Glasgow lights up for Christmas

Winterfest Glasgow is the city’s festive celebration programme with a great range of events for all the family right through until January. Watch the night sky sparkle as we count down to the Christmas Lights Switch On and fabulous fireworks soar high above the City Chambers.

Radiance, Glasgow’s Festival of Light meanwhile will illuminate the skyline for four spectacular nights. Centered round the Merchant City, internationally acclaimed visual artists will light up the area’s beautiful and sometimes secret architecture; transforming this eclectic quarter into a dazzling encounter with art on a glittering trail that leads to the 12th century Glasgow Cathedral.

Glasgow on Ice is back – a spectacular new rink design complete with elves as helpers, will transform George Square into a winter wonderland for kids of all ages! Guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Here we raise the curtain on a few yuletide highlights for 2007/08 in Glasgow: Scotland with style!

Glasgow’s Christmas Lights, George Square (switch on: 18 November)
The fun culminates in the flick of a switch as Glasgow’s stunning Christmas lights are illuminated in George Square. Sing along to Christmas specials, join in the mass countdown; enjoy fabulous fireworks; then take a moment to pause by the seasonal nativity scene.
(entry by free ticket only, maximum of 4 tickets per household). Winterfestglasgow.com

Radiance - Glasgow’s Festival of Light (22-25 November)
November 07 sees the welcome return of Radiance, Glasgow's biennial International Festival of Light. Follow the trail through the Merchant City to Glasgow Cathedral, and see buildings, courtyards and even gable ends transformed by the installation of light by internationally acclaimed designers! Discover the city in a new light as it becomes an open air gallery; see the River Clyde reflect the city in a pool of light; and marvel at Glasgow Cathedral as it is transformed into a palette of colour.

Join in a walking tour, enjoy an illuminating Christmas Shopping experience, gaze at the specially decorated shop windows in the Merchant City, or join in one of the special film or music events.
Seeglasgow.com/radiance

German Christmas Market, St Enoch Square (23 November – 23 December)
The magical winter atmosphere of Glasgow’s German Christmas Market including wood-crafted cabins, a spectacular Christmas tree; traditional music and carols; original handcrafts and of course delicious food and drink.
Xmas-markets.com

Glasgow on Ice, George Square (26 November – January 2008)
Enjoy this once-a-year opportunity to skate in the heart of the city beneath the glow of the Christmas lights.
Winterfestglasgow.com

Glasgow’s Hogmanay, George Square (31 December)
Glasgow’s legendary Hogmanay celebrations will see George Square play host to around 25,000 revellers, determined to welcome 2008 in style, with some of the best names in pop and rock. This year’s bill remains under wraps until much closer to the event, but if previous years are anything to go by, then it promises to be yet another spectacular night of music, filled with dancing and singing in the heart of the city.
Winterfestglasgow.com

KYLIE: The Exhibition (until 13 January 2008)
This exhibition, taking place at the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, will explore Kylie Minogue as a popular icon and international performer. Featuring costumes, accessories, photographs and awards, sound and video, the exhibition will look at Kylie's career and changing image. Kylie – The Exhibition will also give some insight into how a major international tour develops - from initial concept to first live performance.
Glasgowmuseums.com

Celtic Connections (16 January – 3 February 2008)
Now heading into its 15th year Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival is recognised not only as the premiere Celtic festival in the UK but also as one of the largest winter music festivals of its kind and a major event in the folk and world music calendar.
Celticconnections.com

For full information on pantomime, ballet, concerts and other festive events taking place in Glasgow: Scotland with style over Christmas and the New Year, check out the Glasgow Diary, which can be downloaded free from Seeglasgow.com