See our latest festive opening hours here (PDF)

Many public libraries in the city will open on Christmas Eve from 10am to 2pm apart from the Mitchell Library which opens from 9am. Most libraries will also be open from Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 December.

Harper Collins has gifted 5,000 children’s books to Glasgow Life Libraries. These will be wrapped and can be picked up from libraries in the lead-up to Christmas. Children can also enjoy the free Christmas Reading Challenge and will get a certificate and colour-in bookmarks if they borrow and read three books.

Glaswegians can also use their Glasgow Life Libraries card online. You can access a range of eBooks, eMagazines and eMusic online over the festive period.

Glasgow’s world-class museums will remain open until 5pm on Friday 23 December. Visitors can also enjoy the likes of the Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Riverside Museum between Christmas and New Year, from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 December. These venues will then welcome visitors again on Tuesday 3 January.

For those looking to burn off the mince pies, Glasgow Club venues and swimming pools are open in the run-up to Christmas. A selection will also remain open on Christmas Eve and welcome customers again from 27 to 31 December. This includes the Emirates Arena, Glasgow Club Bellahouston and Glasgow Club Scotstoun.

Tennis and bowls facilities at Kelvingrove, Queen’s Park, Knightswood, and Garrowhill are open until Christmas Eve.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said:

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy what Glasgow Life has to offer over the festive period. People can take the time to visit world-class museums like the Burrell Collection or Riverside for free. Our libraries offer a warm place for people to enjoy a book or for children to participate in fun activities. Glaswegians can also keep fit at Glasgow Club venues across the city.

The majority of community venues will close on Christmas Eve and re-open on Wednesday 4 January. The Linn Park Adventure Playground shuts a day earlier on Friday 23 December and opens again on Sunday 8 January.

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is hosting some wonderful performances throughout the festive season. The venue is open on Christmas Eve and at certain times from 27 to 30 December. It will close for Hogmanay and New Year before welcoming back people on 2 January. The City Halls and Fruitmarket will be closed from Monday 20 December and re-open on 8 January.

Tramway will close on Friday 23 December along with Partick Burgh Hall. Couper Institute Hall will shut a day earlier on Thursday 22 December.

Everyone can also get into the festive spirit by visiting the magical Christmas fairs at George Square and St Enoch. There is everything from ice skating and children’s train rides to a selection of food and drink stalls. Glaswegians can also take in the spectacular Christmas lights and traditional decorations in the city centre.

You can find information about Welcome Places across the city by visiting the Glasgow City Council website.