What's On in Glasgow & West of Scotland

Relaxed Morning

Venue: National Museum of Rural Life

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems;...

Autumn Super Spotter Scavenger Hunt

Venue: RSPB Scotland Lochwinnoch

Website: https://events.rspb.org.uk

Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a young adventurer, this activity is perfect for families looking to enjoy nature and discover the wonders of wildlife. Don’t forget to visit the visitor centre...

Glasgow Winterfest

Venue: Glasgow City Centre

Website: www.glasgowwinterfest.com

Following the overwhelming success of last year, Glasgow Winterfest is returning for its second year, bringing a spectacular celebration of the season to the heart of the city. This year's Winterfest promises...

Big Wheel

Venue: East Princes Street Gardens

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas

With incredible views of the historic Old Town, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, as well as sparkling evening views of Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions, one ride on the Big Wheel won’t be enough!...

Edinburgh's Winter Festival

Venue: Edinburgh Town

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/home

With a newly expanded programme of events and attractions including Christmas Markets, Ice Skating, fairground rides, Christmas Tree maze, community events and more, Edinburgh's Christmas is the best way...

ASN Splash Session

Venue: Johnstone Community Sports Hub

Website: www.oneren.org

Go along for a silent 90 minute session with inflatables, beach balls, toys and more! £5.25 per family of 2x adults and 2x children (£1.25 per additional child). Children must be accompanied by an adult...

Autism Friendly Hours

Venue: Glasgow Science Centre

Website: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

The Science Centre is an exciting place, bustling with loud sounds and bright lights so they will be lowering the volume and softening the lights to allow adults and children with autism, or other neurodiversities,...

Bikeability Scotland

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.cycling.scot/bikeability-scotland

Free, in-school programme that is supported by a network of qualified instructors, who are often teachers, parents, and members of the local community. You can check to see if your child’s school currently...

Bookbug

Venue: Bothwell Community Hub

Website: www.thebothwellhub.co.uk

Bookclub, for kids, amazing reading sessions every week. Children and guardians are invited to stay afterwards for tea, coffee and a snack. Every Wednesday and Saturday, 9.30-10am. Pre booking over the...

Bothwell Junior Chess Club

Venue: Bothwell Community Hub

Website: www.thebothwellhub.co.uk

This group is proudly sponsored by Your Move McLaughlin and is held every Thursday, £1.50 entry. To apply, contact Michael hamiltonchesstuition@virginmedia.com, 07942876090.

Braehead Ice Centre

Venue: Braehead Ice Centre

Address: King's Inch Road

Website: www.braeheadicecentre.co.uk

Braehead Ice Centre is the best place in Central Scotland to enjoy ice skating this Winter! Braehead Ice Centre runs regular ice skating sessions along with classes, hockey clubs, themed nights, skating...

Celtic Park Stadium Tour

Venue: Celtic Park

Address: Glasgow East End

Website: www.celticfc.com/visit-celtic-park

Experience the magic within, soak up the history and feel the passion at Celtic Park Stadium on this 1-hour guided tour. Celtic Park is one of the biggest football stadiums in Europe, making it the perfect...

City Sightseeing Glasgow

Venue: Glasgow City

Website: www.citysightseeingglasgow.co.uk

The open-top bus tour is the perfect way to discover Glasgow. They offer a choice of two tour routes exploring different areas of this wonderful city, leaving from George Square seven days a week. From...

Elder Park Junior Parkrun

Venue: Elder Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/elderpark-juniors

Parkrun organise free, weekly, 2km junior timed runs which are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in. Please register before your first run. The aim is to have fun. Go along and...

Explore!

Venue: Glasgow Science Centre

Website: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

Feed your curiosity and get hands-on with Explore! This unmissable experience will nurture your inner scientist and inspire you to see the world around you in a new way. The Explore! gallery is filled...

Join Cub Club

Venue: Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Website: www.scottishspca.org/cub-club

Join Cub Club - the new kids membership at the Scottish SPCA! Every Cub Club member gets a super welcome pack with cuddly toy, activities and more! Little animal-lovers are in for a treat when they become...

