What's On

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a visit to the traditional markets for a gastronomic treat, a warming glass of festive cheer or a unique festive gift or keepsake.

The Christmas markets return to George Square and St Enoch Square offering a wide selection of festive gifts and delicious street food. A warm and welcoming bar will add to the festive atmosphere, offering up a selection of beverages for all to enjoy.

If you're looking for something a little bit different, there are also lots of fantastic independent markets taking place throughout the city.

 

Traditional Christmas Markets

St Enoch Square Christmas Market

Saturday 9^th Nov – Sunday 22^nd Dec

9am – 10pm

Join us at St Enoch Square for our beautifully dressed Christmas village of over 50 seasonal chalets featuring local crispy duck rotisserie, bratwurst sausage, crepes, hog roast and much more.

 

George Square Christmas Market

Sunday 24^th Nov – Sunday 29^th Dec

10am – 10pm

George Square comes alive this Christmas with over 50 traders from across the globe, as well as closer to home, selling artisan products and high quality crafts. Plus, our stunning 15 metre Christmas tree is not to be missed!

Take a slide down our vintage Helter Skelter, people watch from the vintage carousel or meet Santa at our much loved advent calendar each day when he hands out treats to the children. After all your browsing take a well-earned rest in our beautifully crafted authentic German bars, serving traditional beers and Glühwein – a festive favourite!

 

City Independent Markets

 

Country Living Fair, SEC

Thursday 21^st November (10am-5pm)

Friday 22^nd November (10am-5pm)

Saturday 23^rd November (10am-5pm)

Sunday 24^th November (10am-4pm)

 

The Briggait, The Wasps Winter Artist & Maker Market

Saturday 7^th December (11am – 5pm)

 

Riverside Christmas Festival

Saturday 7^th December (11am-4pm)

Sunday 8^th December (11am-4pm)

 

Hotel du Vin, 1 Devonshire Gardens Christmas Market

Sunday 8^th Dec (10am-7pm)

 

Tea Green Festive Market, Botanic Gardens Kibble Palace

Saturday 16^th November (10am-4pm)

Saturday 7^th December (10am-4pm)

Sunday 8^th December (10am-4pm)

 

The Briggait, A Vegan Connections Christmas 2019

Saturday 14^th December (11am-4pm)

 

Sloans Market, Sloans Lane (between Buchanan Street and Argyle Street)

Every weekend (10am-5pm)

 

Art on the Exchange Festive Markets, Royal Exchange Square

Saturday 16^th November (11am-6pm)

Sunday 17^th November (11am-6pm)

Thursday 21^st November (11am-6pm)

 

Epilepsy Scotland Christmas Market, the Art School, Glasgow

Saturday 30^th November (11am-4pm)

 

Christmas Craft Art & Design Fair, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Saturday 30^th November (10.30am-5pm)

Sunday 1^st December (10.30am-5pm)

 

Contact details for the St Enoch and George Square markets:

LESevents@glasgow.gov.uk

0141 287 9663

Style Mile Carnival

Style Mile Carnival

The Style Mile Christmas Carnival will bring music, dance and spectacle to the heart of Glasgow.  The magical procession of festive characters will come to life as they sprinkle their magic dust over the city centre on Sunday 24^th November. The carnival begins at 2.30pm and there will be live music in George Square and the Style Mile will be animated with street performers – it’s not to be missed this Christmas!

Blessing of the Crib

Blessing of the Crib

The traditional Blessing of the Crib takes place in George Square on Wednesday 4^th December at 6pm beneath the Christmas lights to a chorus of singers with the Lord Provost of Glasgow.  This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.  Remember to wrap up warm and come dressed for the weather!

Baby's First Christmas

Baby's First Christmas

Baby’s First Christmas will be held on Saturday 7^th December.  1,000 places will be available and the first 250 registered, includes the opportunity to meet the Lord Provost at the City Chambers.

More details and information on registering will be provided soon, stay tuned!

