A novel dynamic mixing length (DML) subgrid-scale (SGS) model is proposed to improve the large-eddy simulations of the wind field and contaminant dispersion around a group of buildings. Wind field and contaminant dispersion in two kinds of building array geometries are simulated using the model, with wind-tunnel experimental data used to validate the model. The relative errors in the lateral profiles of the streamwise mean velocities behind the sixth row of the buildings of the staggered obstacle array and the aligned obstacle array at the half height of the building are 15 and 9%, respectively. The DML velocity fluctuations in the staggered and aligned obstacle arrays are in agreement with those of the experiment. The results indicate that the DML model can make a more accurate prediction of the mean velocity and velocity fluctuations. The DML model is highly suitable for the simulation of multi-scale turbulent flow in urban canyons, of high Reynolds number turbulent flow and of complex turbulent flow.