There are still a few weeks until Christmas, but Glasgow’s festive calendar is already filling up fast. From magical theatre performances to cosy winter markets and festive afternoon teas, now is the time to secure your spot before the best events are fully booked. To help you plan your season of sparkle, we’ve rounded up an early selection of shows, parties, and experiences guaranteed to bring the Christmas cheer…
Festive theatre and performances
The Nutcracker at Theatre Royal
Step into the enchanting world of The Nutcracker. With Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and spellbinding choreography, this classic ballet is the perfect festive outing.
When: 6–30 December
Where: Theatre Royal, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow
Book tickets here
Peter Pan at King’s Theatre
Fly away to Neverland with this heartwarming and hilarious production of Peter Pan at the King’s Theatre, featuring the iconic Elaine C. Smith. Make it a full evening with a pre-theatre dinner at the Radisson Blu, beautifully adorned with Peter Pan-inspired decorations. They even have an exclusive festive cocktail menu to get you into the Panto spirit, featuring drinks like the “Neverland Cocktail” and “The Tinkerbell.”
When: Now–5 January
Where: King’s Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow
Book tickets here
The Holiday with a Live Orchestra
For film fans, catch The Holiday accompanied by a live orchestra for a magical cinematic experience.
When: Various dates in December
Where: The Armadillo, SEC Campus, Exhibition Way, Glasgow
Book tickets here
Christmas Ceilidh at Sloans
Dance the night away at Sloans’ Christmas Ceilidh, a lively evening filled with festive tradition and high energy.
When: Various dates in December
Where: Sloans, 62 Argyll Arcade, Glasgow
Book tickets here
Catch a Christmas movie
The Grosvenor Cinema
Snuggle up with mulled wine or a hot toddy at The Grosvenor on Ashton Lane for festive film screenings.
Get tickets here
Everyman Cinema
Indulge in a cosy festive film at Everyman, perfect for movie lovers seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
Get tickets here
Blythswood Hotel Festive Cinema Club
Head to Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel for an elevated cinema experience. Enjoy festive classics like Elf and Home Alone while sipping hot cocoa or mulled wine, complete with a marshmallow-toasting station.
When: 21–23 December
Where: Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, 11 Blythswood Square, Glasgow
Book tickets here
Magical markets & festive shopping
Ashton Lane Winter Wonderland
Stroll through Ashton Lane’s Winter Wonderland, featuring Christmas choirs, festive food, pop-up bars, and a market full of gift inspiration.
When: 8–10 December
Where: Ashton Lane, West End, Glasgow
Book tickets here
Support local at Glasgow’s pop-ups
- Vieve in Buchanan Galleries
When: 5 December-23 December
Where: Buchanan Galleries, 220 Buchanan Street - Good Story in Princes Square
When: 20 November–31 December
Where: Princes Square, 48 Buchanan Street - Artists Tuck Shop at Blackhill Bakery
When: 1–23 December
Where: Blackhill Bakery, 124 Blackhill Road
Visit here
Food, drink & festive feasts
Festive Boozy Brunch at The Spiritualist
Toast to the holidays with a boozy brunch at The Spiritualist. Think indulgence meets festive cheer.
When: Now–24 December
Where: The Spiritualist, 62 Miller Street, Glasgow
Book tickets here
Festive Afternoon Tea at Willow Tea Rooms
Treat yourself to a traditional festive afternoon tea in the charming setting of Willow Tea Rooms.
When: Various dates in December
Where: 217 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow
Book tickets here
New Cocktail Menu at House of Gods
Sip on Christmas-inspired cocktails at House of Gods, Glasgow’s most Christmassy rooftop bar.
When: Various dates in December
Where: Glassford Street, Glasgow
Book your table here
SO-TTO by Aquarius Creative
Step into Glasgow’s coolest concept bar with SO-TTO by Aquarius, an après-ski-inspired pop-up cocktail bar right in the heart of George Square. Expect Christmas cocktails, slope-side vibes, and plenty of festive cheer. Whether you’re warming up after a day of shopping or kicking off a seasonal celebration, this is the perfect spot to toast the holidays.
When: Open daily throughout December
Where: George Square, Glasgow
Follow SO-TTO on Instagram
Absent Ear’s revolutionary new cocktail menu
Absent Ear has launched a groundbreaking new cocktail menu, its first in two years. The goal? To meet cutting-edge mixology with immersive Scottish art, creating a cocktail experience like no other.
Once you find this hidden speakeasy, you’ll be transported into a two-floor digital gallery where art inspires cocktails, and cocktails inspire art. Highlights include:
- Fragola-Rama: A minimalist celebration of strawberry with Diplomatico Planas Rum, Manzanilla Sherry, and Strawberry³, paired with bespoke artwork by Glasgow artist Sophie Rowan.
- Roobarb & Custard: A nostalgic yet luxurious blend of rhubarb oleo, peach aperitif, and custard cream foam, served with a playful mix bag of sweets.
These cocktails push the boundaries of flavour with innovative techniques like cryo-concentration and lacto-fermentation.
Where: Absent Ear, Glasgow
Reserve your place here
Winter Wonderland in the West End
Wrap up warm and explore Glasgow’s West End, from the Botanic Gardens to Kelvingrove Park. End your walk with a decadent hot chocolate from Nowita or some festive-flavoured gelato if you’re feeling adventurous.
Prosecco and S’mores at Brel Firepit
Gather your loved ones at Brel for a cosy fireside experience. Indulge in prosecco, toast s’mores, and soak up the festive atmosphere on Ashton Lane.
When: Various dates in December
Where: Brel, Ashton Lane, Glasgow
Visit website here
Crafty and creative
Make Your Own Christmas Crackers at Sew Confident
Get creative and sustainable by making reusable crackers at Sew Confident.
When: Various dates in December
Where: 1194 Argyle Street, Glasgow
Book tickets here
