Glasgow Christmas Markets 2023: The 7 best to visit in Winter

Glasgow, one named the cultural capital of the UK, is home to a wide range of shopping malls, pubs, and bars. No matter what season you visit this famous port city, you'll find no shortage of things to do.

But during the holiday season from late November to late December, Glasgow comes alive with festive lights, cheerful vibes and, of course, enchanting Christmas markets throughout the city centre. Two charming Christmas markets, located on George Square and St. Enoch Square, are a must-visit.

Here's our list of top Glasgow Christmas Markets in 2023 for a festive day out.

1. George Square Christmas Market

George Square is the city’s most famous gathering point over the winter holidays in Glasgow.

Alongside numerous vendors offering unique gifts and delightful seasonal treats, the local Christmas market features a magnificent 50-foot (15-metre) Christmas tree, a 100ft plus observation wheel, a huge ice skating rink, a Victorian carousel, Christmas-themed entertainment with singers, dancers and surprise guests on performance stage every afternoon and exciting amusement rides for children.

Dates: 1^st of December 2023 – 7^th of January 2024

Opening Hours: the hours of operation are usually from 10am to 10pm

Address: George Square, Glasgow G2 1DH

2. St Enoch Square Christmas Market

St Enoch Square Christmas Market is the place to be for thrill-seekers to try exhilarating rides. One popular ride, where riders fly through the skyreaching speeds of up to 70mph, is called The Blizzard. For those looking to test their mettle against frosty elements, there's even a 20-foot ice climbing wall, promising visitors a fun challenge.

Beyond the heart-pounding excitement, you'll find in this Glasgow Christmas Market an array of festive gifts and delightful treats, including traditional bratwurst, crepes, hog roasts, and a local favourite, crispy duck rotisserie.

Dates: 17^th of November 2023 – 3^rd of January 2024

Opening Hours: the hours of operation are usually from 9am to 10pm

Address: Spitalerstraße shopping district

3. Riverside Museum Christmas Market

This is a unique Christmas market inside the iconic Riverside museum in Glasgow, offering visitors over 40 stalls of handmade and crafted goodies to choose from. Visitors can explore a delightful array of original gift ideas, including candles and melts, exquisite silver jewellery, charming decorations, art prints, stylish clothing and accessories, unique gifts for babies, and special treats for your furry friends.

Just like the museum itself, entry to this market is always free, ensuring a welcoming and accessible festive experience for all.

Dates: 2^nd and 3^rd of December 2023

Opening Hours:

Saturday: 10am to 4:30pm

Sunday: 11am to 4:30pm

Address: Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Rd, Govan, Glasgow G3 8RS

4. Glasgow Fort Christmas Market

The Glasgow Fort Christmas Market is a great place to stop in while shopping for gifts. On top of the wide variety of hot food stalls, visitors can find plenty of gift options such as cheese hampers, handmade gifts, delectable Christmas sweets, and spirits.

Last year the fort even featured a Ferris Wheel and German-style bar where Christmas characters like the Grinch and Santa himself frequently made appearances.

Dates: 18^th of November to 29^nd of December 2023

Opening Hours: to be updated

Address: Glasgow Fort Junction 10 M8

5. Rags To Riches Christmas Market

Rags To Riches is a joyfully sustainable Christmas market coming to the Southside of Glasgow. With around 40 small stalls, local artists and crafters will be gathering showcasing their work.

Visitors can expect to find anything from Christmas decorations to hand-crafted jewellery, hot water bottles or handmade soaps. Marketgoers will also be able to try mulled wine and food from local vendors, relish live musical performances, and participate in engaging festive workshops!

Dates: 3^rd, 10^th and 17^th of December 2023

Opening Hours: midday until 5pm

Address: Courtyard at The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ

6. The Alchemy Festive Market

The annual Alchemy Experience Festive Market is back on every weekend throughout December, staring from the 2^nd. Focused on local artists and makers, The Alchemy Experiment Festive Market brings together talented local artists and makers to showcase exclusive gift ideas.

You can expect a wide variety of items, from jewellery and candles to trinkets and art, with a daily rotation of 7 artists. The market also features various pop-up exhibits, workshops, and film screenings. If you're looking for something more unique than the typical Christmas market, don't miss this hip spot in Glasgow's west end.

Dates: 2^nd, 3^rd, 9^th, 10^th, 16^th and 17^th of December 2023

Opening Hours: from 10am to 5pm

Address: 157 Byres Road, G12 1DQ, Glasgow

7. Christmas Wonderland at Dean Castle

Christmas Wonderland is a brand-new, magical illuminated Christmas Market coming to Dean Castle this December. Located just a 30-minute drive away from Glasgow, Starry Nights will feature all the elements we all love about illuminated trails, with plenty of fun for the whole family.

From Santa’s Grotto and fire pits, to the fully immersive, festively illuminated light trail and sound installations across the Country Park, the experience promises to glow up your Christmas spirit like never before. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that promises family festivities for everyone.