Santa Dash

Santa Dash

Dust off your Santa boots and join thousands of other Santas for a festive 5K!

Don't miss this mass participation run as the city centre transforms in to a red sea of festivity.  Adults, children and even dogs all welcome.

The annual Glasgow Santa Dash sets off from George Square on the Sunday 8th of December, with thousands of people dressed as Santa taking on the 5k course for charity!

Christmas at the Concert Halls

Christmas at the Concert Halls

Fantastic festive musical entertainment is on the bill this Christmas at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Orchestral delights, classic tunes from the big screen, big band sounds, West End favourites, and family fun are among the treats in store this December.  Highlights among the seasonal bright lights include A West End Christmas with favourites from The Phantom of the Opera to Wicked, and Les Misérables to Chicago, in full orchestral sound.  Visit the website for more information: https://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com/news/Pages/Join-us-at-Glasgow-Royal-Concert-Hall-this-Christmas.aspx

Eating & Drinking

Eating & Drinking

It’s the season of indulgence so head to one of Glasgow’s fantastic bars, cafes or restaurants to enjoy a romantic meal, fun with friends or a traditional family get together. Here’s a selection of festive foodie treats to whet your appetite. ​

 

Afternoon tea

Hop on board the Red Bus Bistro for a unique dining experience. Their Christmas Afternoon Tea and Christmas Gin Tea experience last around 90 minutes and take you on a tour around the city streets while you tuck into some delicious sweet and savoury delights.

Just a stone’s throw away from the iconic George Square Christmas lights, treat yourself at the opulent Corinthian Club with a festive afternoon tea.  There are lots of fabulous festive Afternoon Teas on offer this season across the city, with venues including, Cup Tea Lounge, Blythswood Square Hotel, Malmaison, Mackintosh at the Willow, Millennium Hotel, Hidden Lane Tearoom and Butterfly and the Pig, all offering Christmas versions of this classic favourite. A perfect Christmas shopping “pit stop”.

 

Craft Beer

Glasgow is home to many fantastic craft beer bars, so why not take a break from the festivities to sample a cool and quirky pint! Step into Brewdog, Shilling Brew Co, Dry Gate or the Beer Café to try something new.

 

Family friendly

Surprise the kids to Breakfast with Santa at the iconic Hard Rock Café Glasgow on Buchanan Street. (Events & dates TBC for 2019)

Why not head to the Chippy Doon The Lane and treat the kids to a World famous freshly cooked old school Fish & Chips in the heart of the city centre!

Head to Kimble’s in St Enoch Centre for a warming hot chocolate, Darcy's in Princes Square for a great kids menu and a big bunch of toys and puzzles or Di Maggios on Royal Exchange Square.

 

Something a bit fancier

As well as afternoon tea, the Red Bus Bistro also serves up a delicious three course dinner aboard their travelling vintage bus.

For a quick stop mid shop, head to Paesano Pizza on Miller Street for some of the tastiest pizzas in Glasgow.

For a light lunch or afternoon tea with the wow factor, head to Mackintosh at the Willow, located in the A listed, internationally recognised, original Willow Tea Rooms Building.

To experience the outdoors indoors, take a trip to Merchant Square where you can choose from an array of restaurants and bars including Fanelli's, Bar Soba and Metropolitan.

For that special meal over the festive period, sample what the Anchor Line, Six by Nico and Hutchesons Bar & Grill have to offer.

 

Christmas markets

The Christmas Markets return to George Square and St Enoch Square offering a wide selection of festive gifts, delicious street food and seasonal entertainment. A warm and welcoming bar will add to the festive atmosphere, offering up a selection of beverages for all to enjoy.  The perfect opportunity to try something new!

 

Global cuisine

If you’d prefer to ditch the turkey and Christmas pudding, there are lots of other global cuisines on offer in Glasgow including Indian, Chinese, Thai, Mongolian, Japanese, Greek, Spanish, Caribbean and Vietnamese. Visit bestglasgowrestaurant.com for more inspiration and to book.

