Get thrilled, Glasgow! Our holiday guide is here to help you discover all the best festive fun. Enjoy the magic of the holiday season around every corner.
One of the season's highlights is the Glasgow Christmas Markets, where you can savor delicious festive treats and find unique gifts. The excitement really kicks off with the stunning George Square Christmas Lights Switch On, featuring dazzling displays and festive cheers. And the Glasgow Santa Dash is something you definitely don't want to miss—watch or join the sea of Santas running through the city for charity. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Glasgow
- Glasgow Christmas Markets
- George Square Christmas Lights Switch On
- Glasgow Santa Dash
- Glasgow Hogmanay at The Ashton Lane Street Party
- Christmas at the Botanics
- Winterfest at George Square
- Glasgow Panto at King's Theatre
- The Glasgow Style Mile Christmas Carnival
- Santa’s Grotto at The Quay Glasgow
- The SEC Christmas Comic Con
Glasgow Holiday Light Displays
George Square Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Spectacular light display illuminating Glasgow's iconic George Square
Description:
Glasgow's George Square bursts into a dazzling spectacle as thousands of lights illuminate the night sky. The annual switch-on event marks the official start of the holiday season in the city. Crowds gather to witness the transformation of this historic square, which has been the heart of Glasgow since the late 18th century. Local choirs perform traditional carols, adding a melodious backdrop to the visual feast. Visitors can admire the towering Christmas tree, a gift from twin city Bethlehem since 1992.
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George Square Christmas Lights Switch On
Christmas at the Botanics
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail through Glasgow's Botanic Gardens
Description:
Glasgow's Botanic Gardens transform into a luminous wonderland with a carefully curated light trail. Towering trees sparkle with thousands of lights, while innovative installations create mesmerizing visual effects. Visitors can warm up with spiced cider as they stroll through the glowing landscapes. The trail showcases the gardens' diverse plant collection, which has been a cornerstone of botanical research in Scotland since 1817. This event offers a unique perspective on the historic gardens after dark.
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Glasgow Holiday Markets and Shopping
Glasgow Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Traditional European-style market stalls in the heart of Glasgow
Description:
Glasgow's city center transforms into a bustling European-style marketplace during the Christmas season. Wooden chalets line the streets, offering handcrafted gifts, artisanal foods, and warming mulled wine. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafts through the air as visitors explore the diverse stalls. You can try your hand at traditional Scottish crafts in interactive workshops. This market tradition dates back to the 1990s when Glasgow sought to emulate continental Christmas celebrations.
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Glasgow Holiday Giving Opportunities
Glasgow Santa Dash
What to Expect:
Thousands of Santas running through Glasgow's streets for charity
Description:
Glasgow's streets turn red as thousands of participants don Santa suits for a 5k charity run. This jolly spectacle raises funds for various local causes, embodying the spirit of giving. Runners of all ages and abilities sprint, jog, or walk through the city center, creating a sea of bobbing red hats and white beards. The event originated in 2006 and has grown exponentially since. Participants can enjoy a well-deserved hot chocolate at the finish line while celebrating their contribution to the community.
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Glasgow Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Glasgow Panto at King's Theatre
What to Expect:
Beloved Scottish pantomime tradition at the historic King's Theatre
Description:
The King's Theatre stage comes alive with the raucous humor and vibrant costumes of a traditional Scottish pantomime. This beloved holiday entertainment combines fairy tales, pop culture references, and audience participation for a uniquely interactive experience. You'll find yourself shouting "He's behind you!" along with the crowd. The King's Theatre has been hosting pantos since 1904, making it a cornerstone of Glasgow's Christmas traditions. Local celebrities often make surprise appearances, adding to the excitement of each performance.
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Glasgow Panto at King's Theatre
Carols at Glasgow Cathedral
What to Expect:
Traditional carol service in Glasgow's oldest building
Description:
Glasgow Cathedral, a masterpiece of Scottish Gothic architecture, hosts a soul-stirring carol service that echoes through its ancient stone walls. The cathedral's renowned choir leads the congregation in beloved Christmas hymns, their voices soaring to the vaulted ceiling. Candlelight flickers, casting a warm glow on the medieval surroundings. Visitors can admire the intricate stained glass windows as they listen to the timeless melodies. This cathedral has been a place of worship since the 12th century, making it a living link to Glasgow's past.
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Glasgow Other Holiday Activities
Glasgow Hogmanay at The Ashton Lane Street Party
What to Expect:
Traditional Scottish Hogmanay celebration in Glasgow's charming Ashton Lane
Description:
Ashton Lane, with its cobblestone streets and twinkling fairy lights, hosts Glasgow's most atmospheric Hogmanay celebration. This New Year's Eve party blends Scottish traditions with modern festivities. Revelers can join in ceilidh dancing, led by professional callers, or sample whisky at pop-up tasting stations. The celebration culminates in a rousing rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" as the clock strikes midnight. Hogmanay has been Scotland's most important winter celebration since the 16th century, surpassing even Christmas in cultural significance.
