Christmas Market signals the start of the festive season

What better way to get into the festive spirit than to revel in the sights, sounds and smells of the Christmas Market?

Some people have their Christmas trees up and we’ve all listened to the boasts of friends who’ve finished their present shopping in August.  But what better way to show all those early birds what the festive season is really about than by getting into the Christmas spirit at the Glasgow Christmas Market.

With the festive season almost upon us, Market Place, the company that brings the market to Glasgow, are preparing the twinkly lights, ready for another year of continental and local food, drink and craft celebrations in the grounds of St Enoch Square.

This year Glasgow Christmas Market returns for a fifth year in the city from Friday 13 November until Sunday 20 December where a festive village of over 50 wooden chalets will serve up traditional continental Christmas fayre alongside local food and crafts, warming the souls of visitors with a little Glühwein, the traditional ‘hug in a mug’ and a lot of continental treats.

Matthew Hartwell, Market Manager, Market Place, said:

“The Market will be packed with a huge range of tasty foods and toasty drinks. Come and join us at our original home in St Enoch Square and explore the wide selection of gifts, feel smug when you find that perfect present that will make a loved one light up on Christmas morning. There’s even more choice this year with additional chalets featuring local food, art and crafts offering that memorable hand-crafted gift for someone special.”

Once again this year over half a million visitors will be spoilt for choice with a huge variety of authentic continental goodies including: crepes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst from the iconic Schwenkgrille, Spanish paella and nougat from Italy. Visitors can take a culinary trip around the world before relaxing in one of the bars, serving drinks from around the world until late into the evening.

Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Sadie Docherty said:

“The Christmas Markets are a much loved and familiar part of the Glasgow Loves Christmas experience at the heart of the city. Browsing through the markets searching for unique and extraordinary gifts and outstanding and wholesome produce adds to the building sense of excitement as we all look forward to the festive period. Whatever you are looking for this Christmas, Glasgow has something for you.”

The team behind the Christmas Market have put together a fun and engaging school tour, an initiative aimed at providing primary school children with an educational insight into the market and its traders. Tours are free, lasting no more than 45 minutes and can be booked by emailing emma@marketplaceeurope.co.uk. All bookings must be received no later than Friday 13th November 2015. 

Open from 10 am each day, the Glasgow Christmas Market will be operating until 6pm on Sunday 20th December.

To keep up to date with what’s happening at the Christmas Market and for information any of the initiatives, follow the official Facebook page at Glasgow Christmas Market or follow on Twitter @GlasgowXmasMark. Don’t miss the chance to make this Christmas an extra special one.