Dundee is set to light up the skies this Christmas with a spectacular new drone show that could transform the city centre into a breathtaking winter wonderland. If the proposed drone show goes ahead, it will add an entirely new dimension to the festive season — creating one of the most visually ambitious Christmas events Dundee has hosted in years.
Further details about the full programme, performers, and confirmed attractions are expected to be announced closer to the event date. Organisers are working hard to finalise timings and locations so residents and visitors can plan ahead.
For now, Dundee residents can look forward to a day combining familiar festive favourites with the possibility of a spectacular new Christmas attraction right above the city. This innovative drone show promises to be a highlight — offering a modern, eco‑friendly alternative to traditional fireworks and suitable for all ages to enjoy.
Boost for Dundee City Centre
The expanded festive programme is expected to bring increased numbers of visitors into Dundee city centre during one of the busiest periods of the year. The combination of sporting events, family entertainment, Christmas shopping, and evening celebrations could encourage visitors to spend more time — and more — in the city centre, benefiting local shops, cafés, restaurants, and traders taking part in the festive market.
“This drone display will put Dundee on the map this Christmas. It’s not just a show — it’s a massive boost for local business and community spirit.” — Justin Thyme
Organisers will release full details including dates, times, and viewing locations as soon as plans are confirmed. This Dundee Christmas drone display forms part of a wider programme designed to draw crowds back to the city centre and support local trade throughout the festive period.
Whether you’re coming for the markets, the entertainment, or the stunning drone show lighting up the sky — this year’s celebrations promise something special for everyone.
Dundee Drone Show Could Light Up the Skyline
The proposed Dundee drone show would bring a new dimension to the city’s traditional Christmas celebrations. If plans go ahead, an illuminated fleet of drones could create spectacular patterns and images above the city centre, providing a dramatic visual centrepiece for visitors gathering for the festive switch-on.
The celebrations are expected to include:
- A curated Christmas Market featuring local traders and craft stalls
- Family-friendly funfair rides and attractions
- A selection of food and drink stalls
- Live entertainment from street performers and musical acts
Proposed drone show could light up Dundee’s skyline
The most ambitious addition to the 2026 programme is a proposed festive drone light show.
Dundee City Council has put the project out to tender, raising the possibility of hundreds of illuminated drones taking to the skies above the city as part of the Christmas celebrations.
If the procurement process is successful, the display could provide a dramatic aerial centrepiece for the day’s festivities and offer a new visual attraction for visitors.
Drone light shows have become increasingly popular at major events in recent years, using carefully programmed fleets of illuminated drones to create changing patterns, shapes and images in the night sky.
For Dundee, the proposed display would represent a significant addition to the traditional Christmas switch-on celebrations.
A full day of festive entertainment
The celebrations are expected to build throughout the day, with the city centre becoming increasingly busy as families, shoppers and visitors gather for the afternoon and evening programme.
The combination of the Santa Dash, Christmas market, entertainment and family attractions is designed to create a full day of activity rather than simply focusing on the traditional evening lights switch-on.
Local traders and food vendors are also expected to benefit from the increased footfall, while the event could provide an important boost for the city centre during the busy festive shopping period.
Christmas lights switch-on planned for the evening
The day’s celebrations will culminate at 6pm, when Dundee’s seasonal lights are scheduled to be switched on.
The evening event will provide the traditional centrepiece of the city’s Christmas celebrations, with festive lighting transforming the city centre as darkness falls.
If the proposed drone display goes ahead, it could add an entirely new dimension to the occasion and create one of the most visually ambitious Christmas events Dundee has hosted.
Further details about the final programme, performers and confirmed attractions are expected to be announced closer to the event.
For now, Dundee residents can look forward to a day combining familiar festive favourites with the possibility of a spectacular new Christmas attraction in the skies above the city.
Boost for Dundee City Centre
The expanded programme is expected to bring increased numbers of visitors into Dundee city centre during one of the busiest periods of the year.
The combination of sporting events, family entertainment, Christmas shopping and evening celebrations could encourage visitors to spend more time in the city, benefiting local shops, cafés, restaurants and traders taking part in the festive market.
Organisers are expected to release further information about the final programme closer to the event, including confirmation of attractions, entertainment and arrangements for the proposed drone display.
See official updates on the Dundee City Council events page once confirmed.