It’s here at last, the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas in Dundee brings beautiful décor, twinkling lights, get-togethers with loved ones, and the comforting smell of mulled wine. And, as the evenings grow darker, we find ourselves cosied up by the fire, preparing plans for a truly magical festive season.
If you’re looking for a Christmas experience that combines winter charm, communal cheer, and plenty of countryside relaxation, Forbes of Kingennie is the place to be. Located just a stone’s throw from Dundee, our welcoming resort is the ultimate place to stay for celebrating. From crafting beautiful wreaths and bustling Christmas markets to dancing the night away at festive party nights, we have something for everyone.
Get out the calendar, and let’s dive into everything going on in the run-up to Christmas in Dundee at Forbes of Kingennie this year! With the latest dates for 2025 and all the details you need, you can anticipate a Christmas to cherish this year.
No Christmas in Dundee is complete without festive markets, and you’re spoiled for choice this year! In Dundee city centre, you’ll find Christmas in City Square. Running from 4th to 31st December, this unmissable event brims with Christmas cheer, unique stalls, and seasonal treats. From 1st to 24th December, you can also look forward to Dundee Winterfest, which transforms the High Street into a winter wonderland. Keep up to date with festival news and all the latest details.
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Closer to home, we'll be hosting our annual Christmas Market on 30th November, with free tickets for everyone. Open from 10am to 4pm, this event features everything from hand-crafted gifts and local food hampers to festive décor and ornaments. Browse the stalls, sip a mulled wine, and sing along to your favourite carols as you soak in the festive atmosphere. Fingers crossed for a dusting of snow! Book your free tickets in advance to avoid missing out.
Dundee at Christmas is a vibrant affair with all sorts of festive happenings to look forward to. Kicking off celebrations in dazzling style is the city’s Christmas switch-on on 16th November. With a full day’s line-up of activities from 10am to 7pm, you can head over early to make the most of the markets, music, performers, and even watch the Santa Dash fun run. Or wait for the grand finale at 6pm when the city’s giant Christmas tree lights up in a flurry of fairy lights, sparkler cannons and other festive effects.
For further enchantment, you can time your city break to coincide with The Dundee Hooley on St Andrew’s Day. Taking place on Sunday 30th November from 3pm until 7.30pm, the Hooley is a much-anticipated spectacle with live music and performers, a torchlit procession, parade, traditional Scottish music and ceilidh dancing, and more. Warming up revellers will be lots of delicious food and traditional fare too.
What’s Christmas in Dundee without a touch of glamour? At Forbes of Kingennie, our Christmas Party Nights are the perfect excuse to dress up and let your hair down. Start the night with a decadent, Christmas-themed three-course meal, featuring festive starters, hearty mains, and indulgent desserts, all paired with plenty of bubbly. Then, hit the dancefloor for a DJ set packed with Christmas classics and party hits. It’s a festive celebration you’ll never forget!
We will be hosting Christmas Party Nights on Friday 5th December, Friday 12th December, Saturday 13th December, and Friday 19th December. To find out more information and book your party night, visit our events page. Topping off each night is a 360° video experience by Orbit Dundee – just perfect for a fun and memorable way to capture memories of the night.
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Christmas in Dundee is all about good food and even better company, and Forbes of Kingennie has you covered. We’re offering a range of festive dining options for every occasion.
These include family-friendly Jingle Bell Parties on Sunday 7th, Sunday 14th, and the 21st December, complete with a festive breakfast and the chance to meet Santa; Christmas Day Dinner; as well as a much-anticipated Hogmanay Bash on Wednesday 31st December ready to ring in the bells at Kingennie. With a fabulous dinner and celebratory drinks to toast to fresh beginnings, you can expect delicious food, live acoustic music from 7pm, and a DJ from 9pm.
Each experience is carefully crafted to bring a little extra sparkle to your festive season, whether you're celebrating with family or friends. That said, if you can’t wait to start the celebrations early, take a look at our pre-Christmas menu with our festive brochure. Available from the 1st until the 24th of December, you can enjoy two or three courses of expertly prepared Christmas deliciousness. Just remember, a 48-hour pre-booking is required.
