Your Festive Guide to Aberdeen Culture and Seasonal Celebrations
Packed with cultural events, December’s newsletter explores festive music, local art, and community-inspired celebrations.
Hey You,
Wow, what a year it’s been! Standing on the far edge of 2024, we wanted to share our appreciation for your incredible work. You, the creative communities of Aberdeen, are the soul of this city, and your light and determination have inspired us all year.
The landscape has been tough. Funding cuts more brutal than a North Sea wind at Pittodrie, eroding the foundations of our creative community. But here’s the amazing thing: from our perspective as fans of creativity and culture, you’ve crushed that challenge!
We’ve watched from the sidelines as emerging talents burst onto stages, galleries, and pages with an electric energy that could power the entire city. Alongside them, the cultural stalwarts continue to mentor, inspire, and push boundaries. You’ve transformed challenges into opportunities, silence into harmony, and blank spaces into beautiful canvases.
Every performance, every exhibition, and every chord struck are threads that weave Aberdeen’s cultural tapestry. You’re creating connections, sparking conversations, and giving voice to stories that might otherwise remain unheard. It's not about making art. It’s about making Aberdeen.
You deserve our loudest cheers and our unwavering support. We hope to do a full look back on 2024 in a post next month, but right now, we wanted to give you a fist bump and acknowledge everything you do for this city.
Looking Ahead
And speaking of loud cheers, let’s talk about the month ahead! While Christmas inevitably dominates the scene, there’s so much more happening in Aberdeen. This is your moment to show some love to local artists in the most meaningful way possible: by supporting their work.
Unique holiday gifts? Skip the generic high street tat and buy something special from a local artist. Every purchase is a lifeline for creators who pour their heart and soul into their craft. Your favourite musician, painter, or writer needs to pay their bills. Your support makes that possible.
The music scene is crackling this month, too, with some of Aberdeen’s finest bands lighting up Christmas gigs across the city. Whether you’re after festive tunes or want to escape the seasonal soundtrack, there’s something for everyone.
And hey, this is just a taster of what’s happening. We’re all across the social web. Our Bluesky channel is growing incredibly fast. Threads remains one of our favourite online spaces. And, of course, Instagram continues to be our biggest digital home.
See you out there.
Chris & Kevin xx
Back the Belmont
As you all know, the Belmont Cinema is fighting its way back to life. Before the Scottish Budget on 4 December, the cinema team and community have launched a new campaign to secure Scottish Government funding for refurbishment and reopening...and your voice can make a real difference.
By writing to your MSPs, you can help this iconic venue get the support it deserves. Your letter could be the turning point in bringing the Belmont back to life. Imagine the screenings, the community events, the shared experiences that could happen if we all act now. Your support can help reignite this beloved cultural space.
Ready to make a difference? Take a moment to craft a letter to your MSP. Tell them why the Belmont matters to you and to Aberdeen. Your words have power - use them to save this cinematic treasure. The Belmont Cinema team have written a guide to make it easy.
Black Friday Deal
We've got a cracking Black Friday deal for you! We're slashing our POST Supporter Tier price by half - just £15 for an entire year.
By chipping in, you'll help us shine a light on the incredible local talent that makes our city pulse with creativity. From up-and-coming musicians to brilliant local artists, your support helps us pay the bills and keep the lights on.
Be quick! The offer closes at 5 pm on Monday 2 December.
What We've Been Writing About
This past month on POST, we've showcased some great stories that capture Aberdeen's creative spirit and sense of community. In case you've missed our recent features, here's a quick roundup – and a gentle reminder to keep an eye on our site for more exciting local news! POST is your go-to place for bringing Aberdeen culture to the front page.
Aberdeen Art Gallery has captivated visitors with a groundbreaking new exhibition that reimagines the boundaries between art and design. Artist Textiles - Picasso to Warhol is a journey through the creative worlds of iconic artists who transformed textiles into their artistic playground.
