Dundee’s Christmas Switch-On 2025

Anticipation is building across Dundee as the city centre prepares to sparkle for this year’s festive Christmas Switch-On.

Taking place on Sunday 16 November, the Dundee Christmas Switch-on is a full day of family fun with live music, roaming performers, street food, fun fair rides, market stalls and more! 

The return of the Dundee Santa Dash, a 4k fun run around the city centre streets, will kick off the day. TV personality, fitness coach and entrepreneur Sheli McCoy will be joining Active Dundee coaches on stage at the event, when she’ll lead participants through a fun, festive warm-up before the race. After racers cross the finish line, there will be a meet and greet opportunity with Sheli and a chance for photographs.

The excitement will build throughout the day and, from 4pm, Tay FM’s Gregor and Lynsey will keep the crowds entertained with live performances and music, all leading up to the spectacular moment when the Christmas tree lights are switched on at 6pm, with a special visit from Santa himself!

Tay Fm radio presenters Gregor & Lynsey said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to be hosting the stage at Dundee’s Christmas Switch-On! The lights, the music, and the amazing Dundee crowd always make it a magical event. We can’t wait to celebrate the start of the festive season with everyone!”

The full programme is as follows:

Morning 

10.00am - Santa Dash Warm Up with Sheli McCoy & Active Dundee (City Square)
10.30am - Santa Dash Fun Run (City Square)

All day activities - City Square

10.00am - 7.00pm 
Christmas Market in association with The Yard Market
Christmas Crafts tent with Scrapantics
Fun Fair Rides
Ice Sculpture Trail
Street Food
 
Afternoon - High St/City Square

12.00pm - Festive Playlist with Tay FM, Street Performers
2.30pm - Aerial Arch Performance
3.30pm - Aerial Arch Performance
4.00pm - Live Music & Entertainment hosted by Tay FM’s Gregor & Lynsey
4.00pm - Live Music - The McAndrews Sisters
4.45pm - Downfield Musical Society - Jack and the Beanstalk
5.00pm - Thomson-Leng Musical Society - Snow White
5.15pm - Dundee Rep Theatre - Jack and the Beanstalk
5.40pm - Rock the Halls
6.00pm - Christmas Tree Lights Switch-on, Aerial Arch Performance
6.15pm - Live Music - Strawberry Bank
7.00pm - Event Close

One lucky primary school pupil will be the star of the show - joining Santa and the Lord Provost on stage and pushing the big button on the special light-up plinth! 

The winner will also receive two tickets to the Gladiators Tour in Glasgow and a Dundee Goody Bag including a £50 Dundee Gift Card. Full details and how to enter can be found on the Tay FM website.

Lord Provost of Dundee, Bill Campbell said: “There’s something truly magical about seeing our city come alive with lights and laughter at Christmas. The Switch-On event is a celebration of Dundee’s community spirit, a moment for everyone to share in the warmth and joy of the season.”

The Lord Provost recently met with some of the cast of the Dundee Rep Theatre production of Jack & the Beanstalk to discuss their involvement as one of the entertainment acts on stage.

Director Stephen Whitson said: “I’m thrilled we get to share a sneak peek of Jack & The Beanstalk with Dundee at the Christmas Switch-On. This brand-new musical tells the story from Caroline the Cow’s point of view - finally, we get to hear her side! Did you know the tale of Jack & The Beanstalk actually began right here in Dundee?

“In the song ‘Udderly Alone’, Caroline’s just been sold for a bag of magic beans. She’s missing her best friend Jack, she doesn’t know where she’s going or what she’s doing - but she’s about to discover she’s a force to be reckoned with!”

The Christmas Switch-On will see large numbers of locals and visitors head for the city centre, bringing a boost for businesses at the start of the festive period.

Dundee City Council convener of City Growth and Infrastructure Councillor Steven Rome said: “I’m really excited to attend the Christmas Switch-On. It supports our local traders, attracts visitors to the city centre, and creates a real sense of community pride. It’s a perfect example of how celebration and economic benefit can go hand in hand.

There will be significant road closures around the city centre and residents. Event goers and visitors are being reminded to be aware of how this will impact them and are being encouraged to use active travel.

Cllr Rome added: “While there are a number of convenient car parks close to the city centre, we’re encouraging people to consider active travel where possible - walking, cycling, or using public transport. We’re also asking everyone to plan ahead and be aware of temporary road closures that will be in place to keep the event safe for all."

Making sure the event is accessible to all, there will be live BSL on stage from 4-6.30pm and there is a quiet space, run by Dundee Science Centre, in the former Argos unit upstairs in the Overgate from 4-6.15pm for anyone who needs it and will be full of sensory equipment and activities for free. There will be a changing places toilet (accessiloo) on site all day. 

More details of the event, an accessibility guide and more information about the entire Christmas in Dundee 2025 offering can be found on dundee.com.