 

Cosy pubs

Head to a cosy pub for a wee dram in front of an open fire. Check out Rab Ha’s on Hutcheson Street or Babbity Bowster on Blackfriars Street, you might even hear some fiddle music while you're there. 

 

Clydeside Distillery tour

Warm up with a dram or three on the Clydeside Distillery tour, one of the first malt distilleries to be built in Glasgow for over a century and celebrates the significant role that whisky has played in shaping both our city and Scotland as a whole, while putting Glasgow right back on the Scotch whisky map.

Pantomimes & Theatre Shows

Pantomimes & Theatre Shows

Christmas is a great time for a family get together and there is nothing like the look of wonder and excitement on the little one’s faces at this time of year. Plan in time to enjoy fun and laughter at some of the great family friendly events taking place this season.

A guaranteed day out to get all the family in the festive mood, take a look at what pantos and theatre shows are coming up this festive season.

 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

SEC Armadillo

Wed 13^th Nov – Sun 17^th Nov

Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming and hilarious musical.  Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss create the whimsical world of Whoville, while Max the Dog narrates the story of the scheming Grinch whose heart is “two sizes too small,” as he decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly joyful bunch bursting with holiday cheer.

 

The Snowman

Theatre Royal

Wed 13^th Nov – Sun 17^th Nov

When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape evil Jack Frost and get back home for Christmas morning? Based on Raymond Brigg’s much-loved book and featuring Howard Blake's classic song Walking in the Air, this enchanting live show has thrilled audiences throughout the world since first appearing on stage over twenty years ago.

 

Frankenstein

Theatre Royal

Mon 25^th Nov – Sat 30^th Nov

A young scientist by the name of Frankenstein breathes life into a gruesome body. Banished into an indifferent world, Frankenstein’s creature desperately seeks out his true identity, but the agony of rejection and a broken promise push him into darkness. Rona Munro’s brilliant new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece places the writer herself amongst the action as she wrestles with her creation and with the stark realities facing revolutionary young women, then and now.

 

Cinderfella

Tron Theatre

Wed 27^th Nov – Sun 5^th Jan 2020

A downtrodden Cinderella needs to blag her way into the royal ball to get the entrepreneurial advice of Princess Charmaine to help the ailing family business but the event is MEN ONLY!!!   With her keen determination, a bit of cellotape and a fake beard, Cinderella and her best pal, an auld sheep named Muttons, plan to storm that royal ball and show the pantosphere exactly what she is capable of. 

 

The Magical Adventures of Pinocchio

Pavilion Theatre

Thurs 28^th Nov – Sun 12^th Jan 2020

In true Pavilion style, the classic tale of Pinocchio is given a Glasgow twist. It is sure to be a sing-a-long, join-in adventure offering good clean family entertainment. Featuring an all-star cast, with Liam Dolan as the hilarious Jiminy Cricket, River City’s Stephen Purdon as Pinocchio, and Grado as Geppetto. With a brand new script, stunning scenery, sensational costumes and magical special effects.

 

Ali the Magic Elf

Tron Theatre

Fri 29^th Nov – Thu 31^st Dec 

Ali the Elf works in the North Pole. Today, everything is going wrong and all the elves are panicking – it’s Christmas Eve and none of the children’s letters have been answered. What is an Elf to do? Suddenly, with the jingle of bells and the swoosh of a sleigh – magic is in the air! A gentle festive treat conceived and directed by Andy Arnold for 3-6 year olds and their adults.

 

The Pure Amazing Wiz of Oz

Websters Theatre

Sat 30^th Nov – Sat 4^th Jan 2020

Join Dotty, a PR from the Garage, who dreams of becoming a star.  She is blown from Poor Partick to the Land of Oz where she meets some new friends; Scarecrow, The Tin Wuman and the Lioness. Join Dotty and the gang for a Scottish twist of the original story. Filled with popular songs and good old Scottish banter, this is a Christmas show for all the family not to be missed.

