Glasgow's Christmas Markets, Christmas Lights and other festive activities
Our guide to the Christmas markets
Published 12th Dec 2018 Last updated 12th Dec 2018
Glasgow loves Christmas, and along with the arrival of Santa, one of the most anticipated events in Glasgow at Christmas is the switch-on of the George Square lights. Marking the beginning of the celebrations in Glasgow, a ticket for the big light debut is high on everyone’s wish list. If you didn’t get a chance to see the lights being switched on this year, make sure you check out our page next year for information on how to bag the hot tickets.
Christmas Markets abound, but Glasgow boasts not one but two centrally merry markets, with many more independent markets around the city. Whether it’s the food, crafts or activities you are looking for, prepare to be spoilt for choice.
When is the George Square Christmas Market on?
The magic of the George Square Market begins on Sunday 25 Nov and runs through until Monday 31 Dec (It is closed on Christmas Day – even elves get the day off).
It opens daily at 10am, and closes at 9pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 10pm on all other days. Christmas Eve and Hogmanay the market will close at 6pm.
What is there to do at the George Square Market?
Rocking around a massive 15-metre tree, the market is bulging with over fifty elves from around the world, and they have a treat for everyone. From tantalising edibles and Gluhwein, to handmade crafts and gifts, fill your stockings. Warm up on the speedy Helter Skelter, cosy up on the carousel, or get up high on the Big Wheel and watch the festive frolicking below.
For younger frolickers there are fun rides to enjoy, and a gigantic Advent Calendar which is opened daily. They might even see the main man himself, as Santa will fly in frequently to say hello.
Glasgow Christmas Lights
A few games of pelt-the-snowball or a ride on the helter skelter could be fun. A highlight is the huge wheel which stretches high over George Square. Get incredible views of the whole square and the iconic Glasgow lights, which were switched on this year by none other than Clyde 1's very own breakfast presenters George and Cassi.
Swipe through our romantic date ideas in Glasgow in winter
Visit the Glasgow lights
If the scran goes down well, then a few games of pelt-the-snowball or a ride on the helter skelter could be fun. A highlight is the huge wheel which stretches high over George Square. Get incredible views of the whole square and the iconic Glasgow lights, which were switched on this year by none other than Clyde 1's very own breakfast presenters George and Cassi.
Glasgow's Christmas Markets, Christmas Lights and other festive activities
2 of 5
Winter Wonders in Glasgow
This is a particularly good time of year to plan a date. Glasgow is all a-buzz and even if you aren't a Christmas super fan, there are extra treats around the city to enjoy which don't involve Santa's grotto or turkey. Try the George Square or St. Enoch Square Christmas markets; with a veritable feast of global food and drink to try it's an opportunity to try something genuinely different.
Visit the Glasgow lights
If the scran goes down well, then a few games of pelt-the-snowball or a ride on the helter skelter could be fun. A highlight is the huge wheel which stretches high over George Square. Get incredible views of the whole square and the iconic Glasgow lights, which were switched on this year by none other than Clyde 1's very own breakfast presenters George and Cassi.
Go for a stroll through Glasgow's beautiful parks
Glasgow has some incredibly picturesque parks to take your date to. We have Pollok Country Park, Kelvingrove Park, Victoria Park, Alexandra Park, Mugdock Country Park and of course the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Who knows, you may even be lucky enough to take a stroll through the snow!
Climb The Lighthouse in Glasgow
Designed in 1895, the Lighthouse is Charles Rennie Mackintosh's first public commission, and remains an iconic building in Glasgow. It is also conveniently tucked away behind the Style Mile.
A room with a view - Galleries and museums in Glasgow
If an arty date is what you're looking for, then you are spoilt for choice. From the history of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, to the modern Riverside museum, Glasgow has it all. The city boasts art and exhibitions which are; old, new, 3D, 2D, traditional and experimental. Charles Rennie Mackintosh's influence is abundant throughout the city, and there are many specialist exhibitions to explore. Our top choices include Pollok House, Hunterian Art Gallery, and the Centre for Contemporary Arts.
For a weather-proof winter date in Glasgow, the Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum never disappoints. Visitors from around the world flock to see the beautiful red sandstone building which houses art from French Impressionists to local floating heads!
Winter Wonders in Glasgow
This is a particularly good time of year to plan a date. Glasgow is all a-buzz and even if you aren't a Christmas super fan, there are extra treats around the city to enjoy which don't involve Santa's grotto or turkey. Try the George Square or St. Enoch Square Christmas markets; with a veritable feast of global food and drink to try it's an opportunity to try something genuinely different.
Visit the Glasgow lights
If the scran goes down well, then a few games of pelt-the-snowball or a ride on the helter skelter could be fun. A highlight is the huge wheel which stretches high over George Square. Get incredible views of the whole square and the iconic Glasgow lights, which were switched on this year by none other than Clyde 1's very own breakfast presenters George and Cassi.
Go for a stroll through Glasgow's beautiful parks
Glasgow has some incredibly picturesque parks to take your date to. We have Pollok Country Park, Kelvingrove Park, Victoria Park, Alexandra Park, Mugdock Country Park and of course the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Who knows, you may even be lucky enough to take a stroll through the snow!
Climb The Lighthouse in Glasgow
Designed in 1895, the Lighthouse is Charles Rennie Mackintosh's first public commission, and remains an iconic building in Glasgow. It is also conveniently tucked away behind the Style Mile.
A room with a view - Galleries and museums in Glasgow
If an arty date is what you're looking for, then you are spoilt for choice. From the history of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, to the modern Riverside museum, Glasgow has it all. The city boasts art and exhibitions which are; old, new, 3D, 2D, traditional and experimental. Charles Rennie Mackintosh's influence is abundant throughout the city, and there are many specialist exhibitions to explore. Our top choices include Pollok House, Hunterian Art Gallery, and the Centre for Contemporary Arts.
For a weather-proof winter date in Glasgow, the Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum never disappoints. Visitors from around the world flock to see the beautiful red sandstone building which houses art from French Impressionists to local floating heads!
Winter Wonders in Glasgow
This is a particularly good time of year to plan a date. Glasgow is all a-buzz and even if you aren't a Christmas super fan, there are extra treats around the city to enjoy which don't involve Santa's grotto or turkey. Try the George Square or St. Enoch Square Christmas markets; with a veritable feast of global food and drink to try it's an opportunity to try something genuinely different.
When is the St. Enoch Square Christmas Market on?
Running from 9 November, St. Enoch Square will delight market-goers until Sunday 23 December. It opens daily at 10am, and closes at 9pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and 10pm all other days. It closes at 6pm on the 23rd December.
What is there to do at the St. Enoch Square Christmas Market?
Again, with an array of traditional chalets hosted by 50 global clever clogs, you will be feasting on the likes of local crispy duck rotisserie, crepes and bratwurst.
Under the German windmill, meander about the chalets and let your senses be overwhelmed by the sights, smells and tastes, and if you get cold, warm your cockles at one of the two German bars.
