Glasgow Winterfest 2023 plans for George Square and St Enoch Square Christmas markets

This year’s city centre spectacle will offer entertainment for local families, with a range of attractions and activities that will delight visitors of all ages.

When are the Glasgow Christmas markets?

Winterfest in George Square, organised by M&N Events, will be open from November 25th, 2023, through to January 7th, 2024, while St Enoch Square will welcome visitors from November 10th until December 30th, 2023.

Entry to both venues is free.

Highlights at George Square include:

• Ice Rink: Glide through the winter wonderland on skates.
• Festival Bar: Warm up with a toasty beverage at the outdoor bar.
• Silent Disco: Dance the night away with headphones and your choice of music.
• Festive Rides and Attractions: Enjoy the big wheel, helter-skelter, traditional carousel, and kids attractions.
• Festive stalls: Local businesses selling a variety of Christmas gift items and festive food.

There will be a quiet zone designed for those with sensory needs. This year George Square will also feature a Community Hub. In partnership with the Clutha Trust there will be a stage to showcase local artists, dancers, singers and musicians.

Alan Crossan, Clutha Trust Founder, says: “The Clutha Trust has teamed up with this year’s Glasgow Winterfest. Our charity will be organising the music stage, offering some of Glasgow’s well-known bands, the Clutha Trust Choir, the Clutha Kids and we will be asking for local musicians to note interest for the chance to perform on the Clutha Stage at George Square.

“We intend to raise a minimum of £50k which will be used for our Power over Poverty initiative meaning we can help 500 families over the Christmas period with their utility bills.”

St Enoch Square has its own enchanting offerings, including a festive bar, kids attractions and food stalls.

George Square Ice Rink

Organisers say the ice rink tickets will go on sale soon with updates and announcements from Glasgow Winterfest on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

George Square Christmas Lights Switch-On

This year’s event, hosted by Clyde 1 presenters George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie, will be packed full of festive fun, including live music, sing-alongs, a choir, and appearances by some of the cast of Pavilion Theatre pantomime Treasure Island.

The free event - tickets will be allocated by a ballot - takes place in George Square on Sunday November 19 (4.30-7.00pm).