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Christmas events and lights in Glasgow 2026

What's actually confirmed for Glasgow's Christmas 2026, from the Princes Square lights to free festive markets. For the big outdoor markets, see our Christmas markets guide.

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Last checked 23 October 2026. We only list a date once two independent sources agree. Anything not yet announced is left out, not guessed. We'll add it when it's confirmed.

The big change this year: no George Square switch-on

There's no one-off Christmas lights switch-on in George Square in 2026. Instead the square hosts the Good Times Christmas Village from late November, with food and drink and festive light installations. The full programme hasn't been announced yet.

Sources: BBC News; Glasgow Live.

Confirmed dates

WhenWhatCostSources
15 Nov (Sun)Princes Square Christmas light switch-onFreePrinces Square; Glasgow Times; ScottishNews
Late NovemberGeorge Square: Good Times Christmas Village opensFree to enterBBC News; Glasgow Live
28–29 Nov (Sat–Sun)Riverside Christmas Market, Riverside MuseumFreeGlasgow Life; Data Thistle
5–6 Dec (Sat–Sun)Tea Green Winter Market, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and MuseumFreeWhat's On Glasgow; Pedddle
27 Dec (Sun)Christmas Cracker 5k/10k and kids' races, Kelvingrove ParkPaid entryFindarace; Let's Do This

Princes Square lights switch-on Free

Sunday 15 November at Princes Square, off Buchanan Street. Entry is free. ScottishNews reports festivities from 12.30pm, with Santa switching on the lights at 4pm and things continuing until 6pm.

Sources: Princes Square; Glasgow Times; ScottishNews.

⚑ Flagged: the 12.30pm–6pm timings and the 4pm switch-on come from ScottishNews only. Princes Square says "further event details and timings will be announced soon".

Riverside Christmas Market Free

More than 70 stalls of handmade gifts, crafts and baking at the Riverside Museum. Saturday 28 November 10am–4.30pm, Sunday 29 November 11am–4.30pm.

Sources: Glasgow Life; Data Thistle.

Tea Green Winter Market at Kelvingrove Free

Independent Scottish makers inside Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Saturday 5 December 10am–5pm, Sunday 6 December 11am–5pm.

Sources: What's On Glasgow; Pedddle.

⚑ Flagged: Pedddle lists 10am–5pm on both days. We show the Sunday 11am start from What's On Glasgow, so check before you go.

Christmas Cracker run, Kelvingrove Park Paid

Sunday 27 December: 5k and 10k races plus a kids' race and toddler dash. You need to enter in advance.

Sources: Findarace; Let's Do This.

Cancelled this year

Elfingrove has been cancelled. It was called off on 17 September 2026, a day after tickets went on sale. The organisers said ticket holders would get full refunds automatically.

Sources: BBC News; STV News.

Not listed yet

We've left out these items until two sources agree on the details:

More

Christmas markets 2026 · Free things to do with kids · What's on this weekend · Glasgow on a Sunday

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