Christmas in the Square Delivering Community Benefits

A wide-ranging package of community benefits is being delivered as part of this year’s Christmas in the Square, provided in partnership with Horne’s Pleasure Fairs.

These measures are designed to ensure that families and young people across Dundee can enjoy the festivities no matter their background and also support local traders and businesses.

Christmas in the Square offers festive fun for all the family next to Dundee’s 40ft Christmas tree in the City Square. Attractions include affordable funfair rides, food and drink outlets including an alpine bar, market stalls offering a range of gifts and products, as well as live musical entertainment.

As part of the community benefits programme, Horne’s Pleasure Fairs will provide around 150 free wristbands, offering two hours of unlimited weekday access to carnival rides. Wristbands will be issued directly through targeted primary schools and the Dundee Carers Centre.

Additionally, Horne’s Pleasure Fairs are offering free access to fairground attractions for organised groups from Dundee nurseries and primary 1-3 classes. Details and instructions for booking these sessions will be communicated directly to schools and nurseries by the council and partners.

Horne’s have also selected Dundee Bairns as their official charity partner for Christmas in the Square so that local families can participate in seasonal activities regardless of financial circumstances. 

As part of the partnership, they will provide 250 free ride tickets to distribute to families they support. Fundraising opportunities include volunteers collecting onsite alongside donation tins available at stalls. 

Full rental income from four specially allocated local stalls in the market is being donated directly to Dundee Bairns. These market stalls have been made available to local traders at significantly reduced rental rates, encouraging small business participation in the festive marketplace.

Horne’s strong Dundee connections have also been highlighted through the debut of a new Funhouse attraction, built in the city by a local contractor and appearing for the first time at this year’s carnival.

Leader of Dundee City Council, Cllr Mark Flynn met with Cllr Steven Rome, convener of the Council’s City Growth and Infrastructure Committee and representatives from Horne’s Pleasure Fairs and Dundee Bairns to see the Market and discuss the impact the community benefits will have for local families and businesses.

Cllr Flynn Said: "I’m really pleased to see such a strong package of community benefits delivered through Christmas in the Square. 

“We listened carefully to feedback from families, schools and community groups, and it’s clear how important it is that everyone, especially our youngest and most vulnerable resident, can share in the festive fun.”

“These commitments from Horne’s Pleasure Fairs will help make the event more accessible and inclusive for Dundee families, and it’s fantastic to see the market already buzzing with festive cheer.

Cllr Rome said: "Christmas in the Square is an important boost for our local economy. Events like this help support jobs, encourage spending in local shops and cafés, and contribute to a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in the city centre.

“The involvement of local traders, with the opportunities created through reduced rate stalls, means more small and local businesses can benefit from this increased footfall and energy, helping retain this money in our community."

Horne’s are monitoring the impact of these community benefits and will provide data on wristband usage, free session attendance and donated passes to help inform future events.

Horne’s Pleasure Fairs said: “Christmas in the Square is right in the Heart of Dundee, but for us, having Dundee and its communities right at the heart of our event is paramount. Christmas is a time to be with family, it’s a time to celebrate, to make memories and to re-connect with each other. 

“We want that to be possible for every family in Dundee, regardless of their current situation.That is why these partnerships and community offerings are deeply rooted in everything we stand for, not just in City Square this Christmas but throughout the Horne family."

Genna Miller, Executive Director of Dundee Bairns said: "Dundee Bairns is deeply grateful to Horne’s for their generous charity partnership.

“This wonderful gesture not only helps to bring joy and excitement to children across our city but also creates a valuable fundraising opportunity that helps us continue supporting those most in need. Their commitment to community spirit ensures that more children can share in the fun and we are proud to celebrate this partnership.”

Christmas in the Square runs until the 31^st of December from 12-8pm and until 9pm on weekends.

More information about the whole of Dundee’s Christmas offering can be found at dundee.com