From street food stalls to local and artisanal goods, here is a selection of the best Christmas markets in the Scottish city.
Nearly every street in Glasgow demonstrates a love of small businesses. Independent coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, florists, and artisanal products can be found all over Scotland’s biggest city. It’s no surprise that the most festive Christmas markets in Glasgow come with a hearty supply of local and artisanal goods. Without further ado, these are the best Christmas markets in Glasgow for 2023.
1. The Alchemy Experiment’s Festive Artists & Makers’ Market
When: Weekends of 2 – 3, 9 – 10, and 16 – 17 December 2023
This excellent coffee shop and intimate event space regularly hosts exhibitions and gigs. Their annual festive market focuses on creative talent, featuring a daily rotation of seven artists and makers plus local brands. Keep an eye on their social media to see upcoming stallholders each week.
Where: The Alchemy Experiment, 157 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8TS
Price: Free entry
2. The Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair
When: From 10 am, Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 November 2023
Held at Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus, the Country Living Christmas fair is, by far, Glasgow’s largest Christmas market. This vibrant fair features a stage for Q&As with industry experts, demos by well-known chefs, creative workshops, a Champagne bar, food stalls, and hundreds of traders selling home interior, food, and fashion products. For those wanting more, VIP experiences include multiple perks, ensuring an unforgettable visit.
Where: Scottish Event Campus, Exhibition Way, Glasgow G3 8YW
Price: From £22
3. WASPS Winter Market at The Briggait
When: Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 December 2023
Ninety stallholders gather for the WASPS Winter Market, held in the historic 1873 Hall at The Briggait. This event supports Scottish artists, jewellers, ceramicists, textile makers, painters, printmakers, and more, offering unique gifts that will surely bring joy this festive season.
Where: The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate, Glasgow G1 5HZ
Price: Free entry
4. This Is Not A Craft Market – Festive Edition
When: Saturday 9 and Saturday 16 December
Those looking for a particularly family-friendly event should head to Rags to Riches on Nithsdale Street on one of the two middle Saturdays in December. Bring your family and pets to browse the stalls of 35 local makers and small businesses before heading to the courtyard for mulled wine, live music, and mince pies. Rags to Riches is situated in the trendy Southside, home to some of Glasgow’s best eateries and a strong community feel.
Where: 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Price: Free entry
5. The Night Market – Xmas Special
When: Thursday 7 – Friday 8 December 2023
The Night Market hosts 30 traders across two festive evenings in December, promising a treasure trove of vintage, artisanal, and unique Christmas gift ideas. With street food vendors and a bar, dining and drinks are seamlessly covered. The venue, Cottiers Theatre, is a breathtaking former church, featuring Gothic architectural elements and stunning stained-glass windows by the 19th-century Scottish artist Daniel Cottier. This is a Christmas market for adults—best of all, each evening features entirely different traders, making it worthwhile to attend both days.
Where: Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow, G11 5PU
Price: From £3.50 per person
