Glasgow Christmas Market 2018: Everything you need to know

From traditional treats like Glühwein and roast chestnuts to modern offerings like mulled Buckfast and Christmas burgers, here is everything you need to know about the Glasgow Christmas Market.

Published 7th Dec 2018
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

We've paid a visit to this year's Christmas Markets at St Enoch Square and George Square to find out what this year has in stall for any festive foodies looking to enjoy a day (or night) out filled with mulled wine, festive foods and tasty treats.

When do the Glasgow Christmas Markets open?

The two markets both began in November, The St Enoch Christmas village on the 9th and George Square on the 25th and run until the end of the month (the 23rd for SE and 31st for GS).

What are the opening times? 

Both open Monday through to Wednesday between 10am and 9pm, while on Thursday to Sunday they open slightly later between 10am and 10pm.

Where are the Glasgow Christmas Markets? How do I get to there?

As we've already mentioned the first market is at St Enoch and the second (bigger) market is at George Square.

St Enoch Christmas village - Getting there:

Glasgow Christmas Market

Picture: Google

A short walk from both Central Station and the Buchanan Street Underground, St Enoch also has its own underground station meaning you are delivered right into the centre of the market from the Clockwork Orange.

George Square - Getting there:

Glasgow Christmas Market

Once you get to St Enoch, a walk up Buchanan Street and along Vincent Street takes you to George Square. Smack bang in the centre of the city, it's easily accessible by bus, train (Queen Street Station) and Buchanan Street Underground.

Where is best to park for the Glasgow Christmas Markets?

There are plenty of places to park in town at night but during the day it's probably better to just get the underground, bus or train into the city centre to enjoy the full experience.

Should you still want to drive, the St Enoch car park is fairly priced and sits behind the centre itself and the Christmas Market in St Enoch Square.

What can I expect to pay?

Prices are fairly decent for this type of market but are slightly more expensive than your average take out, so expect to pay around £5 for a burger, £2-3 for a hot drink, £3-4 for Glühwein (mulled wine) and £5  for a pint of beer - if you are having a drink they do 2 pint steins for £10 (plus a £5 deposit for the glass).

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What are the highlights?

This year, they have really gone all out with food and drink and as well as your traditional German sausage stalls and Glühwein there are plenty of exciting options to check out.

Mulled Buckfast

(Get it at: Papas)

Glasgow Christmas Market

It wouldn't be a Glasgow Christmas Market without a bit of tongue in cheek fun and at Papas you can find a mulled version of the tonic wine (£4.50) side by side with the more traditional mulled wine (£5.99).

• READ MORE: Edinburgh Christmas Market 2018: start dates, opening times, food and drink, and entertainment

Halloumi Fries

(Get them at: Halloumi Fries)

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Glasgow Christmas Market

We are assured that you can't get these at any of the Edinburgh markets and this hot trending food is fast becoming a Glasgow favourite.

Enjoy them with single toppings ranging from curry sauce, gravy and cheese (£4) or double up (£5).

Vegan\Vegetarian Food

(Get it at: Veg & Vegan Street Food)

Glasgow Christmas Market

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This year sees the first real attempt at a genuine vegan and veggie stall, and this place is quality. Coast Coffee from Dunoon have brought their hugely popular Haggis Bon Bons (£4.50), Veg Pakora (£5) and Loaded Fries - including vegan poutine - (£4-5) to Glasgow.

Mac & Cheese

Glasgow Christmas Market

With no less than six variants of everybody's favourite comfort food this is the place to go this festive season for some warming Mac and Cheese.

Giant Pigs in Blankets

(Get it at: Pigs in Blankets) 

Thee best part about Christmas by a country mile has to be the pigs in blankets and this stand had our mouth watering the moment we saw what they had on offer.

Cooked over an open grill, you can enjoy a giant version in a roll with gravy (£6) and if you're looking for us, that's where we will be.

The Christmas Burger - aka the Buble

(Get it at: EarthWorm Kitchen)

The Buble Burger (£7) is another excellent vegetarian option and the people we spoke to who had tried it raved about it. Christmas Dinner on a roll.

Makar Gin Stars

(Get them at: The Makar Gin Stall)

 Glasgow's very own gin makers have created these stunning Christmas ornaments (4 for £20) that will make the perfect gift for friends and family that love gin - or you know, for yourself.

Cheese Christmas Puddings

(Get them at: the Snowdonia Cheese Stall)

The cheese stalls are always some of the most popular at the festive markets and this year, Snowdonia have created these balls of cheddar cheese (£6) in festive packaging that are perfect gifts for the cheese lover in your life.

You can also get other flavours including a whisky soaked Laphroaig cheese.

Roast Yorkshire Pudding Wrap

(Get them at: The Roast Wrap Co.)

Get a roast Yorkshire pudding wrap with pork, turkey (£7) orbeef (£8) at this inventive stall that also offers a sweet version with Nutella and golden syrup.

Nutella and Marshmallow Calzone

(Get them at: One 10)

Picture: One10

Those looking for pizza should definitely check out One 10, we can't recommend the haggis pizza enough but the real star of the show is the Nutella and Marshmallow Calzone.

Chicken Waffle Cones

(Get them at: Jacks Food Truck)

Combining Southern American Cuisine with street food cool, Jacks have created these fun cones are absolutely delicious and perfect for eating on the go.

How can I get tickets for the Glasgow Christmas Markets?

Glasgow Christmas Market is a free entry event and doesn't require tickets.

However, visitors do need to buy tickets for the rides and attractions, including the Santa's Grotto and the Big Wheel.

• You can find more information at  www.glasgowloveschristmas.com

Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
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