Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas 2025 in Dundee
- Andrew Batchelor
- Oct 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 18
This page will update when new information becomes available.
Get ready to experience the most magical time of the year as Dundee transforms into a winter wonderland!
From twinkling lights in City Square to festive markets, shows, and Santa’s Grottos, here’s your complete guide to Christmas 2025 in the City of Discovery.
✨ Main Festivities
City Square Winter Wonderland
4–31 December, City Square
The heart of Dundee’s Christmas celebrations returns with festive stalls, food, crafts, live entertainment, and the city’s glittering Christmas tree bringing warmth and sparkle to the city centre all month long.
🎁 Markets & Fairs
Whether you’re looking for handmade gifts or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, Dundee’s markets are a highlight of the season.
Dundee Makers Market
15 November, City Centre
Organised by Craft & Flea, this popular market brings together Dundee’s independent makers, artists, and designers, offering creative gifts and unique finds.
The Yard Market at The Steeple
22, 29 November & 13, 20 December
The Steeple Church will be transformed into a winter wonderland as The Yard Market brings its Christmas edition to the heart of the city centre. Expect a beautiful mix of stalls filled with artisan goods, unique gifts, and festive food and drink, all set within one of Dundee’s most iconic buildings. A must-visit for your Christmas shopping and a great day out for the whole family.
Verdant Works Christmas Market
23 & 24 November, Verdant Works
Step inside Dundee’s historic mill for a weekend of artisan makers, food producers, and festive treats from across Tayside.
The Christmas Barket
23 November, CANVAS
The Christmas Barket is the top festive market for pets and their hoomans! Browse stalls filled with handmade treats, accessories, and gifts for your furry friends, all while enjoying a cosy festive atmosphere. Whether you’re a dog lover, cat owner, or just want to meet some adorable visitors, this is the ultimate Christmas event for animal enthusiasts in Dundee.
V&A Dundee Festive Design Market
28–30 November, V&A Dundee
Scotland’s national design museum transforms into a creative Christmas showcase, featuring independent designers, makers, and stalls packed with beautiful handcrafted gifts.
Discovery Point Christmas Market
30 November & 1 December, Discovery Point
Enjoy a festive weekend by the Tay with local traders, artisan gifts, and mulled wine inside the award-winning Discovery Point.
Forbes of Kingennie Christmas Market
30 November & 1 December, Forbes of Kingennie
A countryside favourite, filled with handcrafted gifts, local produce, and festive cheer in a charming rural setting.
Tayside Deaf Hub - Winter Craft Fair
30 November, 11am-3pm, Tayside Deaf Hub
Come along to Tayside Deaf Hub's Winter Craft Fair, where a selection of handcrafted treats will be available for purchase. Attendees can wander around, enjoy the café, or participate in a free British Sign Language Taster Class.
The Yard Mini Market
30 November & 14, 21 December, CANVAS
Small in size but big on Christmas charm, The Yard Mini Market at CANVAS offers a cosy festive shopping experience. Discover a curated selection of local makers and small businesses selling gifts, decorations, and tasty treats - ideal for those last-minute Christmas finds or a relaxed festive browse.
The Yard Market at CANVAS
5-7 December, CANVAS
Step into the festive spirit as The Yard Market returns to CANVAS for a special Christmas edition. Discover a mix of local makers, artists, and traders selling everything from handmade gifts and crafts to delicious seasonal treats. With mulled wine, cosy vibes, and plenty of festive cheer, it’s the perfect way to support Dundee’s creatives this Christmas.
Christmas Market at The McManus
6 December, 10am–5pm, McManus Galleries
Browse art, crafts, and design-led gifts from local creators inside Dundee’s stunning museum and art gallery.
The Yard Night Market
19 December, CANVAS
Enjoy a festive evening like no other at The Yard Night Market at CANVAS. Under twinkling lights, explore a handpicked selection of local traders offering unique Christmas gifts, street food, and seasonal drinks. With live music, a bar, and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect night out to get into the Christmas mood.
🎅 Santa’s Grottos
Discovery Point Santa’s Grotto
6–22 December, Discovery Point
Meet Santa by the waterfront and enjoy a magical festive experience, complete with decorations, music, and a gift for every child.
Dobbie’s Quiet Santa Grotto
5 December, 2.30–7.30pm
We are delighted to offer one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies to children who may have additional needs.
