What to book, see and do in Glasgow this December
From experiential cocktail experiences to festive feasts, exhibitions and family-friendly performances, Glasgow is packed with things to do this month. Whether you’re planning a cosy day out, a Christmas catch-up with friends or something seasonal to enjoy with the kids, here are the best events and openings across the city this December.
Step into a Christmas of memories at Somewhere by Nico
Where: Somewhere by Nico — Glasgow (Byres Road) & Edinburgh (Queensferry Street)
When: Until 31 December 2025
Somewhere by Nico has launched one of the most inventive festive experiences of the season: Now That’s What I Call: Christmas Cocktails — a five-course cocktail journey inspired by childhood Christmas memories. Think decorating the tree, leaving treats out for Santa and the excitement of unwrapping presents, all reimagined through storytelling and mixology.
Guests create their own “Christmas List” by choosing flavour profiles and personalised options such as a Gingerbread Espresso Martini or a Pigs in Blanket Old Fashioned. The standout course may be Kevin’s Room Service for One — three scoops of vanilla ice cream served with toppings, an edible room service receipt and your choice of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry “sauce” cocktail.
Every drink arrives with a sense of theatre, scent and nostalgia, capturing the magic of Christmas in a way that Somewhere by Nico does best. A full non-alcoholic pairing is also available.
Visit somewherebynico.co.uk.
See Wee Nutcracker at Tramway
Where: Tramway, Glasgow
When: 12 December – Christmas Eve
A perfect festive theatre trip for younger audiences. Scottish Ballet’s Wee Nutcracker offers a shorter, 45-minute adaptation of the classic Christmas ballet — ideal for kids aged five and up who may find the full production a little long. It’s warm, magical and designed to hold little ones’ attention right through to the interval ice cream.
Visit scottishballet.co.uk.
Join our Festive Hosting Masterclass with Maria O’Neill at The Delphine
Where: The Delphine, Glasgow
When: Thursday 18 December, 7–9pm
If you love hosting, this one’s for you. Luxury tablescape artist Maria O’Neill (Maria Elizabeth Designs) is teaming up with Glasgow favourite Modern Love Store for a festive styling masterclass at The Delphine. Maria has created immersive atmospheres for global names including Jo Malone, Dior and Diageo — and now she’s sharing her favourite tips, tricks and festive styling ideas.
Expect two glasses of fizz, 30% off The Delphine’s menu, and a hands-on session where you’ll learn how to style Modern Love Store’s pieces, elevate your table settings and create warm, welcoming festive spaces. Perfect for Christmas Day, Friendsmas, Twixmas dinners or New Year gatherings.
A cosy, creative December evening that’s ideal for anyone wanting to upgrade their hosting game this season.
Visit quinemagazine.com.
Visit Glasgow’s Historic Panto Exhibition at City Chambers
Where: Glasgow City Chambers
When: Monday–Friday, 8.30am–5pm, until 24 December
Celebrating 150 years of pantomime in Scotland, this beautifully curated exhibition explores Glasgow’s long-standing love of panto — from iconic dames and legendary stars to costumes, sets, rare archival footage and illustrated displays. Expect immersive panels, life-size cut-outs and behind-the-scenes memories from performers including Stanley Baxter. A brilliant, nostalgic festive outing.
Visit glasgow850.com/panto.
Treat yourself to some winter wellness at The Retreat
Where: 213 St Vincent Street
If December feels full-on, The Retreat — Glasgow’s new female-owned spa — is the perfect place to reset. Alongside facials and TEMPLESPA massages, the space offers something rarely found in the city: bookable hydrobath sessions designed for total, private relaxation, complete with soft lighting, aromatic oils and 45 minutes of warm, bubbly escapism.
Founded by therapist Rebecca Billingy, The Retreat is all about helping guests “realign, reconnect and renew”. Treatments range from deeply relaxing aromatherapy massages to the indulgent Champagne & Truffles facial, with Teen Spa’rtys launching soon too.
Visit theretreatglasgow.com.
Try a modern Mexicana Christmas at SíSí Rooftop
Where: SíSí Rooftop, Merchant City, Glasgow
When: Throughout the festive season
For something a bit different to the usual turkey and trimmings, SíSí Rooftop in Merchant City is serving a festive sharing menu with a modern Mexicana twist. Think seasonal small plates, bold flavours, colourful cocktails and skyline views that make the whole evening feel like a little escape from the chaos below.
Gather your pals, order a spread of dishes to share and settle in for a night of music, lights and end-of-year catch-ups. It works just as well for a Christmas night out as it does for a post-shopping treat when you need to thaw out and refuel.
Visit sisirooftop.com.
Book Six by Nico’s Nutcracker tasting menu
Where: Six by Nico, Byres Road, Merchant City and Southside, Glasgow
When: Until 31 December 2025
Six by Nico’s seasonal menus have become a bit of a Glasgow ritual, and this year’s Christmas theme is The Nutcracker. The six-course menu reimagines scenes from the ballet in food form, moving from comforting, nostalgic flavours to more theatrical plates.
Highlights include a baked Gruyère royale with smoked pancetta jam and chestnut emulsion, a “Frozen Lake” course of sea bass with burnt apple and ember-roasted leek, and an elevated take on pigs in blankets with artichoke, black garlic and caramelised mushroom. Dessert is a Land of Sweets-inspired finale of almond, clementine and candy cane. Vegetarian and vegan menus are available.
Visit sixbynico.co.uk.