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Struggling with gift ideas? Forbes of Kingennie has you covered with our gift vouchers which are perfect for anyone who appreciates memorable experiences over material things.
Treat your loved ones to a delicious meal, a relaxing stay, or even an outdoor adventure at our resort. It’s the ideal way to give the gift of time spent together and create lasting memories.
To purchase gift vouchers, head over to our website and let us take the hassle out of your Christmas shopping.
Looking for another great family-friendly event to enjoy during Christmas in Dundee? Held on various dates throughout December this year, Discovery Point Santa’s Grotto is certainly one for the tinsel list. Set on Dundee’s beautiful waterfront with views over the RRS Discovery and V&A Dundee, Dundee Heritage Trust’s Discovery Point is a magical setting for Yuletide adventures. Head on over to explore Santa’s Grotto, relish festive performances, and meet Father Christmas himself. You can find out all the information here.
One for grown-up families and friends, Verdant Works’ party nights are sure to capture attention this Christmas too. On select Fridays and Saturdays in December 2025, these events are perfect for revellers looking to gather for a special occasion. Expect a drink upon arrival, a three-course festive meal, and a DJ set with seasonal classics and timeless hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
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Feeling creative this Christmas? Promising a wonderful way to channel your creativity and create cherished souvenirs, we have a beautiful wreath-making workshop running on 2nd December, 3rd December, and the 4th December at Forbes of Kingennie. Arrive at 6:30 pm and immerse yourself in the therapeutic craft of wreath-making, using a variety of materials, including festive ribbons, pinecones, eye-catching dried fruits, and colorful baubles to create your personalized design. What better way to welcome Christmas in Dundee this year?
The workshop kicks off with a demonstration to guide and inspire you, but you’ll have free rein to craft your wreath however you like. Whether you opt for a traditional evergreen design or something modern and bold, this is a heartwarming Christmas activity near Dundee you won’t want to miss. We have a limited number of spaces available, so please do get in touch to book your slot. All materials are provided.
The beauty of Christmas in Dundee is that there is always a wealth of activities and attractions to look forward to so you can curate the most magical Christmas escape. That said, there are some city highlights which we recommend weaving into your itinerary to make your trip especially unforgettable. Of course, beginning your celebrations at City Square is always a spellbinding way to start, with pretty lights and traditional market stalls all overlooked by the city’s Christmas tree.
Just a 10-minute walk away, the V&A Dundee on Riverside Esplanade promises permanent and seasonal collections. Scotland’s first design museum (and the first of its kind to be established outside of London), it’s a must-visit attraction in its own right, but is particularly enchanting in winter. Whether you’re looking to step inside from the cold for a few hours to seek artistic inspiration, are attending its festive party nights on 12th and 13th December, or would like to take part in winter-themed workshops, there’s plenty to tempt you.
For something a little different, you can also take a look at the line-up for Caird Hall this Christmas. A stunning concert auditorium, the hall is promising a number of fantastic Christmas concerts and shows this year, from classic Christmas tales to seasonal twists. On the way back, why not savour a little nightcap to round off your celebrations? Find a quiet corner in your favourite city bar or head over to our welcoming Cairn O’Mount Bar to have a glass or two of your favourite tipple by the warmth of a log-burning stove.
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Whether you’re crafting wreaths, exploring festive markets, or dancing the night away, Forbes of Kingennie is the perfect destination for celebrating Christmas in Dundee. Only a 6-mile drive from Dundee, we couldn’t be better placed for relaxing breaks with easy access to the city. Drive along the A92 to reach the city by car, or hop on one of the regular buses between Dundee and the Kingennie area, such as the 78A or 79A, which stop near the resort. Find more Dundee travel information here, and peruse the city’s official Christmas hub for further event listings and details.
Ready to start planning your dream Christmas break? Your season of joy starts here at our countryside resort in Dundee, where a warm welcome awaits you. To browse our seasonal events, check availability, and secure your perfect room for your stay, take a look at our Christmas page.
From delicious dinners and Yuletide festivities, enchanting memories await to be made this Christmas.
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