These sessions can only be pre-booked, with no queuing on the day and a reduced number of families attending each slot.
🛍️ Christmas Shopping Nights
Dobbie’s Dundee – Christmas Shopping Night
Thursday 27 November, 5–8pm
Enjoy an exclusive evening of festive shopping, live entertainment, tastings, and special discounts at Dobbies Garden Centre.
🎉 Events & Celebrations
City Square Christmas Lights Switch-On
16 November, City Centre
A full day of festivities as Dundee officially lights up for Christmas.
Santa Dash
16 November, City Centre
Join hundreds of Santas running through the streets of Dundee to raise money for charity – a festive highlight for all ages.
Dundee Hooley
30 November, 3–7.30pm, City Centre
The Dundee Hooley is back for its fourth year to celebrate St Andrew’s Day, featuring an afternoon and evening of live music, street performers, food stalls, lantern crafting, and the well-loved torchlit procession.
Broughty Ferry Christmas Lights Switch-On
Late November, High Street
The Ferry glows once again with a night of community spirit, carols, stalls, and festive fun for all ages.
🎭 Shows & Performances
The Santa Express
23 November, 12.30pm & 4.30pm, Whitehall Theatre
In an exciting twist, Jack Frost has kidnapped Santa, but the Christmas Fairy is swooping in to save the day! She is inviting young Holly to embark on a thrilling journey to the North Pole aboard The Santa Express. With the assistance of Dolly Claus and Declan Hall the elf, they will set off on the ultimate Christmas family adventure.
Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in festive Christmas pyjamas, jumpers, or their best holiday attire to enhance the experience!
Jack and the Beanstalk
29 November - 30 December, Various Times, Dundee Rep Theatre
Join Caroline the Highland Cow as she reveals the secrets of a beloved fairy tale!
This winter, Caroline steps into the spotlight to deliver an exciting and innovative rendition of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Featuring a vibrant ensemble of 10 talented actor-musicians, this spirited reimagining of the cherished story is overflowing with heart, humor, and unforgettable songs. It’s a delightful celebration of friendship, community, and the little joys that unite us, making it the perfect festive experience for the entire family.
Crafted by the renowned musical theatre duo Jonathan O’Neill and Isaac Savage, this is a version of Jack and the Beanstalk unlike any you've encountered—packed with fun, surprises, and the enchanting Christmas magic of the Rep that you adore.
The Courier and Evening Telegraph’s Christmas Concert
3 December, 6pm, Caird Hall
Dundee's leading newspapers come together to honour the finest in music with the Courier and Evening Telegraph's Christmas Concert. This cherished holiday tradition makes its way to the Caird Hall for the very first time and gathers schools, families, and local groups for a heartwarming celebration of music, unity, and community spirit, highlighting the talents of young performers.
A Fairytale for Christmas
5 December, 7.30pm, Caird Hall
Imagine a St. Patrick's Day celebration, but held on Christmas Day! Enjoy performances by singers, musicians, and dancers featuring Yuletide favorites like 'O Holy Night' and 'The Fairytale of New York,' along with Irish sing-along classics such as 'The Galway Girl' and 'Dirty Old Town'.
🎉 Parties
Disco Days Xmas Party
29 November, 6, 13 and 20 December, 2.30pm, Fat Sams
Experience an unforgettable celebration with two vibrant rooms filled with an array of tunes, including Christmas classics, uplifting floorfillers, nostalgic club hits, and all the greatest party anthems that everyone loves to sing along to. Attendees can look forward to exciting giveaways and delightful surprises while dancing the day away with both old friends and new acquaintances! Make this Christmas party memorable by celebrating the Disco Days way—enjoy a fantastic day of festivities and still get home at a reasonable hour!
Rock the Halls
19 December, Caird Hall
Dundee's flagship Christmas extravaganza is set to return to the Caird Hall, promising an unforgettable night filled with West End singers, stunning dancers, a children's choir, and a fantastic live band. So, dust off your dancing shoes, grab your Santa hats, and join us for the ultimate festive celebration.
Whether you’re shopping at the markets, running the Santa Dash, or watching the lights switch on in City Square, Dundee’s Christmas 2025 celebrations promise a season full of warmth, joy, and sparkle.
From family favourites to brand-new experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this festive season in the City of Discovery.
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