Music, markets, fireworks & festive fun across the city
Dear Dundee dwellers, weekend warriors and winter wanderers,
If your calendar’s looking as empty as a Scotsman’s salad bowl in November, fear not this month & next, Dundee is buzzing harder than a kettle on full boil. From jazz and Diwali to ceilidhs and Christmas crackers, it’s a hot mix of culture, community and cosy chaos. Let’s dive in, one glittery event at a time.
🎷 Dundee Jazz Festival | 13–16 Nov
For four toe-tapping days, jazz spills into the city like a saxophone solo at midnight. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz cat or just in it for the vibes, you’ll find something smooth, swingin’ and sensational.
Top Picks:
Lorne Lofsky & Nigel Price (14 Nov @ Canvas)
Rebecca Vasmant DJ Set – Late night jazz grooves (14 Nov, same venue)
kitti & Tayside Big Band (16 Nov @ Bonar Hall)
🎹 VisitDundee recommends: Susan McCathie’s grand piano performance (16 Nov) – like Broadway with a Scottish twist.
🎟️ Tickets: £8–£18 (Students from £8)
Jazz hands optional, but encouraged.
🪔 Dundee Diwali | 8 Nov, 6pm @ Bharatiya Ashram
A dazzling celebration of light, music, colour and the ancient Ramayan tale — this one’s family-friendly, joy-filled, and absolutely glow-rious.
🎟️ £5 (Under-3s and carers go free)
🎄 Christmas Lights Switch-On & Santa Dash | 16 Nov, City Centre
Come for the festive vibes, stay for the 4km stampede of jogging Santas. Expect food stalls, street performers, snow cannons and a 6pm light switch-on that’ll melt even the iciest hearts.
🎅 Free to attend
❄️ Dress like it’s the North Pole (because it will feel like it)
🛍️ Winter Design Market @ V&A Dundee | 28–30 Nov
High design meets hot chocolate. Shop one-of-a-kind gifts from top Scottish designers and DJCAD grads. Organised by Tea Green Events, aka Scotland’s indie design fairy godparents.
🎟️ Free entry
🛒 Credit cards at the ready – your Christmas shopping just got sorted.
🕺 St Andrew’s Day Shenanigans
Boomerang Ceilidh & Supper | 28 Nov, 6pm
Haggis, reels and ceilidh heels – a classic Scottish combo. (££, booking needed)
The Dundee Hooley | 30 Nov, 3–7:30pm, City Centre
Torchlit parade, music, dancing and zero entry fee. Bring the family. Bring the tartan. Bring your best twirls.
🎤 Live Shows & Concerts
- SAY Awards | 6 Nov @ Caird Hall – Live music + Album of the Year reveal (£30)
- Hue and Cry (Acoustic) | 7 Nov @ Gardyne Theatre (£27.50)
- Elvana (yes, Elvis fronting Nirvana) | 8 Nov @ Fat Sam’s (£32.52)
- Gareth Malone Sing-Along | 12 Nov @ Whitehall Theatre – warm up those vocal cords
- Diana Reigns Supreme | 15 Nov @ Caird Hall – a tribute to the legend
- The Santa Express | 23 Nov @ Whitehall Theatre – a kids’ panto with PJs and golden tickets 🎫✨
🎨 McManus Magic – Exhibitions & Workshops
- Mella Shaw: Sounding Line – Underwater ceramics meets environmental art (until Jan)
- Border Crossings – Ten groundbreaking Scottish artists
- Leather purse making, clay family workshops, and a free artist talk (6 Nov)
- 🎨 Hands-on or hands-off – there’s inspiration either way.
- 🧪 Forensics Workshop: Disappearance of the Turners
14 Nov – Venue TBC
CSI: Dundee? Solve a mystery using real forensic science. White coats optional, curiosity essential. 🧬🔎
🛍️ Markets & Craft Fairs
The Yard Market @ 71 Brewing – 7, 8 & 28 Nov
Music, makers, munchies. £2 entry.
Verdant Works Christmas Market – 22–23 Nov
Artisan stalls, carols, and a working jute mill. Historic AND festive? Sign us up.
🎆 Fireworks, Food & Family Vibes
Light Up the Loch @ Kingennie | 8 Nov
Fireworks, festive food, stilt walkers – two-course dinner from £32.95
Disco Days Xmas Party | 29 Nov @ Fat Sam’s
Afternoon boogie for grown-ups. 80s, 90s and Mariah Carey guaranteed.
✨Find Downtime with Digital Entertainment
Let’s be honest the festive season is a wild mix of glitter, gift bags, and social juggling. It’s brilliant, yes, but also… a lot. Between train rides to visit family, café catch-ups, and the sacred post-shopping sofa flop, we all get those little in-between moments.
And when they hit? It’s phone-in-hand time.
That’s where a quick scroll through digital entertainment comes in whether it’s a brain-teasing game, a spin of the slots, or just something to help you switch gears. The best platforms make it easy: fast-loading, intuitive, and perfectly compatible with mobile phones, because nobody has time to pinch-zoom their way through the 90s.
It’s a modern little escape just a few minutes of fun to recharge before the next round of festivities (or mince pies).
📅 Plan Your Visit Like a Pro
Book ahead – some events sell out faster than a Greggs on payday.
Bundle up – markets and parades can be chilly, but your hot toddy game will thank you.
Most venues are wheelchair accessible – check individual listings.
Why not do it all? Morning market at Verdant Works, an afternoon ceilidh at Boomerang, and a piping hot toddy from a local bar to wrap it all up. That’s how we do November, Dundee-style.
See you under the fairy lights, or chasing Santa down Reform Street. 🎅💫
