Glasgow city guides

What to do in Glasgow at Christmas.

23-10-2023

Dylan Mitchell

Glasgow Winter Sunset

As one of Scotland’s biggest and thriving cities, Glasgow is an ideal place to visit on a city break all year round. With Christmas just around the corner, there’s no better time to visit this Scottish haven as the festive spirit turns the city into an even more cheery and welcoming place than before. If you’re eager to see all Glasgow has to offer around this time but are unsure where to start, you’re in the right place. Take a look below at this tastecard guide on what to do in Glasgow at Christmas.

Visiting Glasgow at Christmas.

Glasgow is a gorgeous place to visit around Christmas time with plenty to see and do to get you excited for the 25th. If you’re new to the city, have been but not around Christmas time or are a native who could do with some inspiration, this guide is for you.

At tastecard, we have loads of ideas on what to do in Glasgow at Christmas. On all of the ideas below, you can take advantage of our days out deals, restaurant offers and even more Glasgow deals when you subscribe.

So, these are what we at tastecard think are the best ways to spend quality time with your loved ones at Christmas:

  • Stroll through the Christmas markets

  • Christmas shopping and a spot of brunch

  • Take a trip to the cinema

  • Tuck into a festive meal

Glasgow Xmas Decorations Xmas Markets

Stroll through the Christmas markets.

Glasgow city centre comes to life at Christmas time. The streets are adorned with twinkling Christmas lights and the festive buzz fills the air. Above all other areas of Glasgow, however, there’s one place you simply have to visit. If you’ve been unsure of what to do in Glasgow at Christmas, George’s Square is the place to be.

With so much to do in the fantastic Christmas markets that pop up here year after year, you’ll be entranced for hours! Sample some of their freshly cooked festive bites to eat, take a look at the city up high on their Ferris wheel or flying chairs and be sure not to miss the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. While you explore, be sure to keep off the winter chill with a delicious hot chocolate or a festively-themed latte from many Glaswegian coffee shops with tastecard.

Free for tastecard members, you can grab 25% off barista-made coffee at 1000s of coffee shops across the country with our Coffee Club.

Shopping mall blur background with Christmas lights

Christmas shopping and a spot of brunch.

If you’re a morning person, then you’ll love this idea of what to do in Glasgow at Christmas. Have a look around the St. Enoch Centre while the crowds are a little smaller and take the opportunity to grab some gifts. Ideal for a fun day out with a parent or best mate, a shopping spree around Glasgow allows you to get into the festive spirit of giving. Whether you’re shopping for a gift for a loved one or a well-deserved gift for yourself, the great range of options Glasgow’s shopping centres offer will provide you with plenty of choice. To chill out and soak in the merry atmosphere, be sure to head on over to Black Sheep Coffee afterwards to enjoy their flavoursome breakfast and brunch options paired with a revitalising speciality coffee.

At Black Sheep Coffee, you can get 25% off the total bill by using your tastecard.

Woman reaching into a tub of popcorn

Take a trip to the cinema.

There’s no better time to catch a film than at Christmas. There are always brand-new blockbusters that hit the screens in December with many having a Yuletide twist to get you in the mood. Whether you take the whole family or just your partner, there’s just something about seeing a film on the big screen that can’t compare. ODEON in Glasgow Quay makes for an excellent place to catch a film as its plush, reclining seats make relaxing to enjoy the experience that much more comfy and enjoyable.

With an average of 25% off with our discount cinema tickets, you can visit the cinema with your loved ones for less across Glasgow with tastecard.

Barca Tapas Glasgow

Tuck into a festive meal.

Glasgow offers a great variety of restaurants to choose from with restaurants serving cuisines from around the globe across the city. With so much choice, it couldn’t be easier for you to round off a day of festivities with an evening meal that will serve something familiar or something new for you to sink your teeth into. Many of these quality restaurants have discounts as part of your tastecard too. Our favourites simply have to be Barca Tapas & Cava Bar and The Town Tavern.

With our restaurant deals in Glasgow, you can get up to 50% off and 2 for 1 deals in countless restaurants in Glasgow and across the country by signing up today.

Start saving with tastecard.

Now you’ve got some good inspiration for what to do in Glasgow at Christmas, try tastecard today and enjoy 2 for 1 meals or 50% off food, cinema ticket savings, and discounts on days out.

Subscribe today and enjoy fantastic restaurant offers on countless restaurants today!

Images sourced directly from partners and/or their Instagram accounts. All restaurants available on tastecard at the time of publishing.