As the holiday season approaches, cities and towns around Scotland begin to shimmer with festive lights and holiday cheer, and Glasgow is no exception. This vibrant and multi-lingual (hence the title) Scottish city transforms into a winter wonderland that captivates both locals and visitors alike. During a recent visit, we had the opportunity to experience Glasgow's approach to Christmas celebrations. From bustling Christmas markets filled with crafts and delicious treats, to stunning light displays that illuminate the city's historic architecture, Glasgow offers a magical Christmas experience unlike any other. Join us as we ‘explore and discover’ the heart of this festive city, discovering what a Glaswegian Christmas is all about!
Winterfest by Day
One of the highlights of our visit was Winterfest- which has locations at both St. Enoch and George Squares. We started our adventure at St. Enoch Square, where the market stalls were brimming with holiday gift ideas and delicious treats. I couldn't resist tucking in to some sweet and spicy chicken, which helped to quickly heat me up in the chilly weather. The Square buzzed with excitement as families and friends gathered to enjoy the rides and festivities.
Just when we thought the magic couldn't get any better, we found ourselves at George Square. Even though it was daytime, it was bustling with energy. It was fascinating to see the juxtaposition of the Square's famous statues alongside the Winterfest atmosphere.
To help us get a better view of this, we decided to take a ride on the Big Wheel. As the sun set on a crisp but beautiful day, we were able to get a unique view of the festivities.
A Visit to The Kelvingrove
No visit to Glasgow would be complete without a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
When we visited, they were just starting to set up their Christmas decorations with some already adorning the iconic organ. Below it, we watched as they decorated the Christmas tree- which must have been quite the feat as it towered high in the Centre Hall.
Winterfest at Night
After a wee afternoon break, we made our way back to the Winterfest action, eager to take in the lights and sights in the evening. As night fell, both squares took on an entirely different persona. At St. Enoch Square, the lights twinkled more brightly against the dark sky, and there was a cosy atmosphere as we wandered among the market stalls.
However, it was George Square that truly stole the show. That Square clearly comes to life in a completely different way in the evening, and by the time we made our way there, the place was hopping with holiday spirit. As we walked around, we were surrounded with laughter and shouts of delight as people enjoyed the rides and cheerful atmosphere.
Standing proudly at the end of George Square was a beautiful Christmas tree acting as a beacon of joy.
Behind the tree, the iconic architecture of City Chambers was beautifully lit up with holiday-themed light projections.
Our Christmas visit to Glasgow was an unforgettable experience, one that filled our hearts with warmth and our spirits with joy. The city's vibrant decorations, coupled with the festive ambience of Winterfest at St. Enoch Square and George Square, made for a truly magical visit. Please note that Winterfest will be at St. Enoch Square until the 29th of December and at George Square until the 5th of January 2025.
Here are a few more pictures around Glasgow from our visit:
Glasgow has a way of making Christmas feel even more special, and we hope you got a wee taste of that with this blog post. Obviously, there is so much more to see and do during this time of year (e.g. concerts, plays, charity events, and different markets), and we only skimmed the surface with this recent visit.
If you want to continue your holiday celebration, check out our experience in Edinburgh at Christmas at the Botanics. You can also discover some of our past holiday explorations in The Highlands, Aberdeen, Abbotsford, Stirling Old Town Jail, Edinburgh Castle, and The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Be sure to hit the subscribe button below so you don’t miss out on future holiday posts as well as our travels around Scotland throughout the year!
Until next time – Explore & Discover!
