Christmas in Dundee 2025

A bumper programme of festive fun, enchanting events and twinkling lights is set to take over the city as Dundee announces its Christmas celebrations for 2025.

The return of the traditional Christmas Switch-On event, on November 16, kicks off the festivities with a dazzling 40ft real Christmas tree the centre piece.

This will be followed by the return of the popular Dundee Hooley on the 30^th, which celebrates St Andrew’s Day.

The City Square will then be transformed into a vibrant winter wonderland called Christmas in the Square, from December 4–31, run by Hornes Pleasure Fairs.

The events line-up includes:  

• Santa Dash (November 16, 10am) – A 4k race on the morning of the Christmas Switch-On, around the city centre with participants dressed in Santa outfits. A warm-up session, with a special guest and Active Dundee coaches, will take place before the run. MC Charlie Duthie will be on the main stage with interviews, music and fun!

• Christmas Switch-On (November 16, 10am-7pm) – A full day of fun in City Square with fun fair rides, Ice Sculpture Trail and street performers – including The Grinch, Living Lamp Posts, crystal ball juggler and Juggling Elves. A 12m high light-up archway with acrobatic aerial performances will dazzle crowds in City Square and street traders and market stalls will be available throughout the day as well as a Christmas craft tent.  Live Music hosted by Tay FM’s Gregor & Lynsey will lead the second half of the day, which will also include performances from Downfield Music Society, Thomson-Leng Musical Society, Dundee Rep Theatre, Rock the Halls and more, all gearing up to the big switch-on moment!

• Dundee Hooley (November 30, 3-7:30pm) – Taking place at Meadowside, the 4^th edition of the Dundee Hooley returns with a water theme, representing St Andrew the fisherman. The main stage will have performances from Ceol Dun Deagh, Seaword, Mad Ferret Band and more, while the Cask Strength Ceilidh Band will lead the traditional Scottish dancing to close the event. The community stage will see Highland dancers, fire performers, local dance troops, choirs and groups light up Dundee’s evening sky with colour and song. Fun Fair rides, food and drink will also be available. Walkabout street performers Poppy Bubbles, Circus Alba, Lobster à la Cart by Artizani and giant illuminated puppets will be entertaining the crowds. The torchlit parade will take place at 5:30pm, starting and ending at the High School of Dundee playground. Details about taking part in the parade, with a torch or crafting paper lanterns, will be shared soon.

• Christmas in the Square (December 4-31) - Run by Hornes Pleasure Fairs- with rides, market stalls, live music and alpine bar. Open 12-8pm weekdays and until 9pm on weekends.

• UNESCO City of Design Christmas Trees (from November 12) –  Celebrating the diversity of the winter period, four new trees that have been commissioned will be on display with previous years designs next to Dundee’s living Christmas Tree at the City Churches. Considering sustainability, each design is constructed from reused or recycled materials and utilise multiples of an object or material.

Leader of Dundee City Council, Cllr Mark Flynn, said: "We’ve listened carefully to the people of Dundee and I’m delighted to hear about the fantastic Christmas offering we have planned, including the return of the traditional switch on event, with a real Christmas tree as the focal point.

“I look forward to attending the events planned and watching on as people enjoy all the festive period has to offer. Christmas is a time when Dundee’s community spirit shines brightest. Christmas in Dundee promises a magical experience for visitors and locals alike.”

The Lord Provost of Dundee, Bill Campbell, will be leading the torchlit parade during the Dundee Hooley. 

He said: “Dundee’s Christmas celebrations are more than lights and music - they’re about community. I’m looking forward to our city coming alive with warmth, laughter, and connection as people from all parts of Dundee, and beyond, come together to share in the festive spirit and enjoy these marvellous events.”

Christian Horne, from Hornes Pleasure Fairs, said: "We are delighted to be delivering our event ‘Christmas in the Square’ in Dundee City Centre this festive season. Our team are excited to create a magical and memorable experience that brings people together to celebrate at the heart of our community this Christmas."

The Dundee Gift Card, a recently launched initiative to encourage local spending and secure jobs, is getting a festive makeover coinciding with a message to shop local this Christmas and support businesses in the city.

Cllr Flynn added: “We hope that these Christmas celebrations will be a real boost for the Dundee economy. Not only do they showcase the best of our city, they bring life and energy to the town centre and other shopping districts, providing a welcome lift for local traders. I would encourage everyone to consider shopping local this Christmas.”

Dundee’s Christmas offering also includes many different markets, community and traditional Christian faith events. Further information about Christmas in Dundee can be found on dundee.com