Our festive season plans in Glasgow have just become more exciting, as the details for the 2025 Winter Wonderland Christmas market have been revealed.
What is more, the first Christmas market in St Enoch Square opens on Thursday (November 6)!
Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square
When is it?
The Winter Wonderland Christmas market in St Enoch Square in Glasgow has opened sooner than we thought! The festivities begin on November 6, 2025, and will run until December 24, 2025. The opening times will be from 12pm until 9pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 10am until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
What to expect?
This year, visitors can expect the world’s first solar-powered observation wheel at the Winter Wonderland Christmas market in St Enoch Square. Designed and manufactured in Germany by a family-owned business led by Harvey Wegner, the CO2-neutral Observation Wheel is the first of its kind and the first time to be unveiled in the UK.
What is more, guests will find a fully licensed Festive Bar, for the first time in Scotland, as well as live music throughout the event. Moreover, guests will find the usual family-friendly rides, including a children’s carousel and local vendor stalls to complete their Christmas shopping or grab a bite to eat.
Jensen Taylor Connelly, Director, Scotland’s Theme Park Events, said: “The opening of St Enoch Square signals that Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s only the start of a fantastic line-up of festive fun across the city. Glasgow always feels magical at this time of year, and this season there’s even more for people to see, do, and enjoy together.”
Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green
The new location for this year, replacing the closed George Square, is Glasgow Green, boasting a whopping array of festive joy to explore at the Winter Wonderland Christmas market.
When is it?
The Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is running between November 21, 2025 and January 4, 2026. It is open from 3pm until 10pm between Mondays and Fridays, and from 12pm until 10pm on the weekends. The timings will be extended during the Christmas period, starting from December 19.
The ice rink at Glasgow Green
That’s right, the festive ice rink is back for another year, with 45-minute sessions already available to book. You can book your tickets here.
What else to expect?
This year, visitors can enjoy theatre performances at Glasgow Green in the Big Top Festive Live, including ‘Cinders Fella’, a Glasgow-themed family mini panto, and ‘Jingle Around the World’, which are sensory storytelling sessions featuring Jingle the Elf who is preparing for final Elf School exams.
What is more, guests can find the usual festive favourites, such as Venetian Flying Chairs, a Ferris wheel and the Mad Mouse Rollercoaster, as well as a new thrilling ride, Air, which hangs visitors in suspension). And, of course, market-goers cannot miss the Festive Bar, packed with even more entertainment and delicious treats.
The Festive Light Trail around Glasgow
This year, the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event has been cancelled due to George Square being closed for redevelopment until August 2026. As a result, the event has been replaced with a Christmas light trail around the city centre.
Locations include Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, with art installations created by talented artists filled with “sparkle and shine”. What is more, the massive Christmas Tree and Crib will be located at the Cathedral Precinct, perfect for a festive moment of serenity.
Jensen Taylor Connelly, Director, Scotland’s Theme Park Events, who was appointed to deliver the two locations following a competitive tender, said, “The location may have changed, but the atmosphere and variety of entertainment and attractions at St Enoch Square and the Green will be even more magical.
“We have a great programme of entertainment at the Festive Big Top Live and attractions planned, including the centre piece ice-rink, which is always a favourite. There will also be discounts for Glasgow residents. We can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren said: “Although the nights have started to grow darker, winter always shines bright in Glasgow. With ongoing works at George Square, we have an opportunity to reimagine the city’s festive lights with a brand-new trail across the city centre, and there are lots of other new and exciting things to see and do. Whether you live in Glasgow or are just visiting, it’s a great time to explore, enjoy the lights, and feel the magic of winter.”