Spend Christmas in Glasgow

Glasgow is home to not one, but TWO Christmas markets – and they’re some of the most popular in the country. In 2024, the Christmas Fair at St Enoch Square runs from 9 November to 29 December and the Christmas Fair at George Square is open from 23 November to 5 January.

The markets are home to more than 50 festive chalets, with food and drink, arts and crafts and all your Christmas shopping needs catered for. Whether you’re after traditional Scottish treats or German favourites, you can find them all.

There are also rides, a Victorian carousel, bars, Santa’s runaway train and live entertainment to keep you feeling festive – all surrounded by dazzling lights and decorations.

Glasgow Winterfest really is a winter wonderland which is well worth a visit.

This year’s Christmas light switch on in Glasgow takes place on Sunday 17 November, hosted by Clyde 1’s George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie. Tickets are required – but the dazzling lights will be on for weeks for all to enjoy! Let the countdown to Christmas begin…

Ever imagined what Home Alone would be like with a live orchestra playing all of its well-known and much-loved soundtrack? What about The Holiday? Or Love Actually? Wonder no more – you can experience it at the Glasgow Royal Opera House or SEC Armadillo. 

Glasgow has several hilarious pantomimes this year, which are well worth seeing. There’s Peter Pan at the King’s Theatre, Peter Pan and the Incredible Stinkerbell at the Tron Theatre, Beautie and the Beastie, Maw Goose, Snow White, Weans in the Wood(lands) – and more! Get your best “he’s behind you!” voice ready!

The details are yet to be released for these, but from past experience we know they’re going to be great! What could be better than your favourite festive films, enjoyed with your choice of delicious treats and snacks, cosied up in your car? Great fun!

Don your best festive get-up and head down to Glasgow Green on 8 December for the annual Santa Dash! If you’re not feeling up to running it yourself (although sleighs and reindeers are allowed – or even just taking it as a gentle stroll), it’s a great spectacle to watch, and it’s all for a great cause.

Taking place on Sunday 24 November this year, this will be the 10th Style Mile Christmas Carnival. There will be 12 performing zones with everything from magical fantasy characters and giant artworks to performing dancers and musicians. It’s guaranteed to be an afternoon jam-packed full of Christmas spirit!

What could be more Scottish than the wonder that is Irn Bru? The wonder that is The Irn Bru Carnival! Running from 20 December to 12 January, this is Europe’s largest indoor funfair (held at the SEC) – all the fun of the fair, without worrying about the weather! There’s rides, stalls and inflatable fun aplenty. Book tickets in advance, it’s always popular.

Santa gets a lot of the credit at Christmas – but what about Mrs Claus? You can meet her at The Hill House on weekends between 7 and 22 December to find out more about what she gets up to – and maybe enjoy a treat or two!

It’s still to be announced for 2024, but usually Glasgow Winterfest involves a dazzling outdoor ice rink called Elfingrove, which is a great place to take to your skates. But there’s also the indoor ice rink at Braehead, home to the Glasgow Clan ice hockey team! It’s a big rink, so you can really practise your skills – there’s nothing quite like it for helping you to get into the festive spirit!