POST
We were particularly inspired by the Your Green Ideas initiative, which invited Aberdonians to share their most imaginative eco-friendly proposals for building a more sustainable future.
POST
Music fans have been buzzing about local producer Vagrant Real Estate and his quest for national recognition. His journey illustrates the incredible talent brewing in Aberdeen, and we at POST are proud to shine a spotlight on local artists.
POST
The Aberdeen Arts Centre's Scratch That programme has been injecting fresh energy into our local arts scene, providing a crucial platform for emerging creatives to explore and develop bold, innovative ideas.
POST
And let's not forget the Doric Skateboards charity auction – it was a great way to merge skate culture with mental health awareness, raising crucial funds for Aberdeen Mental Health.
POST
What's on in December
Mak-kin Christmas Open Studios
Open Until Sun 1 Dec - Deemouth Artist Studios
A lovely way to kick off your Christmas shopping. Check out the Deemouth Artist Studios' Christmas showcase on 30 Nov-1 Dec to explore more open studios than ever before.
You'll meet new resident artists and find unique gifts, and on Saturday you can take a breather with treats from Cafe Sal in the Project Space.
Arkade Studio: Residents
Open Now - Arkade Gallery
Discover the creative world of Arkade's talented roster of artists at a new show open now. It’s a mixed show packed with fresh talent and innovative work.
Pop into Arkade and explore the diverse creations from their resident artists. Running until 21st December, it's a chance to see what’s been going on in the studios this year. See the art that's shaping our local scene.
Winter Collection
Open Now - Gallery Heinzel
Discover Scotland's artistic soul at Gallery Heinzel's Winter Collection. Nearly 200 artworks reveal the landscape and culture behind contemporary Scottish creativity.
From fresh graduates to seasoned artists, this exhibition showcases the raw energy of our creative community. Check their opening hours before you visit.
Artist Textiles: Picasso to Warhol
Open Now - Aberdeen Art Gallery
This new show brings a stunning fusion of art and fashion to the city. Running until 6 March, you'll discover how iconic artists like Picasso and Warhol transformed everyday fabrics into extraordinary works of art.
From clothing to home furnishings, see how these masters experimented with textiles as their canvas. Pop in to explore this remarkable collection that brings together high art and everyday design in unexpected ways.
Dick Whittington: A Panto Adventure
Open Now - Aberdeen Arts Centre
You're in for a festive treat this month as Dick Whittington brings laughs and Doric charm to town with Philip Napier's legendary Dame Sally Fitzmackie.
Running until 24 Dec, this local pantomime is your ticket to family fun right in the city centre. Grab your family and get ready for a Christmas cracker of a show.
Northern Shindig 2024
Fri 6 Dec - The Blue Lamp
You're in for a wild night as Northern Shindig returns with Broken Windows and their cosmic country comrades, The Silver Arrow Collective.
Fresh from conquering Belladrum, they're ready to bring their pre-album tour energy. Forget Christmas tunes - this is pure musical mayhem. Get ready to dance!
Process, Process, Process
From Sat 7 Dec - Aberdeen Art Gallery
A peek behind the creative curtain at the Aberdeen Artists Society's latest show. 'Process, Process, Process' invites you into artists' worlds through their tools, sketches, and work surfaces.
Discover the magic before the masterpiece - no finished artwork in sight. Pop into the gallery and see creativity from a whole new perspective.
Maria Olenitsch: HERE/NOW
From Fri 7 Dec - Kooperator.space
Maria Olenitsch's unique exploration of memory and movement lands at Kooperator on Friday 7 December. HERE/NOW invites you into a world where ink dances across paper, capturing fleeting moments between the past and the future.
Experience the delicate tension of flow and stillness through monochrome works that reveal our deepest emotional landscapes.
Arkade Studios Christmas Market
Sat 7 to Sun 8 Dec - Anatomy Rooms
Discover Aberdeen's creative heart at the Arkade Studio Market. You'll find a festive treasure trove just five minutes from the Christmas Market on Broad Street.
