Christmas Tree and Switch On Event Could Return

Christmas in Dundee this year could be celebrated with the return of a traditional tree to City Square accompanied by lights switch-on event. 

The Dundee Hooley is also set to return to mark St Andrew’s Day.

Proposals for the festive season will be considered by the next meeting of the Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee. 

Councillors will be told that the delivery of the Christmas and St Andrew’s Day events will be funded by a combination of £145,000 from the City Development revenue budget for events, and £60,000 from budget investment proposals. 

The £60,000 was approved at the budget setting meeting in February and is aimed at supporting events that will positively contribute to Dundee’s economic growth through increasing footfall and visitors to the city.

Councillors will also be asked to start the tendering process for operators to come forward to provide affordable family activities to be staged in City Square over the festive period. The council will not be funding this element of the festive offering. 

Activities could include festive children’s events, interactive activities, entertainment, rides and market stalls.   

A report to councillors outlines how the festive period is an important time for families and businesses in the city and that in recent years events had been staged in the four weeks leading up to Christmas in an effort to encourage people into the city centre.  

While there has not been a one-off event including the light switch-on recently, the report highlights how feedback from the public has viewed such an occasion as a “valued event” in the calendar. 

Committee convener Councillor Steven Rome said: “We have listened very carefully to people in the city about their views on our festive offering. 

“From general feedback, as well as the budget consultation process, it has become clear that people are keen on the return of a tree in the square accompanied by a traditional switch-on event. 

“We are aware of how important a time Christmas is for families and businesses in the city and have considered how best to take this forward, so that families can have fun and our economy can be boosted. 

“The Dundee Hooley has also become an established and popular part of Dundee’s festive offering, so it is essential that this can continue as well.  

“I am pleased that funds from the 2025-26 budget would allow the Hooley and the switch-on to both happen. 

“We will also be advertising for operators to come forward with proposals to help stage affordable family activities for the festive period so that as many people as possible can enjoy a merry Dundee Christmas.” 

The committee meets on Monday June 9.