Spectra 2026: Aberdeen Lights Up Winter with Fire Gardens, Glowing Creatures and Interactive Art
In Partnership with Spectra
Fire-filled gardens, giant glow-in-the-dark nocturnal creatures and interactive digital art are set to transform Aberdeen when Spectra returns in February 2026 — and this first reveal promises one of the festival’s most immersive editions yet.
From 5–8 February 2026, Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light, will once again illuminate the Granite City with a free programme of large-scale installations across its most iconic locations. Now in its 12th year, Spectra continues to prove that winter nights are made for wonder.
Fire and Fascination in Union Terrace Gardens
Aberdeen’s Union Terrace Gardens is transformed into a spectacular Fire Garden by outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank
At the heart of the festival, Union Terrace Gardens will be dramatically reimagined as a Fire Garden by outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank. Expect towering mechanical fire sculptures, pulsing lotus-like flames and kinetic installations that hiss, grind and glow. Designed to be explored, this immersive garden of fire and light brings warmth, movement and theatre to the city centre.
Giant Glowing Creatures Arrive at Marischal Square
Head to Marischal Square to meet giant illuminated inflatable animals - it’s playful, magical and otherwordly
Over at Marischal Square, visitors will encounter Nocturnal — a brand-new series by Glow Art Creations. Giant illuminated inflatable animals, including a fox, hedgehog and owl, glow from within after dark, their intricate monochrome patterns casting mesmerising shadows. It’s playful, otherworldly and quietly magical — perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Interactive Art on Broad Street
Enjoy Mofingu on Broad Street - an interactive digital artwork by Dutch collective WERC
Spectra’s love of innovation continues on Broad Street with Mofingu, an interactive digital artwork by Dutch collective WERC. Using motion and depth-camera technology, the installation responds to visitors in real time, scattering particles and revealing ghostly impressions of those who have stood before you. It’s a constantly evolving portrait — shaped by everyone who steps into view.
Spectra is Winter Highlight Worth Wrapping Up For
With more than 100,000 visits in 2025 and millions contributed to the local economy, Spectra has firmly cemented itself as one of Scotland’s most-loved winter festivals. Free to attend and designed to surprise, inspire and invite exploration, the 2026 theme Be Curious feels like an open invitation to wander, question and see Aberdeen in a completely new light.