Kids Climbing Club

Venue: Above Adventure

Website: www.aboveadventure.co.uk

Are you looking for something to do with your kids on a Saturday? Join the Kids Climbing Club, for £10 (includes shoe hire) for rope climbing and bouldering. Book online, call 01563 657349 and drop-ins...

Kumon Free Assessment

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.kumon.co.uk

Kumon aims to help children of all ages and abilities become confident, independent learners who can thrive both at school and in their future careers.Join the over 3.5 million Kumon students worldwide...

Saturday Art Club

Venue: Gallery of Modern Arts

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/28/saturday-art-club

Take inspiration from the artworks on display while trying out different materials and techniques. Includes drawing, painting, sculptures, printing and collage. Recommended for families with children 5...

Sensory Room

Venue: Above Adventure

Website: www.aboveadventure.co.uk

Visit the sensory room and embark on a journey of relaxation and sensory exploration. Whether you’re seeking a therapeutic escape or simply curious about the wonders of sensory stimulation, this is a...

Victoria Junior Parkrun

Venue: Victoria Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/victoria-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds). Free to join but register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun. Go along and join in whatever your pace! It is entirely...

Castle of Light

Venue: Edinburgh Castle

Website: www.edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/castle-of-light

Discover the iconic site after-dark and enjoy immersive displays, interactive installations, music and wonder. See Edinburgh’s stories brought to life on the castle walls, meet Rex the loveable lion...

Ice Skating

Venue: West George St between Castle Street and Charlotte Square

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas

Get your skates on and glide all the way up and down Edinburgh’s famous George St on the magnificent alpine ice rink. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult (18+), no babes...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Eastwood Park Theatre

Website: www.ercultureandleisure.org/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk

Get ready to roar with laughter and cheer the hero Jack on his magical journey to Cloudland as he battles to save his best friend Daisy the Cow! As always there’ll be spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes,...

Peter Panto and the Incredible Stinkerbell

Venue: Tron Theatre

Website: www.tron.co.uk

With a blast of magic from the mighty Stinkerbell, Peter Pan whisks West End Wendy away from the safety of her Byres Road residence to a place full of treachery, deceit and chippies that never close. Welcome...

Christmas Tree Maze

Venue: St Andrew Square

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas

St Andrew Square holds one of the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas Tree trails, providing families with a much loved festive attraction and Christmas photo opportunities in the heart of the city. Go...

Festive Market

Venue: Cameron House

Website: www.cameronhouse.co.uk

The perfect occasion to pick up something unique for a loved one – or for yourself. Discover deluxe handmade wreaths, scrumptious fudge, mince pies, a range of Christmas cakes and other confectionaries,...

Hansel and Gretel

Venue: Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Two very clever children work together to send their troubles up in a puff of smoke, escaping from danger, with the help of Dennis the Duck! A classic tale told with glove puppets in the hands of puppeteer...

Magical Moments with Anna and Elsa

Venue: Cameron House

Website: www.cameronhouse.co.uk

Join us for an enchanting experience where little ones will be thrilled by a show and a meet-and-greet with Anna and Elsa. Tickets £3 for adults and £15 for children and includes 20-minute show, Meet...

Peter Pan

Venue: Kings Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com

With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, Peter Pan will take your whole family on a magical trip to Neverland like never before! Be part of the panto...

Pinocchio

Venue: Lanternhouse

Website: www.lanternhousearts.org

Join Pinocchio on this raucous, silly and hugely entertaining journey. Sing along with him as he meets friends, old and new, and finds out what it means to be a real boy in this fun packed Festive show.

Pinocchio by Clive Chandler

Venue: Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Following the grain (pardon the pun) of this classic story, an old clock-maker named Geppetto carves a little boy out of a block of wood, just as if it where a real boy and so begins the adventures of...

Santa's Stories

Venue: St Andrew Square

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas

Santa and some very helpful elves will be tucked away in St Andrew Square ready to welcome children and families and provide a magical Christmas experience.Santa's Stories are group sessions for up to...

The Glasgow Style Mile Christmas Carnival

Venue: Style Mile Glasgow

Website: www.bridgemanarts.co.uk

Bridgeman Arts returns to the city centre with the tenth Style Mile Christmas Carnival. The Christmas Carnival Carousel will transform the city streets around the Style Mile with a host of magical fantasy...

