Year after year, Dundee's Christmas celebrations flourish, becoming ever more vibrant and welcoming. With an expanding holiday program, locals and visitors come together to share in the merrymaking of the season.
Browse our guide to Christmas activities in Dundee to plan the perfect Season o’ Yule.
Dundee Christmas Markets, Events & Activities
Find your Christmas cheer among the sparkle and joy at the numerous Dundee yuletide celebrations.
1. Dundee Christmas Light Switch-On
Dundee City Square
Date: 16 November 2025
Time: Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m., all-day events from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Christmas in Dundee kicks off early. The City Square is the place to be as it bursts into festive cheer in mid-November. This beloved traditional Christmas event in Dundee offers a full day of yule festivities, finishing with the spectacular Christmas tree light-up.
Highlights:
- Food and bar stalls
- Market
- Santa Dash 4k
- Santa photo ops
- Aerial, fire, live music and other street performances
2. The Dundee Hooley
Across the Dundee City Centre
Date: 30 November
Time: 3 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Dundee’s festive season wouldn’t be complete without the Hooley, celebrating St Andrew. Meet up with old friends and make new ones while enjoying a torch-lit procession with a pipe band, giant puppets, ceilidh dancing, and more festive fun.
3. Christmas Crafternoon
Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee
Dates: 30 November - 7 December 2025
Add a touch of homemade care and prep your seasonal decorations at this DCA workshop, focusing on the wonder of natural and eco-friendly materials. Projects include:
- Alternative wreath making
- Nordic paper stars
- Vintage-style cards and tags
4. Christmas Shopping at Dundee’s Free Christmas Markets
There are several free Christmas markets around the city, including:
Christmas Market at The McManus
The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, Albert Square, Dundee
Date: 6 December 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
A one-day pop-up market featuring independent businesses, family-friendly craft sessions and storytelling.
Discovery Point Christmas Market
Discovery Quay, Dundee
Dates: 29 and 30 November 2025
Time 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join in on a weekend of Christmas cheer, honouring the local talent of the region with local music and choir groups, as well as delicious food and drink. You can also visit the RRS Discovery on a pay-what-you-can promotion valid for the market weekend.
Verdant Works Christmas Market
Verdant Works, W Henderson's Wynd, Dundee
Dates: 22 & 23 November 2025
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Enjoy artisan makers and producers, live music and the launch of Verdant Works Museum’s Christmas menu. During market weekend, the museum offers a pay-what-you-can entry for an immersive experience into the city’s cultural heritage.
5. Dance ‘Til Late at the Glamorous Christmas Party Nights
Verdant Works, W Henderson's Wynd, Dundee
Dates: First two Fridays and Saturdays of December, with midweek parties by request
Time: 6:30 p.m. - midnight
Verdant Works’ Party Nights bring glam festive fun to a historic Victorian mill. Indulge in an elegant welcome drink and gourmet three-course meal, then stay and dance the night away to an eclectic DJ set of ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s hits.
Fly-Coach: All Aboard for the Joy of Christmas in Dundee!
Fly Coach operates a direct bus service from Edinburgh Airport to Dundee, in addition to our popular route to Aberdeen. Tickets can be booked online or at our CityHub on Commercial Street, Dundee.
- Free with National Entitlement or Young Scot Card: Travel free on a turn-up-and-ride basis, or reserve your seat online for just a £1 booking fee.
- Ample luggage: Plenty of space for suitcases and Christmas gifts, one large (75×50×32 cm) or two medium (70×45×30 cm) cases.
- Professional with service: Our friendly drivers are happy to help with lifting your bags of gifts, hampers, and festive treats.
- Wheelchair accessible: Fully PSVAR compliant so that everyone can travel home to celebrate the holiday season in comfort.
Note: You can amend your coach ticket for a small charge, for example, if you choose to extend your celebrations through Hogmanay and into the new year.
Ready to visit Dundee for Christmas day? Remember to book your Fly Coach seat from Edinburgh Airport to Dundee and give your family the gift of a hassle-free airport pickup!