 

Jack and The Beanstalk

King’s Theatre

Sat 30^th Nov – Sun 5^Th Jan 2020

Join Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac at Dame Trot’s farm to follow Jack and his family and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to Cloudland in another unmissable family show. Doomed to sell his trusty coo, join Jack as he fights to save the beautiful Princess, outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams along with the hand of the girl he loves. Expect laughs, music, special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation in this GIANT of a pantomime!

 

Cinderella

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Sat 7^th Dec – Fri 13^th Dec

Isabella’s world is turned upside down when her recently-widowed father remarries and brings not only an ambitious and scheming woman into the heart of their castle, but also her two spoiled and selfish daughters. Finding herself banished to the downstairs kitchen, Isabella finds the magic to return secretly to the ballroom to meet the prince of her dreams. But will she find true love in such a bewildering world?

 

Pinocchio

Tramway

Sat 7^th Dec – Sat 4^th Jan 2020

Follow the mischievous Pinocchio on his journey from wooden puppet to real boy. On his action-packed quest, Pinocchio travels from the cobbled streets of his home town to the tempting lights of Playland, via the dangers of the dark woods and the belly of a giant whale! Along the way he meets a host of colourful characters and with the help of wise Cricket and kind Geppetto Pinocchio learns the importance of telling the truth and discovers what it means to be truly human. Full of magic and adventure, this production embraces the vivid inventiveness of the original tale and will enchant the whole family this Christmas.

 

We Will Rock You

Theatre Royal

Mon 9^th Dec – Sat 28^th Dec

The worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton returns to the UK. The multi-million-pound show dazzles all the senses in breath-taking style. Guaranteed to blow your mind, this musical phenomenon is not to be missed! With 24 of Queen’s biggest hits, including Radio Ga Ga, Killer Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody and, of course, We Will Rock You!

 

Mother Goose Fae Easterhoose

Platform

Tue 10^th Dec – Mon 23^rd Dec

Join us on a madcap adventure for all the family as dear old Mother Goose, a hardworking, no nonsense mum from Easterhouse, is taken on a wild ride! Mother Goose’s world is thrown up in the air when her favourite pet Bruce the goose lays a golden egg. Everything changes… she is rich! What will she do with this new found wealth and fame? Will Mother Goose stay true to herself or will she get lost in a whirlwind of fancy clothes, sports cars and celebrity pals? Come along to find out, and expect jokes, songs and raucous storytelling.

 

The Lost Elves

Tramway

Fri 13^th Dec – Sun 29^th Dec

It’s almost Christmas but the elves have crash landed…in Glasgow! With presents still to make and a sleigh to prepare, they need to get back to the North Pole in time to help Santa or there will be no Christmas. Can they get home? Who will help them? And what are these peculiar creatures called ‘humans’? An original and fun-filled festive show for 3 - 6 year olds and their families, this interactive show will capture children’s imagination and have them laughing, singing and dancing their way into Christmas.

 

Fizzgig Theatre Presents Cinderella 

Pollok House

Sat 14^th Dec – Sun 15^th Dec

Dreadful sisters Pashmina and Poly-Esther make poor Cinderella clean and iron and dust all day long, while they swan about and dream of marrying Simon Cowell. In the next county, Prince Will.I.Am Awfyshy is struggling to meet a girl he would like to marry. He decides to hold a talent competition and invites all the ladies from the land. Will Pashmina and Poly-Esther win his heart or will he fall in love with Cinderella? Come and meet Cinderella and many more colourful characters in this hour-long Fizzgig Panto. It’ll have you laughing, hissing and singing along!

 

Elf – A Christmas Spectacular

The SSE Hydro

Sat 14^th Dec – Sun 15^th Dec

The Broadway musical based on the hit Will Ferrell movie, is supersized into a huge Christmas spectacular this December.  It’s the heart-warming story of how human Buddy, raised by Santa’s elves at the North Pole, travels to New York to find his real father, falls in love and brings Christmas happiness to everyone. Starring award-winning Coronation Street actress and singer Kym Marsh as Buddy the Elf’s girlfriend, Jovie, and Shaun Williamson (Barry Evans in EastEnders, Extras) as Buddy’s dad Walter Hobbs.  Buddy the Elf will be played by the hilarious comedy actor Tam Ryan, ensuring lots of laughs.  Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins – make sure you get your family tickets now!