Meet the artists, explore their studios and pick up unique artwork - from paintings and prints to zines, sculptures and quirky curios.
Wasps Open Studios & Exhibition
Fri 6 - Sun 8 Dec - Langstane Gallery
A creative feast awaits at Langstane Gallery this December. Residents throw open their studio doors from 6-8 December, inviting you to explore a world of painting, printmaking, sculpture, and more.
Meet the makers, discover unique handcrafted pieces, and support Aberdeen's vibrant art scene. It’s your perfect chance to find something special.
Speakin' Weird
Wed 9 Dec - Blue Lamp
Fancy trying your hand at spoken word? Head to their new venue, The Blue Lamp, on 9th December for the latest Speakin' Weird night! You can share poems, stories, comedy - anything goes in this open, welcoming space.
The evening is hosted by the brilliant Orla Shortall and Hannah Nicholson, and features headliner Aron Smith. Whether you want to perform or just enjoy the show, it's a great way to be part of Aberdeen's vibrant spoken-word community.
Cold Years Christmas Show
Sat 21 Dec - Tunnels
Get your Christmas sorted with Aberdeen's own Cold Years at The Tunnels on 21st December. The lads are bringing their signature sound back home, with cracking support from Happy Daze and Scott Brice.
Their new album A Different Life proves they still have the fire they brought to the scene in 2014.
The Bloody Marys, Celebrates 30 Years of Musical Mayhem
Sat 21 Dec - Lemon Tree
This is a real Christmas treat! The Bloody Marys are celebrating 30 wild years at the Lemon Tree on 21st December. These Aberdeen legends will take you on a nostalgic journey through three decades of brilliant tunes.
From ABBA to Rocky Horror, they'll serve up their signature infectious energy and cheeky comedy. Grab your tickets for a night of pure musical magic.
Have Yourself a Merry Punxmas
Mon 23 Dec - Drummonds
And on the other side of the Christmas coin...two of Aberdeen's finest punk bands - Malfunction and Closed for Business - are ready to blast away your festive blues.
Want to skip the cheesy carols? This free gig is your perfect antidote to traditional Christmas music. Grab your mates and get ready to rock.
The Little Kicks
Sat 28 Dec - Drummonds
Catch one of Aberdeen's finest bands, The Little Kicks, at Cafe Drummonds on Saturday 28 December. You'll get swept up in their signature blend of soaring harmonies, catchy guitar hooks and warm analogue synths.
Experience the melody-driven sound that's earned them such praise. Head to Drummonds for a brilliant night of local music at its best.
Hammer-Deen Gaming Club
Every Thu - Inchgarth Community Centre
Whether you want to roll dice, paint models, or chat about the hobby, there's space for you here. Thanks to the local community's generous support, you'll find full-size gaming tables, plenty of scenery, and a friendly bunch of fellow enthusiasts.
As a non-profit club, your membership fees go right back into growing what's on offer. Pop along and be part of Aberdeen's thriving Warhammer scene.
Until Next Month
We know how much love and hard work goes into organising events, and we want to celebrate that. So if you've got something exciting brewing - a gig that'll make people dance, an exhibition that'll inspire, or a meet-up that connects our community - we'd be thrilled to help spread the word.
Just drop us a quick email to hiya@postabdn.com with your event details. We're all ears and can't wait to hear about what you're creating. Together, we'll keep Aberdeen's culture shining bright and make sure no awesome event goes unnoticed.
C+K 💛
We dropped the December newsletter a little early for subscribers, but you all have access now. It’s brimming with live music, local art, and community celebrations. Aberdeen has something for everyone this festive season 🎅 ⭕ In your inbox and on POST postabdn.com/your-festive...
— POST | Aberdeen Culture (@postabdn.com) Nov 29, 2024 at 12:43
[image or embed]
POST