Beauty And The Beastie

Venue: Pavilion Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/pavilion-theatre-glasgow

Join Glasgow’s favourite panto gang for a show filled with laughter, songs that will get your toes tapping and the usual Pavilion hilarity! With all the usual mischief, music and mayhem of a Pavilion...

Beauty And The Beastie

Venue: Pavilion Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/pavilion-theatre-glasgow

Join Glasgow’s favourite panto gang for a show filled with laughter, songs that will get your toes tapping and the usual Pavilion hilarity! With all the usual mischief, music and mayhem of a Pavilion...

Paisley's Cosy Christmas Trail

Venue: Paisley Town Centre

Website: www.paisleyfirst.com

Free fun for all the family plus a free chocolate treat for every child who completes the trail!

Aladdin

Venue: Motherwell Concert Hall

Website: www.culturenl.co.uk/aladdin

Join Aladdin on an adventure from rags to riches, as he woos the princess and tries to escape an evil sorcerer! Packed full of family fun, spectacular sets and costumes, and all the traditional panto magic....

Illuminate RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond

Venue: RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond

Website: www.events.rspb.org.uk

Join RSPB Loch Lomond for a magical moonlit meander around the reserve after hours. Design and decorate your own recycled glass lantern, then head off along the candlelit trail.Suitable for adults and...

Maw Goose

Venue: Websters Theatre

Website: www.insideouttheatreproductions.com

From the Producers that brought you last year’s smash hit A Crackin' Cinderella Story, Insideout Theatre Productions Ltd proudly present Maw Goose! Book now for an all singing, all dancing eggstravaganza...

Santa's Woodland Experience

Venue: North Ballochruin Farm

Website: www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk

The whole experience is precisely timed so that each child can experience the fun and excitement of the woodland, lights, elves, and, of course, Santa. Nestled in the foothills of the highlands, they aim...

The Polar Express Train Ride

Venue: Waverley Station

Website: https://edinburghthepolarexpressride.com

This November and December experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh. The fully immersive theatrical event lets you and your family, from little ones to Granny and Grandpa, experience what...

Elf School

Venue: Princes Square Shopping Centre

Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

After a sell-out success in previous years, children aged 4-10 can head to Princes Square to learn the tricks of the Christmas trade. Once they’ve enjoyed two hours of fun crafts, games, creativity and...

LUSH Glasgow City Winter Grotto

Venue: Lush

Address: 98 Buchanan Street, Glasgow City Centre

Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

The holidays are coming, the elves are hard at work, Santa may be busy making toys but his jolly wife is visiting Lush the winter and might just bring along a very sparkly, sweet Fairy friend! Advance...

Special Delivery

Venue: Lanternhouse

Website: www.lanternhousearts.org/events/special-delivery

Not all good things come in neatly wrapped packages. Sometimes they arrive as you least expect them… with a thud, down your chimney! An enchanting musical journey filled with wonder this Winter. Created...

A Christmas Carol

Venue: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk

Tis the season to be jolly! CCC needs your help to save Scrooge from his surly ways (what the Dickens is that all about?). Can the magic of the festive season take away those bah humbugs and fill him with...

Children's Classic Concerts: A Christmas Carol

Venue: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

Tis the season to be jolly! Children’s Classic Concerts need your help to save Scrooge from his surly ways (what the Dickens is that all about?). Can the magic of the festive season take away those bah...

Forest School- Whittling

Venue: Mugdock Country Park

Website: www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk

Learn the skill of whittling in this woodland session. Ranger-led event for 8-12 year olds. 2-4pm. Wear clothing and footwear suitable to the outdoors and the weather. Book tickets online.

Lost Bear Goes to the North Pole

Venue: Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

A world of lost toys, lost hats, lost socks, and lost umbrellas, goodness me! Lost Bear goes on a journey to find his way home, stopping at the North Pole, just in time for Christmas wishes. A show created...

Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film

Venue: SEC Armadillo

Website: www.sec.co.uk

The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine) and Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the...