 

Snow White

SEC Armadillo

Sat 14^th Dec – Tue 31^st Dec

Gary: Tank Commander is leading the cast of this year’s spectacular pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to victory. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be lavishly brought to life in a production packed full of magical mirrors, seven friendly dwarfs, an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance and jaw-dropping 3D special effects, for which the annual SEC pantomime is so well known and loved.

 

The Steamie

The SSE Hydro

Sat 28^th Dec – Tue 31^st Dec

The Steamie is a Scottish theatre classic; an ode to the hard-working women of the 1950’s and to a bygone Glasgow. The young Doreen envisions a new future, while Mrs Culfeathers looks back to the past - the play is a snapshot of a society, of a time and a cross section of strong women, all rolled up in hilarious comedy.

Festive Entertainment

Festive Entertainment

​Don't fancy a panto this year but still looking for that festive feeling?  Check out some other things happening in the city this winter!



Film


Christmas at the Glasgow Film Theatre – movies on show during December include It's A Wonderful Life and Elf.  Enjoy these classics with a warm mulled wine and popcorn!
EatFilm has a regular Tuesday night slot at Sloans and this festive season there are some classics showing such as Elf, Home Alone and It's A Wonderful Life. Over 18s only. 
BAaD's pop up cinema in the East End is also screening It’s A Wonderful Life and Elf in their heated courtyard.
Enjoy a feel good film in luxurious surroundings, and raise some money for DEBRA charity at the same time at their Blythswood Square Hotel screening of The Holiday and afternoon tea & fizz event (Sunday 15^th December).

 

Music


The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall has a full festive line up including Love Actually in Concert with live orchestra (Tuesday 3^rd December), The Glasgow School of Art Christmas Concert (Saturday 7^th December), The Overtones Christmas Party 2019 (Wednesday 11^th December), A West End Christmas (Sunday 15^th December) and The Rat Pack at Christmas (Monday 16^th December).

 

 

Dance

Scottish Ballet’s 50th year will come to a spectacular close with the world premiere of The Snow Queen!  Watch this at the Theatre Royal Glasgow between the 3^rd and 18^th January 2020.

 

Cabaret


Independent and locally owned, Wild Cabaret in Candleriggs combine fine dining, boutique beverages, and world-class performance art in order to entertain and spoil you. Enjoy their start-studded Christmas show with a delicious three course dinner.

Meet Santa

Meet Santa

 

Be sure to book an appointment to meet the man of the moment and share your festive hopes and dreams.


Where to meet Santa


At such a magical time of year meeting Santa can be a real treat, bringing pure joy to your little ones eyes. From grottos to breakfasts, don't miss out on some quality time with the big man himself.
Santa's Grotto at St. Enoch Centre
(2019 Dates TBC)

Santa officially takes residence in his magical Christmas Grotto, surrounded by his helpful elves.

Meet Father Christmas at Hamleys
(2019 Dates TBC)
Join Father Christmas and his loveable elves at Hamleys toy shop. It's an extra special experience where children can take part in seasonal games and receive a gift to take home. Booking is essential.

Santa's Grotto at Britannia Panopticon
(2019 Dates TBC)
Head along to a winter wonderland in the world's oldest surviving music hall. Meet Santa Claus and his elves and receive a lovingly handcrafted wooden toy.

Santa Stories at House of Fraser
(2019 Dates TBC)
Enjoy a Christmas picnic full of delicious treats, visit Santa's grotto for storytime and meet & greet session, and get an early Christmas gift. Autism-friendly sessions available.

