Just like last year, 2024 has had its fair share of ups and downs, and we can’t believe the end is fast approaching. But it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Glasgow, and we are so ready to embrace the most wonderful time of year. So hit play on the festive playlist filled with Mariah and Bublé and have a jolly festive time with our guide to the best things to do in Glasgow this December.
1. Enjoy some festive sparkle at this holiday special candlelight concert
Nothing says Christmas like the beloved classics, and this winter Fever is bringing a special candlelight concert performing some of the most heartwarming holiday tunes. This festive season, get cosy and get yourself in the holiday spirit by enjoying seasonal music expertly performed under twinkling candlelight on December 12. Admire a stellar performance of “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!”, “Jungle Bells” and “Last Christmas”, and feel it usher in all the good feelings that arrive with the most special holiday of the year. Find your tickets here.
2. Check out celebrity Chef Jimmy Lee’s Chinese restaurant
TikTok celebrity Chef Jimmy Lee has a Chinese restaurant located in Larkhall, and it’s been a sure-fire hit amongst the locals. So, head down to Shanghai Oriental for some feel-good Chinese scran to check out the newly opened venue boasting of modern and warm décor. Indulge in culinary creations such as Chicken Satay, Scallops with Ginger and Spring Onions, and Roast Duck in Plum Sauce.
3. Run for charity dressed as Santa
Thousands of people dressed as Santa will be running the streets this December. The Santa Dash is back for another year and will take place on Sunday, December 8. Over 6,000 people dressed as Santa are expected to be flooding the streets and spreading some festive cheer in support of The Beatson Cancer Charity. Get involved!
4. Check out these affordable festive events from circus to ice skating
M&D’s is bringing Destination Christmas, a series of affordable festive events including ice skating, circus acts, Santa’s Grotto and more. Destination Christmas is kicking off on November 25, the festivities will continue right up until December 24. M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park is located in Strathclyde Country Park, Bellshill, just a 20-minute drive from central Glasgow. Plus, the most expensive ticket for the events costs a mere £12.95! You can check out the events and book the tickets here.
5. Marvel at this spectacular light show in Glasgow
After seeing immense success in Liverpool, the colourful Enlightenment light show is coming to Glasgow this December, with the dates yet to be announced. The immersive Vivaldi light show will illuminate the striking Victorian interiors of The Merchants House of Glasgow, inviting guests to create festive memories for the whole family. You can join the waitlist here.
6. Get into the festive spirit at Glasgow Winterfest
Christmas certainly isn’t Christmas without the festive markets popping up in the city during the winter months to lighten up the season. The much-loved events at St Enoch Square and George Square are bringing us one step closer to the big day with a myriad of seasonal chalets serving up the likes of bratwurst sausage, crepes, Dutch pancakes and Belgian chocolates, as well as a Festive Bar. Visitors can also treat themselves to a warming Hug in a Mug of Glühwein or a decadent hot chocolate with lashings of cream and topped with marshmallows. Just like previous years on George Square, visitors will be able to go ice skating on the central ice rink.
7. Experience thrilling rides and stalls at this year’s Irn-Bru Carnival
One of Scotland’s highly anticipated events having run for over a century, the favourite festive extravaganza is returning to Glasgow this winter, and it’s expected to be a good ‘un. The popular Irn-Bru Carnival is coming back to the SEC Centre from December 20 to January 12, but be quick to grab tickets. Packed with thrill rides like the 40m high Starflyer and Midnight Express Matterhorn, plus family rides, children’s rides, games, stalls and an inflatable play area for children, it will no doubt be an unmissable event in the festive calendar for all.
8. Discover small independent businesses at this joyful Christmas market
A joyfully sustainable festive market is coming to the Southside, and we cannot wait. Rags To Riches Christmas market will be held on December 15 in the run-up to Christmas. During the sustainability-led markets, over 100 small businesses, local artists and crafters will be showcasing and selling their work. You can expect anything and everything, from Christmas decorations to hand-crafted jewellery, hot water bottles or handmade soaps. You should not only be able to support local businesses, but also have some well-earned festive fun! Market-goers will also be able to indulge in mulled wine and food from local vendors, as well as listen to live music and attend festive workshops.
9. Go on an adventure to this festive light trail in a forest just an hour’s drive from Glasgow
An extravagant light trail, the Starry Nights light trail, with light shows and lasers is going to be enchanting Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow. The festive experience will run between December 13 and December 23, offering visitors the chance to be transported to a fairy tale land deep into the woods. The walk will boast festive laser shows and exciting lighting and sound effects for a truly immersive experience. And there is a host of other attractions: the Starry Night Tunnel, Festive Food Village, Carols & Cocktails area, Festive Funfair and Santa’s Grotto. You can book your tickets here.
10. Attend a boozy disco brunch at the rooftop venue VEGA
The rooftop venue VEGA is launching a Christmas Disco Boozy Brunch, set to be a noteworthy addition to Glasgow’s party scene throughout December. Expect plenty of fizz and gin cocktails, Christmassy disco vibes and a good boogie. Running every Saturday in the lead-up to Christmas on December 7, 14 and 21 for four hours from 12pm, VEGA’s new Festive Disco Boozy Brunch will transport brunch lovers to a disco winter wonderland, complete with live DJ sets, cocktails, a Festive Fizz station and, of course, plenty of snacks to accompany the main meal. Guests can raise a toast to their loved ones before tucking in; choosing from dishes including Huevos Rancheros, French Toast and Crispy Bacon or Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles.
11. Watch Christmas movies near the shores of Loch Lomond at a drive-in cinema
The sell-out festive family film tradition, itison Drive-in Movies, is back this Christmas from December 13 – 24 as it enters its tenth year at Loch Lomond Shores. Adding to the classic Christmas films screened yearly, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas will be providing viewers with some feel-good quality time with their loved ones this December. You can also expect Elf, Home Alone 1 & 2, The Polar Express and more.
12. Enjoy BYOB pottery painting and Christmas film
That’s right, The Craft Pottery is organising BYOB Christmas film nights with pottery painting to get the festive season going. Home Alone, Elf and How The Grinch Stole Christmas are all on the menu, which attendees can enjoy while painting their very own piece of pottery. Tickets start from just £5 per person, with the experience running between December 4 and 22. You can book them here.