More than £400,000 has been invested in what promises to be the largest Aberdeen Winter Festival yet.

A winter wonderland will be created at the heart of the city centre, with a tree-lined maze among the new attractions.

This year's event will feature a bigger outdoor ice rink, funfair and almost double the number of market stalls.

The festival will begin with a fireworks display on November 5 and continue into January.

Launching the programme on Monday, council leader Jenny Laing said: "I'm sure lots of people from the city, the surrounding area and from further afield will come to Aberdeen and experience the fantastic festive atmosphere Aberdeen's Winter Festival has to offer.

"This year we see the addition of the 12 Days of Christmas Wooden Sculpture Trail and Christmas Tree Maze, which are sure to be firm family favourites.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Christmas Village again, whether it's to enjoy the thrill of the funfair, the ice rink, peruse the market stalls or kick back and enjoy the live entertainment."

Adrian Watson, chief executive of business group Aberdeen Inspired, said: "We were delighted with the public's response to the Aberdeen Christmas Village and we are looking forward to an even bigger and better event this year.

"One of Aberdeen Inspired's key aims is to continue to build up footfall within the BID (Business Improvement District) zone and our winter activities are all organised with that in mind.

"The time leading up to Christmas is hugely important to local businesses and we hope to achieve a positive knock-on effect for them during what continues to be a tough time for the city."