Spectra 2026: Scotland's Festival of Light returns to Aberdeen for 12th year - all you need to know

Spectra lights up Aberdeen city centre with installations and artwork, bringing in thousands of visitors from across the country and further afield every year.

Last year, there were over 100,000 visits over the four-day festival.

Councillor Martin Greig, cultural spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “It has been a pleasure to support this important community initiative each year.

“Free, high quality, cultural activities like Spectra bring considerable economic and social benefits to our city. The contribution to wellbeing and enjoyment is huge.

“I am delighted that Spectra has grown over the years and is now recognised as one of Scotland's leading winter celebrations."

What is Spectra?

With a mix of large-scale light installations, projections and interactive artworks, Spectra visitors will experience a full line up of art across Aberdeen’s most iconic sites such St Nicholas Kirkyard, Union Terrace Gardens and Aberdeen Art Gallery.

The full festival line-up is set to be announced “very soon”, according to the organisers.

When is the next Spectra festival?

Spectra will return to the north-east from February 5 to 8 next year.

What is this year’s Spectra theme?

This year, the festival's theme is ‘Be Curious’.

The soon-to-be-announced programme has been developed to explore, discuss and conceptualise this theme, challenging perceptions and asking visitors to “never stop exploring and seeking new experiences and knowledge”.

How much does it cost to visit Spectra in Aberdeen?

Spectra is completely free.

The free to attend festival hopes to bring the community together, highlight Aberdeen’s iconic landmarks, and showcase the city centre’s hospitality offering.

Spectra is funded, owned and commissioned by Aberdeen City Council and is produced by Live Event Management.

What is the history of Spectra in Aberdeen?

With the pilot event in 2013 attracting 10,000 visits, the festival has grown over the years with Spectra 2025 attracting over 100,000 visits over the four-day festival.

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It was also confirmed that there was over £4.3 million visitor spend to the local economy.

Councillor Martin Greig added: "It's great that we are bringing Spectra back to the city centre in February.

“This is Scotland's Festival of Light and I can't wait to see the city centre filled with thousands upon thousands of families and visitors.

“Everyone enjoys the sight of the installations shining and sparkling alongside the wonderful heritage of our city centre. Aberdeen City Council is very proud of this event.”