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Glasgow Hogmanay at The Ashton Lane Street Party
Winterfest at George Square
What to Expect:
Ice skating rink and winter activities in the heart of Glasgow
Description:
George Square becomes a winter playground during Winterfest, featuring a grand ice skating rink as its centerpiece. Skaters glide beneath the twinkling lights of the square's Christmas decorations, creating a picturesque scene. Visitors can test their skills on the ice or enjoy watching others from the sidelines while sipping hot chocolate. The square, named after King George III, has been hosting winter celebrations since the Victorian era. Traditional carousel rides add a touch of nostalgia to this contemporary winter festival.
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The Glasgow Style Mile Christmas Carnival
What to Expect:
Festive parade showcasing Glasgow's retail and cultural offerings
Description:
The Glasgow Style Mile Christmas Carnival parades through the city's main shopping thoroughfares, celebrating local businesses and cultural institutions. Elaborate floats, street performers, and marching bands create a lively procession that captivates spectators. The carnival route passes by architectural landmarks that showcase Glasgow's rich history, from Victorian-era buildings to modern structures. Visitors can join in the revelry by following the parade to discover the city's diverse shopping districts. This event highlights Glasgow's reputation as a major retail destination, a status it has held since the 19th century.
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The Glasgow Style Mile Christmas Carnival
Santa’s Grotto at The Quay Glasgow
What to Expect:
Santa's Grotto experience in a converted dockside warehouse
Description:
The Quay Glasgow, a former dockside warehouse, houses an elaborate Santa's Grotto that transports visitors to the North Pole. Children navigate through a winter landscape, complete with animatronic polar animals and twinkling icebergs. The experience culminates in a personal meeting with Santa in his cozy log cabin. This grotto pays homage to Glasgow's maritime history, with subtle nautical themes woven throughout the decor. Families can capture the moment with a professional photo, creating lasting memories of their Arctic adventure in the heart of Glasgow.
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Santa’s Grotto at The Quay Glasgow
The SEC Christmas Comic Con
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed comic convention at the Scottish Event Campus
Description:
The SEC Christmas Comic Con fuses pop culture fandom with holiday cheer, creating a unique celebration for enthusiasts. Cosplayers don festive versions of their favorite characters, while vendors offer exclusive Christmas-themed merchandise. Visitors can participate in holiday-inspired gaming tournaments or attend panels with special guest stars from beloved franchises. The event showcases Glasgow's thriving geek culture scene, which has grown significantly since the city's first comic convention in the 1990s. Comic fans will find rare collectibles perfect for holiday gifting.
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The Big Feed Glasgow Christmas Edition
What to Expect:
Street food festival with a Christmas twist in Glasgow's Govan area
Description:
The Big Feed Glasgow Christmas Edition brings together the city's best street food vendors for a holiday-themed culinary extravaganza. Chefs serve up creative twists on traditional Christmas dishes alongside international flavors. The event takes place in a converted warehouse in Govan, an area with a rich industrial heritage. Live music and craft beer add to the convivial atmosphere. Visitors can sample a diverse array of dishes, from turkey tacos to mince pie ice cream. This event highlights Glasgow's emerging status as a foodie destination, blending local ingredients with global influences.
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The Big Feed Glasgow Christmas Edition
Glasgow Science Centre Festive Events
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed science experiments and shows at Glasgow Science Centre
Description:
The Glasgow Science Centre infuses scientific discovery with holiday spirit through a series of festive events. Visitors can explore the chemistry behind snowflakes, learn about the physics of Santa's sleigh, or discover the biology of reindeer. Interactive exhibits allow hands-on experimentation with seasonal themes. The planetarium offers special shows about the Star of Bethlehem and winter constellations. This event continues the centre's mission of making science accessible and engaging, a goal it has pursued since opening in 2001. Young scientists can create their own Christmas-themed experiments to take home.
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Glasgow Science Centre Festive Events
Christmas Wreath-Making Workshops at House for an Art Lover
What to Expect:
Wreath-making workshops in a Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed house
Description:
House for an Art Lover, inspired by the designs of renowned Glasgow architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, hosts intimate Christmas wreath-making workshops. Participants learn traditional techniques while surrounded by stunning Art Nouveau interiors. Expert florists guide you through the process of creating a personalized wreath using locally sourced, sustainable materials. The workshops take place in the house's elegant dining room, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century Scottish design. This event combines creativity with cultural heritage, allowing visitors to take home a piece of Glasgow's artistic legacy.
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Christmas Wreath-Making Workshops at House for an Art Lover