The traditional ones
If you’re a chestnuts-roasting-on-an-open-fire kind of festive fan, you’ll want to head to George Square (about 2 minutes from Native Glasgow) and St Enoch Square (a mere 6 minute walk away) for gifts and knick-knacks, hearty food and steaming cups of mulled cider.
At St Enoch Square, you can feast on the classic bratwursts and hog roast, or go off piste with a bit of local duck rotisserie or crêpes. At George Square you’ll find the city’s stunning 15 metre Christmas tree, a vintage Helter Skelter and carousel, and Santa himself, who’s essentially a living advent calendar, giving out treats to kids every day. You may be lucky enough to get an apartment on the east side of the building that has views over George Square, where you can watch the festive fun from the warmth of your own room. The location is so good that we even had a party in our penthouse apartment with our friends at El Perro Negro to watch the Christmas light switch on over George Square.
St Enoch Square Christmas Market
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Until Sunday 22 December
Sunday to Wednesday: 10am – 7pm, bars open until 10pm
Thursday to Saturday: 10am – 10pm
George Square Christmas Market
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Until Sunday 29 December
10am – 10pm every day, 10am – 6pm on Christmas Eve
Find out more.
The indie ones
A Vegan Connections Christmas 2019
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Saturday 14 December, The Briggait, Bridegate
A glittering Christmas market with a vegan twist, Vegan Connections will be hosting 35 stalls serving hearty food and selling thoughtful, ethically sourced gifts.
There’s also a charitable side to the market, with proceeds from the raffle and other fundraising going towards The Glasgow Winter Night Shelter.
Sloans Market
Every weekend, 11am to 5pm, Sloans Lane, between Argyle Street and Buchanan Street.
Brilliant independent traders from across the country gather at Sloans Market every weekend, and things turn seriously festive throughout December. The stalls are quirky and original, the pub there serves great food and you might even catch a piano playing elf or two.
Merchant Square Craft & Design Fair
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Every Saturday, 11am–6pm
Every Sunday, 12pm–6pm
Merchant Square’s regular craft fair is twinkling with fairy lights and scented with spice at this time of year. From handmade baby clothes and soaps to artwork and photography, it’s perfect for a bit of last minute Christmas shopping.
Plan your festive escape and book your stay in our art deco boutique hotel in Glasgow.
