🎄 Wee Weekender | 22–23 Nov – Santa Sightings, Sketchy Tales & Switch-On Surprises!

Hey Wee Weekenders,

We can officially declare the festive season open – the lights are going up, Santa’s getting comfy, and your weekend calendar just got a whole lot merrier!

Whether your crew is after some toe-tapping ceilidh tunes, sketching silliness, or a stroll through sparkly streets, we’ve got something that'll warm your cockles (and tire out the wee ones).

Let’s dive into the magic...

🎅 St. Enoch Centre’s Santa’s Grotto

The big man in red is taking up weekend residence at St. Enoch’s! Swing by for a festive selfie, hand over your wish list, and grab a cheeky chocolate lollipop while you're at it. It's free, cheerful, and no booking required – just bring your best “I've been good all year” face.

📍 Level 1, next to Boom Battle Bar, St. Enoch Centre, G1 4BW
⏰ Sat & Sun (22 Nov – 23 Dec), 11am – 5pm (closed 1.30–2pm)
💷 Free! Donations welcome for Beatson Cancer Charity
👉 More info

🎶 Ceilidh Tots

Strap on your tiny dancing shoes – it’s time for jigs, reels and waltzes (no Baby Shark in sight!). This relaxed concert for little ones is a brilliant way to soak up some live Scottish music and let your wee ones wiggle freely with mini instruments, bubbles, and a parachute blanket to boot.

📍 29th Glasgow Scout Group, 147 Mossgiel Rd, G43 2BY
⏰ Sat 22 Nov – 9.45am & 11am
💷 £10 per person (adults & kids both need tickets)
👉 More info

🎁 Bridgeton Christmas Fair

A cosy wee community fair packed with festive cheer (and probably a good dose of home baking). Stock up on gifts, toys, toiletries, and more – plus a tearoom for a warming cuppa between stalls.

📍 St Francis in the East Church, 26 Queen Mary St, G40 3BB
⏰ Sat 22 Nov – 11am to 1pm
💷 Free entry
👉 More info

🎄 Christmas in Glasgow’s West End

Byres Road is going full festive with music, markets, face painting, and a tree switch-on led by local legend Zara Gladman (aka West End Mum). Expect tasty food, cheerful tunes, and a proper seasonal buzz.

📍 Clarice Pears Building, 90 Byres Rd, G12 8TB
⏰ Sat 22 Nov – Midday to 4pm (tree lights up at 3.30pm)
💷 Free
👉 More info

🌟 Helensburgh Christmas Lights Switch-On

A bit of a road trip, but totally worth it! The whole town turns out for this big sparkly moment – expect carols, Santa sightings, and proper festive feels under the lights.

📍 Helensburgh Town Centre
⏰ Sat 22 Nov – Switch-on between 4.30–5pm
💷 Free
👉 More info

✏️ Stories and Sketches with Ross Collins

Get silly and sketchy with author-illustrator Ross Collins at this interactive storytelling session. Perfect for wee bookworms and budding artists – plus a chance to get books signed by the man himself!

📍 National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall, G3 8AW
⏰ Sat 22 Nov – 11am
💷 Free
👉 More info

❄️ Ashton Lane Winter Wonderland

Christmas market? Check. Santa and his elves? Check. Twinkly fairy lights and festive tipples? Double check! Wrap up warm and wander down the cobbled lane for gifts, grub, and Glasgow’s cosiest switch-on at 5pm.

📍 Ashton Lane, Glasgow West End
⏰ Sun 23 Nov – Midday to 6pm
💷 Free
👉 More info

🛖 Iron Age Living History Day

Step way back in time at Hogganfield Loch and get hands-on with Iron Age life! From crafting clay pots to building mini crannogs and using natural pigments to make paint, it’s a day packed with fun, facts, and family-friendly adventures.

📍 Seven Lochs Wetland Park, Cumbernauld Rd, G33 1AH
⏰ Sun 23 Nov – 11am to 3pm
💷 Free
👉 More info

That's a wrap! 🎁

Whether you're living it up with Santa, doodling with Ross, or spinning around a ceilidh floor, we hope your weekend is stuffed full of joy (and maybe a mince pie or two).

Stay cosy, stay merry – and we’ll see you next Thursday for more weekend wonders.

Festively yours,
Wee Weekender ✨