Dundee’s new Christmas lights featuring much-loved DC Thomson character Oor Wullie have been unveiled.
The festive countdown is on as decorations created from specially commissioned designs are springing up in the city centre.
The lights, which include various comic book characters first created in Dundee, have been designed to celebrate Dundee’s rich heritage.
From maritime adventures to modern, design-led pieces, the illuminations will be in place throughout the festive period.
The big switch-on will happen on November 19.
Created using energy efficient LED bulbs, which consume up to a fifth of the energy of traditional incandescent lights, the new illuminations form part of a new, more eco-centric Christmas celebration.
They will, for the first time, include the use of a living Christmas tree, with one of the city churches’ majestic evergreens chosen to take pride of place for the celebrations.
Mark Flynn convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee said: “This Christmas I am pleased we have been able to put on a much-expanded festive programme that will entertain and attract local people and visitors alike.
“As well as the planned activities in the city centre, the council has also supported a number of community-based events across the city through allocations from the festive fund.”
What’s on in Dundee at Christmas?
During the illuminations’ first weekend, from November 19 to 21, the living tree will be in the spotlight thanks to the city’s Pedal Power event, where participants can put their willpower to the test, and see how many of the lights they can power just by pedalling.
The team from Sustainable Dundee will also be on-hand to chat about all about renewable power, active travel as well as how to combat Christmas waste.
From December 2 until 24, Christmas in City Square will begin with a range of free experiences, including light up Wishing Fountains and nightly projections on the City Chambers building.
A 3D Dundee Christmas Card will feature a unique design from Beano Studios.
There will also be a free activity tent which will play host to a regular schedule of activities including workshops and ‘Letters to Santa’ station.
Visitors can get into the Christmas spirit with Social Bite’s Tree of Kindness, where the public are invited to donate gifts to those in need.
Councillor John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “Dundonians have been telling us that they wanted to see a more exciting Christmas offering and I’m delighted that we have been able to deliver on that front.
“The excitement and anticipation in the city show that this year’s festivities will be broadly celebrated and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone enjoying it.”
It comes just before Winterfest kicks off in Dundee with and ice rink, big wheel and Christmas markets to be installed.
