With George Square- traditionally the heart of the celebration- closed for refurbishment until August next year, the markets are set to move to Glasgow Green and St Enoch’s Square for the 2025 and 2026 festive seasons.
Lochview Theme Park (Scotland) Ltd, the company behind M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park, has secured the contract to run the revamped events following a competitive tender process. The council’s strategy, revealed in recent reports, is to shift from a conventional Christmas market to a “festive winter hubs” model.
This approach aims to bring together commercial, civic, and community events into a united programme, designed to attract visitors, engage locals, and boost the city centre’s vibrancy throughout winter. The new concept will be broadly appealing with a strong emphasis on family activities.
Previously, Glasgow’s festive offering featured ticketed Christmas lights switch-on events, ice rinks, market stalls, and fairground attractions in George Square. As part of the redesign, the new hubs at Glasgow Green and St Enoch’s Square are expected to offer a wider range of entertainment and shopping opportunities, including winter-themed rides, food stalls, and local artisan traders.
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Residents and tourists alike can look forward to a more integrated experience, with market stalls and activities complemented by street performances and community-led events, creating a vibrant winter wonderland in the heart of Glasgow.
An advert from the council stated: “While long-term plans will continue to evolve in the coming months, Glasgow is seeking to work with partners to develop a programme of events and activity in 2025 and 2026 that supports this objective”
Glasgow City Council anticipates substantial revenue from the new arrangement, though exact figures remain confidential due to commercial sensitivity. Officials stated that winter event plans will progress over the coming months, with the revamped format expected to reinforce Glasgow’s reputation as a top festive destination.
