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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Entertainment
Lee Dalgetty

Glasgow Christmas light switch on events in and around city for whole family to enjoy

Mariah Carey, the Coca-Cola advert and Christmas Lights - all tell tale signs that the most wonderful time of the year is upon us.

This year, with many events back in full swing after the pandemic, there's a whole host of switch on days happening in and around the city. While some have tickets on high demand, others are free to attend with entertainment for the whole family.

Here's our guide to Christmas Light switch on events in and around Glasgow this year.

READ MORE - Santa in Glasgow this Christmas and where the kids can meet him

George Square

For the first time since the pandemic, the George Square Christmas light switch on will take place on November 20.

Glasgow Loves Christmas opened the ballot to win tickets on October 10, and closed it on Sunday 16 - so if you didn’t enter, your chance to win a ticket has passed. The organisation warned tickets will be in high demand, with a maximum of six tickets per household available - but fear not, there's plenty more events in and around Glasgow.

Forge Shopping Centre

The East End shopping centre has announced they’ll be hosting festive events for their Christmas light switch on, which will be free to attend and have something for all the family.

Taking place over November 12 and 13, there will be a string of events including live music and real life reindeers. The Official Peppa Pig and JJ Cocomelon are also set to make an appearance, as well as free face painting and balloon modelling.

The Christmas Light Switch On will commence on November 13, joined with a life fireworks finale.

Princes Square

Princes Square are inviting people to join them under their iconic Christmas tree for their festive light switch on this year, held on November 20 at 5pm.

The retailer has announced the free event later this month

Posting to their Instagram, they said: “Save the date! Our Christmas light switch on will take place Sunday 20th November! We can’t wait for the festive fun to begin.”

Renfrew

On November 26 between 12 and 5pm, there's entertainment in and around Renfrew Town Hall before ‘the sky is lit up’ with the festive lights switch on.

Festive attractions in Roberston park including a Christmas market, Santa’s grotto, cinema tent and more will be open during the event. Find out more here.

West End

On November 27, Glasgow’s West End will be turning their Christmas Lights on with events on Vinicombe Street, Ashton Lane, Cresswell Lane and Ruthven Lane.

The official switch on will happen at 5.30pm on Vinicombe Street, while markets and entertainment will be on in the area between 11am and 5.30pm. A selection of local traders will be selling gifts, crafts, food and drink while performances will be held on the main stage and lanes.

Find out more here.

East Kilbride

Meanwhile, on November 20 over in Lanarkshire, East Kilbride are hosting their annual switch on with live entertainment, an appearance from Santa Claus and ‘guaranteed’ snow.

Filled with free entertainment, games and giveaways - the lights will switch on at 5pm, triggering a fall of snowflakes from above.

Cambuslang

The following week on November 27, Cambuslang will be holding their festive lights turn on - with an afternoon of rides and entertainment in the town centre.

Lights will go live at 4.30pm, with more information on the day available here.

Rutherglen

Over in Rutherglen on November 26, they’ll be switching on the lights at 4.30pm.

If you’re interested in an afternoon of festive fun, find out more here.

Hamilton

Also on November 26, Hamilton’s Christmas lights will be switched on - with a chance to support local businesses and enjoy a fun filled day in the town centre.

With live entertainment, the first Hamilton Christmas of 2022, and lights switched on from the street - there’s a whole host of interesting and unique stalls to be found at the event. More info can be found here.

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