FREE bus travel and parking announced for Dundee’s Christmas Switch On and Hooley celebrations
There’s some fantastic news for families heading into Dundee this November, with FREE all-day bus travel and parking announced for two of the city’s biggest festive celebrations!
Dundee City Council has confirmed that free bus travel will be available on Sunday 15 November and Sunday 29 November 2026, helping residents and visitors attend the Dundee Christmas Light Switch On and Dundee Hooley.
The initiative aims to support families during the ongoing cost of living crisis while encouraging more people to use public transport when travelling into the city.
And for those planning to drive, free parking will also be available at the Bell Street Hub on both dates.
Free bus travel for Dundee’s Christmas celebrations
The first day of free bus travel will take place on Sunday 15 November, when Dundee city centre hosts its annual Christmas Light Switch On.
The popular event will mark the beginning of the festive season, bringing families and visitors into the heart of Dundee for an afternoon and evening of celebrations.
With bus travel available free of charge throughout the day, the initiative is designed to make it easier and more affordable for people to enjoy the festivities.
The second day will take place on Sunday 29 November, coinciding with the return of the Dundee Hooley.
The annual celebration of Scottish culture will feature live music, traditional dancing, street entertainment and its spectacular Torch Light Parade.
The free travel initiative is expected to help encourage attendance at both events while reducing some of the costs associated with a family day out.
Free parking at Bell Street Hub
Motorists will also benefit from the announcement, with free parking available all day at the Bell Street Hub on both event dates.
The arrangement will apply on Sunday 15 November for the Dundee Christmas Light Switch On and Sunday 29 November for the Dundee Hooley.
The free parking offer will provide another option for visitors travelling into Dundee to enjoy the celebrations.
Drivers should note that the confirmed free parking location is the Bell Street Hub, rather than every council car park across the city.
Supporting families and encouraging public transport
Dundee City Council says the initiative has been introduced to help families during the cost of living crisis and promote more regular use of local bus services.
By removing travel costs on two major event days, the council hopes to make it easier for residents to enjoy Dundee’s festive programme.
The move could also benefit city centre businesses, with both events expected to encourage visitors to spend time in local shops, cafés, restaurants and other attractions.
The Dundee Christmas Light Switch On and Dundee Hooley are among the city’s major annual celebrations, attracting residents and visitors from across Dundee and the surrounding area.
Two big dates for Dundee this November
The Dundee Christmas Light Switch On will take place on Sunday 15 November, bringing festive entertainment to the city centre.
Two weeks later, the Dundee Hooley returns on Sunday 29 November, celebrating Scotland’s culture and traditions with an afternoon and evening of entertainment.
With free bus travel and free parking at the Bell Street Hub confirmed for both dates, families will have additional options for enjoying the events without the usual travel costs.
