Dundee Gears Up for a Festive Weekend Extravaganza

The Christmas spirit is in full swing in Dundee city centre as it gears up for a weekend packed with festive cheer. With the Christmas Village in City Square already drawing in crowds, the return of the Dundee Hooley on Sunday, 1 December, promises to make this a truly memorable pre-Christmas celebration.

While city leaders are hailing the festivities as a boon for the local economy, some residents may question whether this dazzling display is the best use of resources in challenging times.

The Christmas Village, operated by NL Productions, has taken over City Square and offers something for everyone. Attractions include a sparkling 20m x 10m real ice rink, a bustling Christmas Market, an immersive Santa Experience, and a lively funfair. The Village has already drawn thousands of visitors, with organisers describing the turnout as "fantastic."

Jonathan Brown of NL Productions said:

"It’s shaping up to be a truly magical season for everyone in Dundee. The funfair, ice rink, and immersive Santa Experience are proving to be hugely popular with visitors of all ages."

It’s hard to argue with the charm of twinkling lights, festive music, and an atmosphere designed to warm even the coldest winter night. But behind the glitter lies a question: who ultimately benefits most from this seasonal spectacle?

Council Leader Cllr Mark Flynn was effusive about the Christmas Village’s impact, praising its role in bringing people into the city centre and boosting retail footfall.

“It is great to see how this is already attracting people into the city centre, which gives a boost to our retail economy.”

However, some critics might see this as a fleeting boost rather than a sustainable solution to Dundee’s ongoing economic challenges. While local retailers are likely to enjoy a temporary surge in sales, questions remain about whether these events generate lasting benefits for the community or simply divert public funds into costly seasonal attractions.

Sunday’s Dundee Hooley, running from 3–8 pm at Meadowside, adds another layer to the weekend’s festivities. Featuring giant puppets, live performances, and activities for all ages, it culminates in the city’s iconic torchlight procession.

Lord Provost Bill Campbell, who will lead the parade, described it as:

“A chance for people from across the city, and further afield, to celebrate St Andrew’s Day and the start of the festive season with a magical display of creativity and artistry.”

The torchlight procession is undeniably a highlight, capturing the city’s collective spirit and drawing visitors from beyond Dundee’s borders. Yet, the Hooley also prompts a familiar debate: how much is too much to spend on events that, while heartwarming, may stretch limited council budgets?

Festive attractions like the Christmas Village and the Dundee Hooley don’t come cheap. While there’s no denying their popularity and ability to lift spirits, some may question the wisdom of such investments when public services are under pressure.

Could the resources poured into these seasonal spectacles be redirected to more pressing community needs? The council has championed these events as a way to boost local businesses and attract visitors, but critics might argue that their impact is short-lived.

Local governments face the challenge of balancing the demand for community events with the need to invest in long-term infrastructure and essential services. For some residents, a glittering Christmas display is a poor substitute for meaningful improvements in areas like housing, public transport, or education.

To be fair, there is undeniable value in bringing people together for shared experiences, particularly in a city like Dundee, which has worked hard to revitalise its image in recent years. Events like the Christmas Village and the Dundee Hooley showcase the city as a vibrant and welcoming destination, reinforcing its growing reputation as a cultural hub.

Cllr Steven Rome, Fair Work, Economic Growth, and Infrastructure Convener, summed it up:

“We are determined to make Dundee city centre as attractive as possible for visitors and locals alike.”

But for such events to truly benefit the city, they must strike a balance between short-term joy and long-term gains. That means ensuring these celebrations don’t come at the expense of sustainable investments in the community.

Dundee’s Christmas celebrations are undeniably enchanting, drawing in families, friends, and visitors to experience the magic of the season. The Christmas Village, with its ice rink and Santa Experience, has already proven a hit, and the Dundee Hooley promises to be a highlight of the festive calendar.