Dates: 8^th to 23^rd of December 2023

Opening Hours: from 3:45pm to 7pm

Address: Dean Castle Country Park

Indoor Things to do in the Winter in Glasgow

Winter in Glasgow can be chilly, with sunny spells, and the occasional snowy day. The trick to enjoying the time you spend in the city in January and February is to be prepared for the weather, and that means packing the right clothes and planning to spend some time indoors during your visit. Here are some indoor things to do in Glasgow in the cold, dark, and wet months of the year.

1. Christmas Shows & Festive Activities

There’s no shortage of festive activities you can do indoors in winter. Attend a performance at Glasgow Concert Halls, featuring a jam-packed programme for January and February. A few highlights include the Royal Scottish Orchestra’s performance of Handel’s Messiah (2^nd of January), the Elvis Years – the Story of the King (13^th of January), Dunedin Consort – Peter Whelan Conducts Haydn (11^th of February), and the American Four Tops (24^th of February).

Watch the Snow Queen ballet: Treat yourself to an unforgettable performance of a classic story that’s perfect for this time of year, namely the Snow Queen. The Scottish Ballet will perform the show at the Theatre Royal until the 8^th of January.

Celebrate Burns Night: Honour Scotland’s favourite poet, Robert Burns, at one of the many Burns Night events taking place throughout Glasgow. Most events include food, drink, and entertainment such as music, comedy, and poetry and spoken word performances. 25^th of January (with some events taking place on the 20^th and 27^th of January).

Listen to roots and folk music at Celtic Connections: Be part of Europe’s biggest celebration of roots and folk music at Celtic Connections. Highlight acts include Kate Rusby, Rozi Plain, Bonny Light Horseman and Kris Drever. 19^th of January – 5^th of February.

Explore Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum: Spend a few hours exploring more than 8,000 objects across 22 themed galleries at what’s arguably Glasgow’s finest museum and art gallery. You’ll agree it’s one of the best things to do in Glasgow in winter. Free entrance (except for small temporary exhibitions).

2. Activities for couples

Spending time with someone special? These indoor couple’s activities are perfect for winter in Glasgow.

Be pampered at a spa: Most if not all of the spas in Glasgow offer couple’s packages. Treat yourself and your significant other to a few hours of blissful pampering at an establishment such as PURE Spa & Beauty, the Gin Spa, Spa Twentysix, or the Leelawadee Thai Massage beauty and spa.

Enjoy cocktails or a meal at a rooftop bar: See the city lights twinkling in the gloom from a great vantage point while sipping cocktails or enjoying a meal at one of Glasgow’s rooftop bars. Check out Chinaskis on North Street, an atmospheric bar and restaurant that celebrates the life of writer and poet Charles Bukowski and is known for innovative seasonal dishes.

Go on a date night with a difference: Spend an evening enjoying delicious food, creative cocktails, ping-pong, arcade games, and other fun activities at the Hillhead Bookclub, a welcoming bar with comfy seats and people who are always friendly.

Indulge in afternoon tea: A pot of hot tea and savoury or sweet finger foods are the perfect indulgence on a rainy day in winter in Glasgow. Indulge in that fine tradition of afternoon tea at the iconic Willow Tea Rooms on Buchanan Street.

3. Fun indoor activities

Discover our favourite fun indoor things to do in Glasgow. If you’re looking for ways to have a good time with your children or the whole family, you’ll find them right here:

Go Ice Skating: Head to the grounds of the Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery, where you’ll find the Ice Experience at Elfingrove, Scotland’s biggest ice rink. Until the 8^th of January.

Have fun at the IRN BRU Carnival: Make your way to the SEC for the IRN BRU Carnival. You’ll find plenty of rides, stalls, games, and kids’ play areas – and it’s all under cover! Until the 15^th of January.

Play mini golf at Golf Fang: Put your mini golf skills to the test on an 18-hole course that pays homage to Glasgow’s culture and humour at Golf Fang. Turn things up a notch by choosing a package that includes golf, food, and beverages. Over 18 only.

Get your roller disco groove on: What’s better than dancing to good music under twinkling lights and the magical mirror ball effect? Doing all that while wearing roller skates! Have fun at the Rollerstop Roller Disco in Middlesex Street and make memories to last a lifetime.

Jump for joy at a trampoline park: Do the kids need to burn off some energy? Treat them to a few hours at Flip Out, an indoor trampoline park with an incredible 63,000 square feet of trampolines as well as inflatable obstacles, a bounce basketball court, a bungee run, and a helter-skelter that leads to a ball pit.

Where to stay in Glasgow in Winter

Winter in Glasgow is a season for creating memories that warm the heart. Discover your home away from home in this vibrant city at our fully-furnished, spacious serviced apartments in Glasgow. A stay at Fraser Suites Glasgow places you within easy reach of the city's main attractions and the Christmas markets in and around Glasgow. Contact us to find the best option for your winter holiday in Scotland.