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 Loves Christmas Fairs
George Square and St Enoch Square
This is an obvious one, but after all the drama, everyone has to pay the Christmas Fairs a visit at least once this year. George Square and St Enoch Square will see Christmas Fairs 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 Christmas Fair on November 18, inviting thrill-seekers to try an attraction capable of reaching speeds of up to 70mph, called The Blizzard, and an ice climbing wall where guests will be invited for a wee local adventure. Next up will be the Christmas Fair at George Square on December 1, offering visitors a glide on the central ice rink. There will also be a 33-metre-high observation wheel with Venetian chairs boasting 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 3, 10 and 17, and we cannot wait. The market will take place at The Deep End from midday until 5pm, with over 100 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 and attend a festive workshop!
3. Glasgow Vegan Christmas Market
Drygate Brewing Co., 85 Drygate
Whether you’re vegan or not, supporting small local businesses is always a good idea. Plus, vegan scran is absolutely delicious! On November 20, enjoy some Christmas shopping and dining with a clean conscious, where local vegan businesses will have 25 stalls for you to explore. Open from 11am until 5pm, the Glasgow Vegan Christmas Market will be offering visitors hot food, sustainable beauty, clothes and homeware, skincare, pet products and sweet treats. Additionally, a portion of all the profits will go to a number of selected charities such as Unicef Ukrainian Child Crisis Appeal, Glasgow Association of Mental Health, Go Vegan Scotland. The tickets are £3.83, and you can get them here.
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 November 26-27 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 to Glasgow Fort’s Christmas Market this year between November 18 and January 2. 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 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 on every weekend during December, staring from December 3. 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 back their Instagram account to keep up to date on what and who to expect each week.