Festive Weekend

Venue: National Museum of Rural Life

Website: www.nms.ac.uk/events/festive-weekend

Take the family for a fun festive day out at the museum and farm. Craft a cute ‘pig in blanket’ pinecone decoration, paper-cone turkey or Christmas tree to take home, enjoy winter storytelling and...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Beacon Arts Centre

Website: www.beaconartscentre.co.uk

Join Jack and all your favourite Beacon panto regulars as they climb the magic beanstalk to take on not only the Giant, but the evil sorceress, Voldemorra, and her hapless henchman, Snotbag as they try...

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival

Venue: Loch Lomond Shores

Website: www.lochlomondshores.com

Includes family and children’s funfair rides, a huge array of stalls with great gift ideas, a stage packed with live entertainment throughout, lots of delicious hot food takeaway, children’s entertainers...

Mrs Claus at The Hill House

Venue: The Hill House

Address: Upper Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh

Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

This December, make memories that last a lifetime. Reserve your spot to meet the delightful Mrs. Claus at The Hill House and embrace the magic! Don't forget to wear your favourite Christmas jumper, or...

Paisley’s Small Business Saturday Christmas Market

Venue: Paisley Town Centre

Website: www.paisleyfirst.com

A great showcase of local businesses with live reindeer and children’s entertainers too!

The Magic of Christmas by Magic Den

Venue: Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

A fun filled festive magic show, which is suitable for all the family, with hilarious interaction, that will have you jingling all the way to Christmas! Don’t miss Blinky the puppet too and Magic Den...

The Polar Express - IMAX 3D (U)

Venue: IMAX Theatre at Glasgow Science Centre

Website: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/whats-on/christmas

The Polar Express revolves around Billy who longs to believe in Santa Claus but finds it quite difficult to do so. This all changes, however, on Christmas Eve, when he embarks on a magical train journey...

Guided Tours

Venue: Bridgeton Bus Garage

Website: www.gvvt.org/guided-tours

Bridgeton Garage offer pre-booked guided tours taking around one hour. Their Family tour is more suitable for younger visitors with less in depth information from tour guides and more hands-on features...

Santa Dash 2024

Venue: Glasgow Green (start and finish)

Website: www.beatsoncancercharity.org

Show your support to patients and families affected by cancer this winter by signing up to this year’s Santa Dash. Once registered, you will receive a free Santa t-shirt to help paint your town red...

The Great Christmas Puppet Making Workshop

Venue: Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

Lots of festive family fun for Christmas in this crafty workshop! What would you wish to make...a Reindeer, a Santa, a Fairy maybe? With just a little imagination and lots of Christmas cheer, have lots...

The Snow Queen

Venue: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Website: www.rcs.ac.uk/whats-on/the-snow-queen

When Gerda’s best friend Kai goes missing in the snow, she must face her fears and embark on an epic quest to find him. With the help of an unlikely band of companions – a knight, a crow and a bandit...

Christmas Jumper Day 2024

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

It’s super-simple to take part on Christmas Jumper Day. All you have to do is sign up, put the date in your calendar then on Thursday 12 December, put on your favourite Christmas jumper, donate £2 to...

Itison Drive-In Movies

Venue: Loch Lomond Shores

Address: Ben Lomond Way

Website: www.lochlomondshores.com

Screening times and listing are to be confirmed. Watch this space.....

Starry Nights

Venue: Dean Castle

Address: Kilmarnock

Website: www.starry-night.co.uk

Starry Nights is a an enchanting experience for all the family, bringing the spirit of Christmas and a whole wonderland of excitement from festive lights, lasers and captivating festive sound installations,...

Aladdin by Theatre Presto

Venue: Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Website: www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

He was just....A Ladd In Edinburgh’s China Town when Bruce the Genie changes his life forever. A magical theatrical experience, full of Eastern-Scottish promise....bring on the Turkish Delight! Craft...

RSNO 2024/25: Home Alone in Concert

Venue: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

A true Christmas favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Home...

Wildlife Weans Mugdock: Christmas Crafts

Venue: Mugdock Country Park

Website: www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk

Calling all 1-7 year old children and their grown-ups! Explore the natural world through a series of fun Ranger led activities. Create some natural crafts to decorate your home for Christmas. Indoor event.10.30-11.30am.£5...

