Last Wee Weekender of 2024 – Don’t Miss Out! 🎅

Happy almost-Christmas, Wee Weekenders! 🎅 

The big day is just around the corner, and Glasgow is absolutely buzzing with festive magic this weekend.

Whether you’re boogying at a ceilidh, munching cookies with Mrs Claus, or singing along to The Snowman with the RSNO, there’s plenty of seasonal cheer to keep the whole family in the holiday spirit.

So, grab your warmest coat, dust off those Christmas jumpers, and let’s make some magical memories before the turkey (and inevitable leftovers) take over!

🎉 IRN-BRU Carnival

It’s back! Scotland’s favourite festive fairground returns to the SEC, bringing thrilling rides, family-friendly classics, and a whole lotta fun. From the dizzying Star Fighter for daredevils to the gentle Samba Balloons for wee ones, there’s something for everyone. Plus, Autism Sessions offer a more relaxed experience with quieter music and slower rides.

📍 Location: SEC Centre, Glasgow
🕒 Time: 20th Dec 2024 – 12th Jan 2025 (Closed Christmas Day)
💷 Price: General Entry £19 / Young Scot £17 / Seniors £12
🔗 More info

🎉 Be-Bop Bairns: Christmas Party

Get ready to boogie, bairns! This festive bash at Platform is packed with Christmas fun—think snowball fights, soft play, face-painting, disco moves, and party games. Oh, and Elsa will be there, belting out Frozen hits! (You’ll let it go eventually, promise.)

📍 Location: Platform, 253 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8BL
🕒 Time: Saturday, 21st December, 1pm – 3pm
💷 Price: Child £9 / Adult £8 (Babes in arms go FREE!)
🔗 More info

🎉 Barras Xmas Market

Step into a winter wonderland at the iconic Barras Market! With twinkling lights, unique gifts, tasty street food, and festive cheer, it’s the perfect spot to tick off your Christmas list. Look out for Santa’s magical sleigh visit, live entertainment, and plenty of holiday surprises. Plus, it’s family and dog-friendly, so everyone’s welcome!

📍 Location: The Barras Market, 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow, G4 0TT
🕒 Time: 21st – 24th December 2024 (Saturday - Monday: 10am - 5pm. Christmas Eve: 10am - Midnight)
💷 Price: Free
🔗 More info

🎉 Bothwell Christmas Market

Head to the Bothwell Bridge Hotel Car Park for a charming Christmas Market packed with artisan gifts, tasty festive treats, and fresh produce. Perfect for picking up last-minute presents and enjoying a wee wander with the family. Bonus? It’s completely free!

📍 Location: Bothwell Bridge Hotel, 89 Main Street, Bothwell, G71 8EU
🕒 Time: Saturday, 21st December, 10am – 4pm
💷 Price: Free
🔗 More info

🎉 Breakfast with Santa

Kick off Christmas with a magical morning at Scotland’s National Stadium! Enjoy a warm breakfast roll, tea or juice, and meet the big man himself—Santa! Tickets include a gift for the kids, face painting, fun activities, and even a behind-the-scenes tour of Hampden, complete with a photo op with the Scottish Cup. Oh, and Roary the Lion will be there too!

📍 Location: Hampden Park, G42 9BA
🕒 Time: Saturday, 21st December, 10am
💷 Price: Adults £25 / Kids £18
🔗 More info

🎉 Saturday Art Club

Get those creative juices flowing at GoMA’s Saturday Morning Art Club! Kids aged 5–12 can try out drawing, painting, printing, and more in these fun, free drop-in workshops. Head up to the rooftop studio, get inspired by the artwork on display, and let imaginations run wild.

📍 Location: Gallery of Modern Art, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, G1 3AH
🕒 Time: Saturday, 21st December, 10:30am – 12:30pm
💷 Price: Free
🔗 More info

🎉 Story Time with Mrs Claus

Get cosy with milk, cookies, and festive tales as Mrs Claus takes centre stage at Chatelherault Country Park! Little ones will love the stories and songs, while grown-ups can sip on tea or coffee with a cheeky festive biscuit. Perfect for kids aged 3+, but don’t wait—spaces are limited!

📍 Location: Chatelherault Country Park, Fernegair, Hamilton, ML3 7UE
🕒 Time: Sunday, 22nd December, 11am & 1pm
💷 Price: £5 per person
🔗 More info

🎉 Christmas Family Ceilidh

Swing into the festive spirit with a rockin’ ceilidh at The National Piping Centre! Grab your pals, round up the family, and dance the night away to all the ceilidh classics. It’s the perfect way to let off steam before Christmas Day rolls around. Suitable for ages 8 and up—so bring your best moves!

📍 Location: The National Piping Centre, 30-34 McPhater Street, Glasgow, G4 0HW
🕒 Time: Friday 20th & Saturday 21st December, 7:30pm – 10:30pm
💷 Price: £20
🔗 More info

🎉 Christmas Kids Party & Movie Screening

Santa’s making an early stop at Arta, and he’s bringing a whole lot of festive fun! Kids can enjoy a playroom packed with toys and games, face painting, a sweet table, and a finger buffet. Plus, there’s a special screening of Elf at 2pm—because it’s not Christmas without Buddy!

📍 Location: Arta, 62 Albion Street, Glasgow, G1 1PA
🕒 Time: Saturday, 21st December, 1pm – 5pm (Buffet: 1pm–4pm | Movie: 2pm)
💷 Price: £15 per child (includes 1 adult) / Extra adults £20
🔗 More info

🎉 RSNO Christmas Concert Featuring The Snowman

The RSNO brings Christmas magic to life with a heartwarming screening of The Snowman, narrated by Still Game’s very own Sanjeev Kohli. Expect festive melodies, singalong carols, and that iconic Walking in the Air moment—accompanied by the full orchestra. A perfect way to get the whole family into the Christmas spirit!

📍 Location: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3NY
🕒 Time: Saturday, 21st December, 2pm & 6pm
💷 Price: From £19
🔗 More info

That’s a wrap for this week—and for Wee Weekender in 2024!

This will be our final newsletter until we return on Wednesday 8th January, so we want to thank you all for your support in 2024 and wish you and your families all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes!

Thank you for joining us every week to find fun for the whole family—you’re the reason we do what we do.

Have a fabulous festive season, filled with love, laughter, and maybe just a wee bit of chaos.

See you in 2025! 🎉