Glasgow city centre will be home to an ice rink, observation wheel, ice climbing wall and more this festive season when two Christmas Fairs open to the public.

Glasgow Loves Christmas has confirmed St Enoch Square and George Square will soon be transformed into winter wonderlands, featuring everything from carousels and street food hubs to a Bavarian moose bar and bungee trampolines.

The welcome additions of Christmas Fair @ St Enoch Square and Christmas Fair @ George Square to Glasgow’s winter offering follow confirmation from Glasgow Loves Christmas that the city’s Christmas lights switch-on will make a highly anticipated return to George Square on Sunday 20 November.

The Christmas Fair @ St Enoch Square is set to add extra sparkle to the city when it launches at noon on Friday 18 November, offering thrill-seekers The Blizzard – an attraction capable of reaching speeds of up to 70mph – and an opportunity to test their grip on an ice climbing wall.

Little ones will have the chance to jump aboard and enjoy Santa’s runaway train, bungee trampolines, a trail funhouse and a helter-skelter. Festive favourites will also be served up at street food stalls, a marshmallow toasting station and a Bavarian moose bar and swing grill.

The opening of the Christmas Fair @ George Square, at midday on Thursday 1 December, will present the people of Glasgow and its visitors with a chance to glide across an ice rink in the heart of the city. Held every hour, the 45-minute sessions allow up to 150 skaters to take to the ice, while family and friends can watch on from the viewing gallery.

Tickets for the George Square ice rink, which include boot hire, cost £13.50 for those 16 and over, plus the Eventbrite booking fee, and £11 for under-16s, and an Eventbrite booking fee. On-the-day bookings are priced at £15.50 for those 16 and over and £13 for under-16s.

Skating sessions for those with additional support needs, with a capacity of 100 and toned-down lighting and sound, will also take place. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite by searching for ‘Christmas Fair @ George Square’ or from the ice rink box office in George Square, subject to availability. Further information on ice rink and site opening hours is listed below.

Visitors to the Christmas Fair @ George Square can also sample the sights from atop a 33-metre-high observation wheel and soar through the sky in Venetian flying chairs. The site also boasts a free entertainment stage, Victorian carousel, Santa’s flying balloons, children’s Christmas train ride, a street food hub, festive-themed bar, Bavarian swing grill and a snow globe ideal for photo opportunities.

In keeping with tradition, a crib and 50ft Christmas tree will also take pride of place in George Square.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, said: “There’s so much festive fun to look forward to in Glasgow this winter, with excitement building ahead of the return of the Christmas lights switch-on and the ever-popular Santa Dash. The opening of the new Christmas Fairs in St Enoch Square and George Square promise a fantastic day or night of fun for everyone, as well as the chance to make magical memories with family and friends as we count down to Christmas.”

Marc Taylor, CEO of Scotland’s Theme Park, the company delivering the Christmas Fairs, said: “Glasgow is renowned for its Christmas magic and sparkle, attracting visitors from all over to experience the warmth and festivities the city has to offer. We are delighted to be delivering this year’s events at both Christmas Fair @ St Enoch Square and Christmas Fair @ George Square. Creating memorable family-friendly experiences is at the heart of what we do as a business and we are looking forward to a fabulous, inclusive community festival that Glasgow does best.”

Running from Friday 18 November until Tuesday 3 January 2023, the Christmas Fair @ St Enoch Square will open on the following dates and times:

Saturdays and Sundays – 10.00am-9.00pm – except for Saturday 24 December (10.00am-8.00pm); Sunday 25 December (CLOSED); Saturday 31 December (10.00am-8.00pm); and Sunday 1 January 2023 (CLOSED). 

Monday to Friday – noon-9.00pm – except for Thursday 22 December and Friday 23 December (10.00am-9.00pm); Tuesday 27 December-Friday 30 December (10.00am-9.00pm); and Monday 2 January and Tuesday 3 January 2023 (10.00am-9.00pm).

The Christmas Fair @ George Square and its ice rink will open from Thursday 1 December to Sunday 8 January 2023 on the days and times below:

Monday to Friday – 10.00am-10.00pm, last skating session at 9.00pm – except for Thursday 1 December (noon-10.00pm); and Monday 26 December (noon-10.00pm).

Saturdays and Sundays – 10.00am-10.00pm, last skating session at 9.00pm – except for Saturday 24 December (10.00am-8.00pm, last skating session at 7.00pm); Sunday 25 December (CLOSED); Saturday December 31 (10.00am-8.00pm, last skating session at 7.00pm); and Sunday 1 January 2023 (CLOSED).

Additional support needs skating sessions will be held on Sunday 4 December, Sunday 11 December and Sunday 18 December, starting at 10.00am. 

For more information on Glasgow’s 2022 festive events programme, visit the Glasgow Loves Christmas webpage.