Dundee is set to be transformed into a winter wonderland with festive attractions and activities across its two central public squares.
Both City Square and Slessor Gardens are involved in this year's Christmas celebrations for the first time.
From December 2, City Square will feature nightly projections on the City Chambers and a giant Beano 3D Christmas card packed with familiar characters, in which to take the ultimate festive selfie.
The city's giant, glittering penguin Pingoo will return for pictures and the square will also host a free activity tent packed with jolly workshops and the opportunity to write your letter to Santa.
One notable omission is the square's traditional Christmas tree. Instead, the City Churches on the Nethergate has allowed one of its evergreens to be festooned with decorations.
And from tomorrow night, Dundee's Winterfest will get underway in Slessor Gardens on the waterfront.
It boasts a synthetic ice rink, the return of the popular big wheel and a market packed with Christmas gifts and the opportunity to relax with some hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Booking for the activities is recommended, either by visiting the Dundee Winterfest website or by downloading the tailor-made mobile phone app.
Dundee City Council leader John Alexander was given a preview of the ice rink as it was being set up.
He said: "“There’s been a real sense of excitement building in Dundee over the past few weeks as the fantastic new Christmas offering comes together.
“It’s great to see the new lights up, Winterfest getting ready to open in a couple of days and of course lots happening in the City Square throughout December.
"Businesses are gearing up too and it’ll be a busy few weeks for our shops, bars and restaurants.
“We promised we'd look to build a bigger and better celebration this festive period and I think we have delivered. So, get your skates on and come down to see everything the city has to offer this Christmas.”
The Slessor Gardens Winterfest, run by M&N Events, has been criticised for its sky-high stall fee of almost £10,000.
Meanwhile, the free City Square attractions have been supported by VisitScotland's events arm EventScotland.
Paul Bush from VisitScotland said: "We are delighted to support Christmas in Dundee through Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund, established by EventScotland in conjunction with funding from the Scottish Government.
"Events play an important role in our communities, enabling us all to connect, enjoy and share memorable experiences.
"Having them in our calendar further strengthens Scotland’s outlook and position as a world-leading events destination and reinforces Scotland’s place as the perfect stage for events.
"The variety of activities on offer across the programme, highlights that there is truly set to be something for everyone in Dundee this forthcoming winter season.”
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