A morning with Mrs Claus

Venue: UNIT 98, Wish Upon A Star Kingdom, morris park

Website: www.wishuponastarkingdom.co.uk

Have a magical morning with Christmas's favourite lady in red for snacks, games, mini movies and christmas cheer. Each little one will enjoy an hour of fun and a special keep sake gift to take home with...

Christmas at the Musicals

Venue: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

With a stocking-full of showstopping songs from the greatest musicals to include Mamma Mia!, The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, Cabaret, Starlight Express, Wicked, Frozen, Les Misérables and The Phantom...

Forest School for Young Children- Sensory Sunday

Venue: Mugdock Country Park

Website: www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk

Venture into Mugdock’s wild places in this session of sensory activities for P1 to P3 aged children. No parents required. 1-2pm. £5 per child plus booking fees.

Royal Ballet and Opera - Cinderella Cinema Screening

Venue: Eastwood Park Theatre

Website: www.ercultureandleisure.org

Stuck at home and put to work by her spoiled Step-Sisters, Cinderella’s life is dreary and dull. Everything changes when she helps a mysterious woman out…With a little bit of magic, she is transported...

Dunedin Consort presents Children’s Messiah

Venue: St Aloysius’ Church, Glasgow

Website: www.dunedin-consort.org.uk

Fun for all the family is guaranteed in Dunedin Consort’s interactive, 45-minute Children’s Messiah - specially crafted with young ears in mind! Guided by Mr Handel himself, they’ll be whizzing through...

Royal Ballet and Opera - The Nutcracker Cinema Screening

Venue: Eastwood Park Theatre

Website: www.ercultureandleisure.org

Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker...

The Wizard of Oz Pantomime

Venue: SEC Centre

Website: www.sec.co.uk

The Theatre School of Scotland are proud to present this year’s Pantomime, The Wizard of Oz, Held at the SEC for our THIRD year. Awaiting more details...

The IRN-BRU Carnival

Venue: SEC Centre

Website: www.sec.co.uk/events/detail/the-irn-bru-carnival-2025

For the thrill seekers, there’s the Star Fighter, Sticky Wall, and Air Raid, and families can get their kicks on the Samba Balloons and Helter Skelter. If traditional rides are more your thing, don’t...

RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman

Venue: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

The RSNO’s magical Christmas Concert is packed full of your favourite festive melodies, singalong carols and the enduringly enchanting film The Snowman. So, gather friends and family together and join...

The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker

Venue: Lanternhouse Cinema

Website: www.lanternhousearts.org/events/the-royal-ballet-the-nutcracker-2

Discover the enchantment of ballet with this sparkling festive treat for the whole family. Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs bring festive charm to Peter Wright’s beloved Royal Ballet production,...

Planetarium Festive Double Bill

Venue: The Planetarium at Glasgow Science Centre

Website: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

Enjoy some festive fun under the stars, as we find out how Santa finds his way around the Earth on Christmas Eve in Santa's Starry Adventure, then settle in for a showing of The Muppet Christmas Carol....

Wildlife Weans Mugdock: Fabulous Bird Feeders!

Venue: Mugdock Country Park

Website: www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk

Calling all 1-7 year olds and their grown-ups! Explore the natural world through a series of fun Ranger led activities. Give the birds a late Christmas present by making some tasty feeders for the garden...

Elf The Musical

Venue: OVO Hydro

Website: www.ovohydro.com/events/detail/elf-the-musical

The arena spectacular ‘Elf The Musical’, features Santa’s magical flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, amongst many spectacular scenes all set...

Bairns New Year Revels

Venue: 54 George Street

Website: www.edwinterfest.com/hogmanay/whats-on/bairns-new-year-revels

A special Bairn’s New Year Revels allows young party-goers a chance to join the celebrations with a huge family ceilidh, live music, dancing and Hogmanay fun for all. Don’t worry if you don’t know...

Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour 2025

Venue: OVO Hyrdo

Website: www.sec.co.uk/events/detail/strictly-come-dancing-live

This is an unforgettable experience the whole family can enjoy, packed with glorious routines, stunning costumes, mesmerising staging and electrifying dancers.The sensational Motsi Mabuse will be joining...