Christmas in Glasgow with The Tinberry Travels

It’s officially December and the countdown to Christmas is on. Whether you need some organised festive activities or are just looking for somewhere to soak in the music and lights of the season, there’s plenty to keep you in the Christmas spirit here in Glasgow. Here’s just a few ideas to get you started…

George Square and Glasgow On Ice

Glasgow on Ice in George Square 

Based in the heart of the city, Glasgow on Ice festivities take pride of place in George Square. With the ice rink itself open from midday til 10pm throughout the week and from 10am at weekends, this fantastic winter activity allows visitors to glide around under the George Square Christmas Lights. With specific sessions for under 8s and reduced capacity ​ones for those of us who are more Bambi on ice than Torville and Dean, there’s a place for all abilities on the ice.

If skating isn’t your thing, George Square has plenty more on offer including the festive funfair and Big Wheel, free kids activities every weekend such as Christmas storytelling, arts and crafts and face painting or if you’d rather just relax you can find a nice spot in the cosy Winter Lodge with a festive drink and just watch the skaters glide by.

Festive Films Screening

Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life

What better way than a Christmas classic to give you that warm and fuzzy Christmas feeling? Top pick this year is the Glasgow Film Festival’s selection of favourites including It’s a Wonderful Life, A Muppet Christmas Carol and of course Die Hard. Films will be running throughout December.

Santa Dash 

Glasgow's Santa Dash

If you’re looking for a more active way to celebrate the season then why not try the 5K Santa Dash taking place on Sunday the 6th of December. This popular event sees thousands take to the streets in their Santa suits to raise money for charity. The fun run is suitable for all ages and abilities but you’ll need to be quick if you want to be part of the run as applications close on Thursday December 3rd. Even if you’re not interested in running this is a spectacular sight as Santa travels en masses through the streets of Glasgow so make sure to note this one in the calendar!

Glasgow’s Christmas Markets

Glasgow's Christmas Markets 

Christmas Markets have become an integral part of the Scottish Christmas season and are gaining popularity year on year as people search for something a bit different to gift to loved ones. Here in Glasgow, it’s no exception with traders from across the globe setting up shop in St Enoch Square and along Argyle street bringing artisan craftwork and tasty festive foods to Glasgow’s busiest shopping season. This year, the beautiful log cabins will be filled with traditional treats from countries such as France, Germany, Italy and even as far away as Ecuador. Make sure you get yourself down to the Christmas Markets to enjoy the fantastic festive atmosphere and of course a mulled wine or two.

Christmas Carols in the Concert Hall

Raymond Gubbay performing Carols

This year there will be plenty on at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall but carol singing really does add a little magic to that chilly winter air. Why not play time traveller and watch the Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival Carols by Candlelight. Performers will be donning 18th Century period customs and singing plenty of seasonal classics in evocative candle-lit style to make the whole evening a somewhat Dickensian affair.

If you’d rather get a bit more involved in the festive tunes why not join The London Concert Chorus and Orchestra as they perform their favourite carols and Christmas hits but all as Sing-a-long versions in this audience interactive evening. With everything from O Little Town Of Bethlehem to I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, the group will be looking for an enthusiastic audience when they perform on the 23rd. 

 About the Author

Kirstin is part time traveller with a passion for exploring; whether it's solo adventures abroad or local day trips from her home in Glasgow, Scotland. In recent years Kirstin’s been to Iceland, Canada and the US but previously spent a year in Australia and also lived on Jersey in the Channel Islands for a stint. With a passion for walking and hill climbing Kirstin is also treehugger environmental type and so nature always plays a big part in all her adventures. You can find her travel stories, reviews of days out and plenty of travel related nonsense over on the tinberry travels.

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