It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas – in Dundee at least.
Walking through the town, I’ve already seen the Christmas lights being installed.
And the arrival of the big wheel in Slessor Gardens for the October holidays reminds me that in a couple of weeks WinterFest will be kicking off again.
It’s exiting to see the programme taking shape again after the Christmas festivities brought so much excitement and joy to Dundee last year.
Following a year of lockdowns and quarantines as a result of the pandemic, WinterFest was a real breath of fresh air for Dundonians.
And it also boosted our reputation as one of the top places to go to enjoy the festive period.
Researchers named Dundee one of the most ‘Christmassy’ cities in the UK last year.
Another study said WinterFest provided the city with an economic boost worth £2.6 million, creating 84 temporary jobs and attracting more than 260,000 visitors.
It proved we can put on a show to match anywhere and it gives us a real opportunity to build on that reputation this time round.
Dundee is bringing back WinterFest favourites and new traditions
Christmas 2021 in Dundee was all about the big wheel, the winter markets, the new Christmas lights, the ice rink and the Beano-themed City Square celebrations.
The most popular attractions are returning, including the big wheel.
But this year one of the things I’m looking forward to most is the new living Christmas tree at the foot of the Old Steeple.
I love that it will be a sustainable tree, in place all year-round.
It helps to raise awareness in Dundee’s fight against climate change.
And maybe having the same tree there for Christmases to come will encourage the rest of us to think about how we can make our festivities more sustainable.
Another standout last year was the inclusion of homelessness charity Social Bite at the City Square.
Its Festival of Kindness, which included a Giving Tree, sent a strong message of inclusivity and thanksgiving, and I hope it makes a return this year.
WinterFest can be bigger and better still
I’ve written previously about why Dundee should restore its Hogmanay party as part of WinterFest and I still think we should do that.
But I also think Dundee should be starting to think even bigger when it comes to festive events.
Why not host live performances from local musicians?
Or hold fun ice-skating competitions on the ice rink?
Or how about open Christmas movie nights?
The possibilities are endless.
Last year’s WinterFest proved we can put on a festive show and do it right.
If we play our cards right, Dundee could become one of the UK’s top destinations for Christmas celebrations.
But for now, I can’t wait to head back into town this year and enjoy the festivities for myself.
Conversation