stavanger donates a Norwegian Fir tree which takes pride of place at the Castlegate.
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The switch-on ceremony will take place on Thursday from 7pm at the Castlegate, led by Lord Provost Barney Crockett and deputy mayor of Stavanger Bjorg Tysdel.
It is the first event on Aberdeen’s festive calendar, followed by the opening of the Christmas Village on Broad Street that night.
On Sunday, Charlie House will host its Santa Run down Union Street from 5.15pm – leading the way for the brightly-coloured parade that will follow as the Christmas lights are switched on.
Mr Crockett said: “The city centre is feeling wonderfully festive now that the Christmas Village and Markets are set up on Broad Street and in Marischal College Quad, but the lighting of the Castlegate Christmas Tree is always a firm family favourite on the festive calendar.
“It is a pleasure to switch on the Christmas tree lights with the deputy mayor of Stavanger whose city has been so generous in gifting the tree to us; which allows us to recognise the successful partnerships between organisations in Aberdeen and Stavanger that have been cultivated over the years.”