Visit Mrs Claus at Pollok House
(2019 Dates TBC)
Meet Mrs Claus after exploring an impressive collection of art in the beautiful Pollock House, which will be decorated in all its seasonal finery.

Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe
(2019 Dates TBC)
A freshly cooked buffet style breakfast, a Christmas elf to entertain you and your young ones, and of course a visit from Santa!

Cook Breakfast for Santa at Tennents Training Academy
21^st -22^nd December (10am – 12noon)
Give Santa the day off to relax while you cook a delicious breakfast for him to enjoy. In return, Santa is going to be handing out early Christmas gifts to all the chefs to thank them for cooking for him.

Nightlife

Nightlife

Bars and Cocktails
Glasgow’s bar scene is bustling with everything from sophisticated to quaint, laidback to lively, craft brew to cocktail.

From glamorous hotspots to trendy off-the-beaten-track haunts full of trendsetters and specialist watering holes dedicated to artisan gins, you will be spoilt for choice when choosing where to go.

 https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/trip-inspiration/nightlife/bars-and-cocktails

 

Traditional pubs
A visit to Glasgow, or Scotland for that matter, is not complete without taking in one of the many authentic traditional pubs for a 'wee dram'. The city is full of old fashioned bars, complete with wood panelling, stained glass windows and unimposing music. Friendly staff are always on hand to recommend a proper pint or which whisky to choose, with a generous dollop of Glaswegian banter from the locals.

 

Party nights

There are many fantastic Christmas Party nights going on across the city.  Grab your friends or colleagues and enjoy a night full of festive cheer.  Events are going on throughout the season at the Glasgow Hilton, Grand Central Station Hotel, Arta and The Corinthian Club. 

 

After hours
Glasgow is known as one of the UK’s best clubbing cities, with clubbers making the trip here to sample the nightlife, especially for the likes of Saturday night’s Subculture at the renowned Sub Club – the longest running weekly underground club night on the planet.

There are so many late night bars and clubs to choose from. Choose your music genre – from house to techno, from vintage disco to funk – and your style of venue – from warehouses to dive bars to 150-year-old stunning buildings. Read more about Glasgow's nightlife.

Hogmanay

Hogmanay

Scotland is world famous for its Hogmanay celebrations, so where better to celebrate than Glasgow? Bring in the New Year with your family and friends at one of our top locations.

 

Hogmanay Hootenanny at the National Piping Centre

Scotland is world famous for its Hogmanay celebrations, so where better in Glasgow to be than in the company of family and friends, bringing in the New Year at The National Piping Centre.

This year, it has 2 types of ticket, Dinner and Ceilidh and Ceilidh Only.

For diners, you will be welcomed to The Pipers' Tryst Restaurant with sparkling wine and 'wee' drams followed by a sumptuous 3 course banquet menu

Then you will repair to our Auditorium, to be joined by the rest of the Ceilidh-ers for a spectacular evening of Scottish ceilidh and disco until the wee hours!

The dress code is kilts and pearls... so get glammed up and get your dancin' shoes on!

 

House for an Art Lover

The annual Hogmanay celebrations kick off with bubbles and canapés at 7pm followed by a sumptuous 3 course meal and accompanying wine in the atmospheric Mackintosh Suite.  The lively ceilidh band will then get you on the floor for a dance before bringing in the bells at midnight with the sounds of a lone piper, with time for a few more dances!

 

Merchant Square Hogmanay Party

Located in the heart of the bustling Merchant City, just minutes away from George Square and the Style Mile shopping district, sits Merchant Square – a stylish hub of independent bars and restaurants all under one roof.

Dating back to the 1800s, Merchant Square is housed in part of Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket in the heart of the historic Merchant City.

Once a merchant’s market, the indoor venue is now a stylish and sophisticated destination for eating, drinking and entertainment.  Each year, Merchant Square hosts a Hogmanay party.  This year's line up includes DJ Colin McCardle who will host the event with performances by French Fling Showgirls; The House Band and Brother Man.  The famous Merchant Square balloon drop at midnight will bring in the New Year.