Winter wonders
Winter wonders
Feel the magic of the winter season by taking in starry sights, warming drinks and joyful concerts.
Sparkling sights in the city
St Enoch Square and George Square are both the settings for winter wonderlands this season. The Christmas Fair at George Square (December 1 - January 8), will be home to an ice rink, 33-metre-high observation wheel, as well as the return of the popular Venetian flying chairs and Victorian carousel.
Sounds of the season
What could be nicer on a cold winter's day than cosying up in bar with friends, while enjoying music from local musicians. Many city bars run free live music sessions, from traditional celtic music at The Ben Nevis Bar to jazz at The Howling Wolf. Visit our bars with free live music page for more ideas.
Credit: Gaelle Beri
And the best is still to come once we head into the New Year! The biggest winter festival in Europe, Celtic Connections brightens up the city each January. Check out the line of amazing acts announced so far at celticconnections.com.
Warming winter drinks
Take a break and stop in somewhere for a winter warming drink or 2. Whether coffee, hot chocolate, mulled wine or cocktails is your drink of choice - there are plenty of options in the city.
For a truly indulgent hot chocolate, visit Bare Bones in the Trongate. The award-winning Glaswegian chocolate company serves delicious hot chocolates, which can be enjoyed while picking up gifts for loved ones. Check out bareboneschocolate.co.uk for details.
For something a little stronger, lots of the city centre's coolest bars have changed their menus to include seasonal cocktails. For Christmas cheer and winter warmers, try Manhatten-inspired 63rd and 1st, modern Scottish Glaschu, classy The Anchor Line and cosy gastro-pub The Duke's Umbrella. Check out our cocktail bars page for ideas on where to go.
If looking for less glam and more traditional, then browse our cosy pubs page for ideas. From Waxy O'Connors to Rab Ha's to Oran Mor, there are many city bars that have roaring fireplaces, candles and armchairs to set the perfect scene for a winter's evening.
For a magical Scandi-inspired winter experience, head to Cranside Kitchen's Winter Village. Open from November 24 - Hogmanay, there will be independent street food vendors, drinks and entertainment, with festive decor. You can even hire out a Swedish forest-style chalet or a private Kopparberg ski gondola for groups of 6. Visit cransidekitchen.co.uk for details.
Article last updated: December 2022
