Hallmark movies are a tradition in our household, last year we got really into Christmas Movie Bingo (we used these printable bingo cards) which was a lot of fun. This year, I’m taking it a step further and I’ve been inspired to try and recreate those classic movie scenes in our very own city. Below you’ll find my list, and if you keep an eye on my Instagram you’ll see me trying to complete it before Christmas. These are lots of fun whether you’re going on a mate date, solo adventure, or with your other half. Enjoy!
1. Look the part.
You’re going to need a Christmas jumper, the uglier the better. Before you head straight to fast fashion, check the back of your wardrobe or see if a friend wants to swap one. A third of young adults buy a new Christmas jumper every year and 65 million are reportedly sitting forgotten at the back of our wardrobes! If you do need a new one, where better to find one than a charity shop? You’ll want to pair that sweater with a chunky scarf or something tartan. Also consider wearing mainly red and green.2. Visit a Christmas Market.
I’ve made a handy guide to Dundee’s festive markets which will help with this one, it includes markets such as The Yard at The Steeple, Tea Green Festive Design at V&A, and Crafted at the DCA. The more handmade stalls the better, and bonus points if Santa is there to make some Christmas magic happen.
3. Cosy up with a Hot Chocolate.
Ideally, it would be snowing for this one so you could have an adorable snowball fight beforehand. Otherwise, pick a window seat at one of Dundee’s cosiest coffee shops and people-watch with your chunky knit fingerless gloves wrapped around a hot drink. Try Blend at Dock Street, EH9 Espresso, Little Things Cafe, or Espresso Lab for a cute window seat.
4. Go on a crafty date.
You can’t beat a wee Christmas craft session - just imagine the wholesome bonding opportunity as you learn a new skill together. Think ceramics painting, wreath making, or other decorations workshops. There are loads of thrifty options if you use recycled materials and have a cosy night in to do it - for example, check out this gingerbread jumper garland using cardboard. Wreath making is especially good as you can use natural foraged materials and give your front door a makeover too.
5. Visit the Christmas Tree Farm.
Speaking of decorations, you’ll have to level up your Christmassy home to get it looking beautifully cinematic. For that, you’ll need the most perfect tree. I don’t know if we have the most idyllic looking Christmas Tree farm nearby but I will investigate further. You could always head to Tayside Forestry and pick a real tree or there’s Easter Rattray Farm if you’d like to cut one down by yourself (which I'm hoping to do, flannel shirt at the ready!).
6. Attend a Musical Event
This could be an open mic night (spontaneous serenading with your secret beautiful voice perhaps?), a carol singing concert, or how about a traditional ceilidh dance? The more ‘quaint’ the better, for that big-city-American-visits-tiny-town-in-Scotland vibe. Blend often has open mic nights, and you’ll find ceilidhs at Duke’s Corner on Sundays and Forgan’s on Saturdays. Ceilidh’s are also great for grumpy types who won’t dance (my husband) as it’s much easier when there are instructions.
7. Baking Montage
Aprons at the ready, it’s time to bake some Christmas cookies - don’t forget the perfectly accidental flour on your face. For vegan recipes, I love The Little Blog of Vegan. If you want an easy baking option check out Love Your Planet for baking bags of ready-weighed ingredients, and The Little Green Larder who may have a Christmas Cake kit this year. Or you could just buy some biscuits to decorate - that’s fun too!
8. Give Something Back
It might be a cliché, but the Christmas season really is about giving. Whether that's a small donation to your local Food Bank, volunteering time at a community event, or donating Christmas gifts. The Stobswell Christmas Appeal is collecting the following items at 170 Albert Street: children's toys, teenager gifts, selection boxes, blankets, hot water bottles, cosy clothes, toiletries, non-perishable food, nappies and baby supplies.
9. Three…Two…One… Christmas Light Switch On!
A must for the holiday season, where all the townspeople join together for the countdown. Broughty Ferry has their Light Night on Thursday 16th November. Special mention to Sweetpea Cafe who is having a Cosy Crumble Pop-Up that night too (sounds very Hallmark movie!)
I’m feeling very festive now and can’t wait to get started. Check out Wee Dundee on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok if you’d like to see how these mini Christmas adventures go! I’d love to know if you’ve been inspired to try any of these too!
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