✨ Light Up The Kids' Weekend! Christmas Markets, Magical Shows & More

Hello Wee Weekenders!🎉

This week, Glasgow and beyond are pulling out all the festive stops—from magical light displays and holiday markets to heartwarming family events that’ll get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Whether you’re ready to sing along with Frozen, stroll through a twinkling George Square, or shop your way through local craft fairs, there’s a little something for everyone (and maybe a few early gifts for Santa’s sack!).

So bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and let’s make some holiday magic!

🎄 Glasgow’s Christmas Lights Switch-On Spectacular

Kickstart the festive season with a sparkle as Glasgow's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to George Square! This year's dazzling event on Sunday, 17th November promises all the seasonal cheer you can handle, with live music, festive sing-alongs, and a special appearance by the Pavilion Theatre panto cast from Beauty and the Beastie. Hosted by Clyde 1's George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie, this beloved event is free but ticketed—so if you’ve got one, don’t forget it!

📍 Location: George Square, Glasgow
🕒 Date & Time: Sunday, 17th November 2024, time TBA
💸 Price: Free, but tickets are required
👉 More info

🦸 Hamilton Comic Con 2024

Calling all superheroes and sci-fi fans! Hamilton Comic Con is back for the first time since 2019, and it’s taking over The Regent Centre for a weekend of action-packed fun. Running from Saturday, 16th to Sunday, 17th November, this free event boasts over 70 traders, meet-and-greets with costumed heroes, movie props, retro arcade machines, and GIANT inflatables! Plus, you’ll find gaming stations set up with everything from X-Box to Nintendo consoles—no tickets needed, just bring your best cosplay and excitement.

📍 Location: The Regent Shopping Centre, Hamilton
🕒 Date & Time: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th November, 10am - 4pm
💸 Price: Free
👉 More info

✨ Princes Square Christmas Light Switch-On

Step into the holiday spirit at Princes Square’s Christmas Light Switch-On! On Sunday, 17th November, from 2pm to 6pm, Santa and his merry elves will be out in full festive force, adding sparkle and magic to the centre. Gather around as Santa flips the switch to light up Princes Square, officially kicking off the season in style. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the cheer—and maybe start that holiday shopping list!

📍 Location: Princes Square, 48 Buchanan Street, Glasgow
🕒 Date & Time: Sunday, 17th November, 2pm - 6pm
💸 Price: Free
👉 More info

❄️ Frozen Sing-A-Long

Celebrate Frozen's 10th anniversary with a sing-along at Lanternhouse in Cumbernauld! On Sunday, 17th November at 2pm, bring the family for a magical screening where you can belt out classics like “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and the ever-iconic “Let It Go.” Whether you’re team Anna, Elsa, or Olaf, this is the perfect event for all Arendelle fans ready to sing their hearts out.

📍 Location: Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld
🕒 Date & Time: Sunday, 17th November, 2pm
💸 Price: £0 - £9
👉 More info

🎁 Valley View Christmas Market

Get a jump on your Christmas shopping at the Valley View Christmas Market! On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November, Valley View at Gouldings transforms into a festive shopping haven with stalls galore. From handmade crafts to local goodies, there’s something special for everyone on your list—all under cover so you can browse rain or shine.

📍 Location: Valley View at Gouldings, Rosebank
🕒 Date & Time: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th November, 10am - 4pm
💸 Price: Free
👉 More info

🎄 Christmas Craft Fair for Beatson Cancer Charity

Support a meaningful cause while snagging some unique holiday finds at the Christmas Craft Fair in Bishopbriggs. Held in memory of Laurie, this special event raises funds for the Beatson Cancer Charity. Join the community at Kenmure Church Hall on Saturday, 16th November for handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and plenty of family-friendly cheer—all for a wonderful cause.

📍 Location: Kenmure Parish Church, Viewfield Road, Bishopbriggs
🕒 Date & Time: Saturday, 16th November, 11am - 3pm
💸 Price: Free
👉 More info

🌟 Glasgow City Chambers Illuminated

See Glasgow City Chambers like never before with a stunning light and projection show that runs nightly from 3:30 pm until midnight! Starting on 17th November and continuing through to New Year’s Day, this free, state-of-the-art display in George Square lights up the historic building with scenes inspired by the North Pole, Santa’s Workshop, and even Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. With swirling snowflakes, candy cane effects, and magical snowy scenes, it's a winter wonderland for all ages.

📍 Location: Glasgow City Chambers, George Square
🕒 Date & Time: 17th November 2024 - 1st January 2025, 3:30pm - Midnight
💸 Price: Free
👉 More info

🎅 Hamilton Christmas Markets

Get ready for festive fun and local cheer at the Hamilton Christmas Markets, returning for four special dates this season! Each market day has its own twist—from a lights event and Comic Con to a community panto and a Santa town centre trail! Browse handmade goods from talented vendors, enjoy the cozy holiday atmosphere, and make it a full day out with family and friends.

📍 Location: Various locations in Hamilton
🕒 Dates & Highlights:

• 16th November: Regent Centre - Lights Event & Comic Con

• 23rd November: Quarry Street - Hamilton Light Switch On

• 7th December: Regent Centre - Community Panto

• 21st December: Regent Centre - Town Centre Santa Trail

💸 Price: Free
👉 More info

🎄 Bishopbriggs Village Nursery Christmas Fayre

Kick off the festive season at the Bishopbriggs Village Nursery Christmas Fayre! Held on Saturday, 16th November, this community event at Bishopbriggs Community Church is packed with holiday cheer. Enjoy shopping for Christmas gifts, try your luck at the raffle and tombolas, let the kids enjoy games, and grab some tasty treats—all for a great cause! Entry is only £2 per family, making it a merry outing for all.

📍 Location: Bishopbriggs Community Church, 21 Park Avenue, Bishopbriggs
🕒 Date & Time: Saturday, 16th November, 11:30am - 2:30pm
💸 Price: £2 per family
👉 More info

🌱 Jack and the Beans Talk

Join Jack on a magical adventure at the Scottish Mask and Puppet Theatre with Jack and the Beans Talk, a whimsical tale from Garlic Theatre! Perfect for kids, this lively performance on Saturday, 16th November tells the story of Jack, his magic beans, and a towering beanstalk leading to a smelly (but not-too-scary) giant. With lots of laughs, interactive fun, and charming puppetry, it’s a delight for the whole family. Plus, craft kits are available at the café to make your own puppets and masks before or after the show!

📍 Location: Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow West End
🕒 Date & Time: Saturday, 16th November, 11am & 2pm
💸 Price: £6.95 - £7.95
👉 More info

That wraps up this week’s merry lineup, Wee Weekenders!

Whether you’re meeting a superhero, singing with Elsa, or marveling at Glasgow’s winter lights, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season with your little ones.

We hope you find a bit of festive sparkle (and maybe a candy cane or two) wherever the weekend takes you.

Until next time, stay cozy and keep spreading that holiday cheer! ✨