Glasgow City Council Unveils Christmas Plans
Could we be saying goodbye to those flashing bells around George Square? Glasgow's getting new-look Christmas lights.
Glasgow will get an early Christmas present this year when new Christmas lights sparkle festive magic in George Square.
With 100 days to go until the big day it’s been confirmed the new lights will be part of a revamped Glasgow Loves Christmas celebration that will include a huge festive market in George Square along with the traditional tree and nativity scene. The Lord Provost of Glasgow Sadie Docherty will switch-on the new Christmas lights on Sunday 20 November with details of how to apply for tickets being made public in the coming weeks.
Among the new light displays in George Square will be around a hundred Christmas Snowflakes, festive trees and new lights covering the base of the Scott Monument.
Glasgow Loves Christmas will also welcome the return of family festive favourites including the Style Mile Carnival, Santa Dash, Blessing of the Crib and Baby’s First Christmas.
The Christmas Market returns to St Enoch Square on 10 November with the market opening for the first time in George Square on 26 November in place of an Ice Rink.
As well as great Christmas gastronomic treats, drinks such as the famous the hug-in-a-mug hot glühwein and unique gift ideas, live entertainment and fairground rides in George Square, visitors might even catch a glimpse of the big man in red!
Lord Provost of Glasgow, Sadie Docherty said: “Glasgow loves a celebration and Christmas is always a very special time of year when people spend quality time with family and friends sharing memorable moments.
Glasgow promises the whole Christmas package from the Style Mile Christmas Carnival, to the hugely popular Santa Dash as well as pantomimes and great music.
Our magical seasonal lights are also guaranteed to put a sparkle in your step and a smile on your face this festive season.
Join us in Glasgow this Christmas – whether it’s a short hop on a bus or a holiday break – there’ll be a warm welcome for you and lots to do and see.”
The hugely popular Style Mile Christmas Carnival on Sunday 27 November will bring music, dance and spectacle to the heart of Glasgow.Beginning at St Enoch’s Centre at 2.30pm and finishing at George Square, participants include the Dance School of Scotland, the Citizens Theatre Community Company, Abinhaya Dance, Samba Ya Bamba Youth Group, Mount Florida Primary School and Monkey Puzzle Nursery.
The traditional Blessing of the Crib with the Lord Provost and a children’s choir will be on Wednesday 7 December in George Square.
The city will celebrate its newest citizens with the much loved Baby’s First Christmas on Saturday 3 December. Glasgow’s Santa Dash, which saw more than 6,000 runners take part last year, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with the last mass participation run in Glasgow for the year being held on Sunday 11 December.
Glasgow is fantastic for shopping– the Style Mile boasts over 1,500 shops, so it’s the ideal place to head for gifts and all the essential items to make this time of year special. Unrivalled choice and must-have products are on offer at the likes of St Enoch Centre, Buchanan Galleries, Princes Square, Argyll Arcade, House of Fraser and John Lewis.
Extended opening hours, as well as convenient click and collect options make it easy to get organised in the run up to the big day – and with lots of fantastic places to head for a coffee break, rejuvenating drink or well-earned post shopping meal, Christmas shopping in Glasgow is also a treat.
Come evening, you can choose from a range of Pantomimes and Festive shows in theatres and venues city-wide.