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Christmas In Dundee

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What’s New Christmas 2025

Christmas in Dundee 2025

The Festive Heart of Scotland Comes Alive

If there’s one thing Dundee does better than most, it’s putting on a show — and this Christmas, the city’s pulling out all the stops. From the sparkle of City Square to the sound of laughter echoing down the High Street, Christmas in Dundee 2025 is shaping up to be pure festive magic.

Forget the stress of shopping centres and overpriced glühwein — this year, it’s all about community, creativity, and a touch of old-fashioned Scottish cheer. Whether you’re a local looking for your annual Santa selfie or a visitor chasing that perfect winter weekend, Dundee’s got you covered.

10am – 7pm | Dundee City Centre

It all begins with a bang (and a snow cannon) as the Christmas Lights Switch-On kicks off the season in full sparkle.

The day starts with the Santa Dash 4K Fun Run — picture hundreds of Santas charging through the city, bells jingling, all raising funds for Cash for Kids. Leading the warm-up this year? None other than local legend Sheli “Sabre” McCoy, Dundee’s own Gladiator.

From morning till evening, the city centre transforms into a festive playground. Expect street food that smells so good it’ll stop you mid-step, twinkling market stalls from The Yard Market, fairground rides, and even Living Lamp Posts (aye, you read that right — glowing, dancing street lamps spreading cheer).

Then at 6pm sharp, all eyes turn to City Square for the moment we’ve been waiting for — the lighting of the giant 40ft Christmas tree, complete with aerial acrobatics soaring through a glowing 12-metre archway. It’s a show that’ll make you believe in Christmas again, no matter how many mince pies you’ve had.

Meadowside | 12pm till late

Grab your scarves and your sense of mischief — the Dundee Hooley is back for its fourth year, and it’s bigger than ever.

This traditional Scottish street party celebrates St Andrew’s Day in true Tayside style — live music, dancing, and the legendary torchlight procession lighting up Meadowside. Expect pipes, drums, and plenty of tartan twirling as the city comes together for one massive knees-up.

If you’ve never been to the Hooley, make 2025 the year you change that. It’s Dundee at its warmest — even in the cold.

City Square | 12pm–8pm weekdays, 12pm–9pm weekends

City Square becomes the beating heart of Dundee’s Christmas celebrations all month long.

Browse the Christmas Market, sip something festive at the Alpine Bar, and soak up live music from local talent every weekend. The air will be thick with the smell of cinnamon, mulled wine, and fresh doughnuts — the kind of scents that make you feel like a kid again.

You’ll also find Dundee’s UNESCO City of Design Christmas Glade, featuring beautifully designed trees by local artists, sitting alongside the city’s living Christmas tree and that iconic light-up Dundee sign. Instagram, you’ve been warned.

The V&A Dundee is adding its own creative twist to the festive season. Step inside to see Yinka Ilori’s “Listening to Joy” playscape, join community design workshops, or bag 50% off entry to Night Fever: Designing Club Culture — a must for anyone who loves a bit of sparkle with their design.

And don’t skip Tatha Bar & Kitchen, serving a hearty festive menu that’ll warm your soul faster than a dram by the fire.

Outside, Dundee WinterFest takes over Slessor Gardens with an ice rink, Ferris wheel, helter-skelter, and Bavarian-style food huts. It’s the perfect family day out — or a romantic night under the fairy lights if you’re feeling soppy.

The McManus Christmas Market – Saturday 6 December
A proper Dundee gem — free entry, family-friendly crafts, and storytelling sessions from local favourite Robbie Fotheringham. Don’t miss the 16-foot tree in the Gothic Hall — it’s an absolute stunner.

Discovery Point Christmas Market – 29 & 30 November
Two days of festive shopping with over 30 local makers, live music, and a “pay what you can” entry to Discovery Point and the iconic RRS Discovery. It’s shopping that feels good — and does good.

There’s something about Dundee in winter. Maybe it’s the way the Tay glows under the fairy lights. Maybe it’s the laughter spilling out of every café. Or maybe it’s the city’s knack for blending creativity, community, and good old-fashioned festive spirit.

From the Santa Dash to the UNESCO trees, Dundee’s Christmas celebrations have heart — not just spectacle. It’s where locals and visitors mingle, where tradition meets design, and where every corner feels like a Christmas card come to life.

So wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate, and get yourself down tae the square. This is what Christmas in Dundee is all about.

🎅 Ready to plan your Dundee Christmas?
Check out event updates and times at dundee.com/christmas — and don’t forget your Santa hat. It’s nae just a city at Christmas… it’s Dundee, and there’s nowhere quite like it.

Quick Date Guide.

Date                    Event                           Location                 
16 Nov Santa Dash & Lights Switch-On                              City Centre
29–30 Nov Discovery Point Christmas Market Discovery Point
30 Nov The Dundee Hooley Meadowside
4–31 Dec Christmas in the Square City Square
6 Dec The McManus Christmas Market McManus Gallery
All season                 WinterFest & V&A Dundee Events Slessor Gardens / V&A Dundee