ABERDEEN’S biggest ever Winter Festival was today launched – complete with a month-long Christmas village.

The village will include a German-style street market, festive fairground rides and an entertainment marquee.

And an open-air ice rink will also be created in the city centre.

It’s hoped the event will rival Christmas events in other major cities, with Union Terrace transformed into a winter wonderland from November 25 to January 3.

The Christmas village, which has been spearheaded by business organisation Aberdeen Inspired, is a first for the city and is aimed at encouraging people into the centre.

The skating arena, which was located in Union Terrace Gardens last year and the Castlegate in 2013, will take pride of place at the grassed area in front of His Majesty’s Theatre this Christmas period.

The Winter Festival fun will also include the Christmas lights switch on, the Trinity Centre Reindeer Parade and a nativity scene.

There are also separate Hogmanay celebrations planned as well as the fireworks display at Aberdeen beach ahead of the winter fun.