Huge crowds, praise and nostalgia as Dundee hosts their first Christmas lights switch on in five years

The scene from above as the square was packed. (Picture: Kuljit Athwal)

Dundee’s Christmas lights switch on has sparked a wave of praise across the city, with many residents calling it the best festive celebration Dundee has seen in decades.

Photos of a packed City Square quickly gathered thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments, with people moved by the scale of the turnout and the atmosphere on the night.

A strong theme echoed through the reactions - for many, the event brought back memories of Dundee’s old Hogmanay bells celebrations that once filled the square with thousands.

Several locals took to Dundee Culture to say that they had not seen crowds like this in the city centre since the 1950s, describing the scene as a return to the Dundee they remembered from childhood.

People from across generations shared emotional responses. Commenters spoke about the joy of seeing families gathering again, the festive atmosphere, and the sense of community that has been missed in recent years.

The tree’s lights are switched on

Many described it as “the way it used to be”, while others said it felt like Dundee had “its spark back”.

There was praise too for the return of a traditional Christmas tree in the square. Some said this alone was enough to draw people in, and that the crowd was proof of how much these simple traditions matter to the city.

Others expressed amazement at the sheer number of people who turned up, calling it “brilliant”, “fantastic”, and “marvellous to see”.

A number of expats also commented, saying the images brought back treasured memories of Dundee and filled them with pride. Even those watching from abroad said the pictures made them feel connected to home again.

With many describing the event as a turning point for Dundee’s festive celebrations, the overwhelming reaction shows how meaningful the night was for the community. For a city known for its strong spirit, the Christmas lights switch on offered a moment that truly brought Dundee together.