Christmas season is here, and Glasgow is gearing up with festive lights, festive vibes and, of course, festive markets. With the days getting so dark, it’s reassuring to know that the city will light up soon, with the Christmas Lights Switch On happening on November 20. And filled with Christmas cheer will be all the festive events gracing the city this November and December. Here is our list of must-visit Christmas markets in Glasgow for some feel-good holiday days out.
1. Glasgow Winterfest Christmas Markets
George Square and St Enoch Square
This is an obvious one, but after all the drama, everyone has to visit the Winterfest Christmas markets at least once this year. George Square and St Enoch Square will see Christmas markets transforming Glasgow city centre into a true winter wonderland and replacing the cancelled Christmas market. First to open its doors will be the St Enoch Square Winterfest on November 10, inviting guests to check out all the small businesses, a festive bar and rides for the little ones. Next up will be the Winterfest at George Square on November 25, offering visitors a glide on the central ice rink. There will also be an observation wheel with Venetian chairs boasting the urban sights of central Glasgow as well as local food vendors.
2. Rags To Riches Christmas market
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street
A joyfully sustainable festive market is coming to the Southside on December 9 and 16, and we cannot wait. The market will take place at The Deep End from midday until 4pm, with over small businesses, local artists and crafters displaying their work. You can expect anything and everything from Christmas decorations to hand-crafted jewellery, hot water bottles or handmade soaps. Market-goers will also be able to enjoy mulled wine and food from local vendors, as well as listen to live music!
3. Hamilton Accies Winter Village
Hamilton Stadium , Cadzow Avenue, Hamilton ML3 0FT
Hamilton Winter Village will see eco-friendly ice skating, Santa’s Grotto, local businesses and the usual festive goodness taking place in a football stadium. While we’ve never been to a Christmas market at a football stadium, an opportunity to do just that has just presented itself. From Tuesday, December 12, 2023, to Sunday, January 7, 2024, the Hamilton Accies Winter Village is transforming into a festive hub of joy, laughter, and all of our favourite holiday traditions.
4. Riverside Museum Christmas Market
Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place
Now this is a unique Christmas market inside the iconic Riverside Museum, offering visitors a total of 40 stalls of handmade and crafted goodness. Returning on December 2 and 3 from 10am until 4:30pm on the Saturday and 11am – 4:30pm on the Sunday, Riverside Christmas Market will be offering original gift ideas such as candles and melts, silver jewellery, decorations, art prints, clothing & accessories, gifts for babies and treats for your furry friends. Because the entry to the museum is always free, the market will be no exception.
5. Glasgow Fort Christmas Market
Glasgow Fort Junction 10 M8
Did someone say Yorkshire pudding wraps? Indeed, the famous Yorkshire pud wraps are back at Glasgow Fort’s Christmas Market this year between November 18 and December 29. On top of the generous amount of hot food stalls (Yorkshire pud wraps, did we say that yet?), visitors can find plenty of gift ideas such as cheese hampers, one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, Christmas sweets and spirits. The Chirstmas market will also see the arrival of the brand-new Ferris Wheel this year, on top of other rides. And to finish off your day out, you can head over to the Bavarian bar to rewind.
6. The Alchemy Experiment’s Festive Artists & Makers’ Market
The Alchemy Experiment, 157 Byres Road
The Alchemy Experiment is a coffee shop and an event space in one, a hip spot in Glasgow’s West End, made for artists with regular exhibitions and gigs. Their annual festive market is back for three consecutive weekends during December, starting from December 2. Focused on local artists and makers, The Alchemy Experiment festive market will see local artists come together in one place to show their talent and provide exclusive gift ideas. You can expect anything and everything from jewellery and candles to trinkets and art, with a daily rotation of 7 artists. Also expected are various pop-up exhibits and workshops, as well as film screenings, making it so much more than just an arts and crafts market. Just keep checking their Instagram account to keep up to date on what and who to expect each week.
7. Platform 1 Night Markets
Platform 1 opened its doors in November 2023, as part of the famous underground venue Platform. Hosting events like concerts, live music and foodie events, the event space has also announced a whole new festive programme gracing the restaurant and events space. On December 14 and 21, the spot is hosting a Christmas Night Market with Park Lane Market, a collaboration with Southside community heroes. Guests can also expect live music, festive cocktails and plenty of local businesses they can support.