Posted 2 weeks ago
Sun 01 Dec, 2024 10:12 AM
With the exam period, end of the term and the Christmas vacation all on the way, December is certainly shaping up to be a busy one! That, however, doesn't mean that you shouldn't take a bit of time away from the books and the shopping to enjoy some of the great activities and events going on around town.
December's What's On has a distinctly festive flavour as we focus on some of the Christmas and New Year-themed events that will be taking place. We've also got lots of great bands visiting the city this month so there should be something for everyone!
Remember to keep an eye on UofGLiving Events for events in the residences and the My SRC App and University of Glasgow Events for everything around campus.
You'll also find out more about the latest shows and events on sites like What's On Glasgow, Visit Glasgow and Glasgow Life.
Christmas/Festive
At the University
Madrigirls Advent Service (University Memorial Chapel, 1 December)
Mark the start of Advent with music and poetry from the Madrigirls choir.
Choral Contemplations (University Memorial Chapel, 3 December)
If you’re looking for a bit of calm this festive season, you'll find it in the University Chapel as the Chapel Choir perform another selection of choral works.
ARC Winter Concert: I'll Be Home for Christmas (Advanced Research Centre (ARC), 6 December)
There's going to be a jazzy start to the season at the ARC where Dr Marian Jago from the University of Edinburgh will be discussing the cultural phenomenon that is the Christmas song before Glasgow Jazz band Stone Combo perform live. Nice!
Pantomime in Scotland Exhibition Tour (Advanced Research Centre (ARC), 6 December)
Let Dr Paul Maloney take you through the history of the ‘peculiarly British’ Christmas tradition that is Pantomime.
CinemARC - Elf (Advanced Research Centre [ARC], 9 December)
A very special, free screening of Jon Favreau and Will Ferrell's 2003 hit, Elf.
In the city
Glasgow Winterfest (George Square, 9 November 2024 - 5 January 2025)
Get in to the festive spirit as Glasgow's George Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with lights, ice skating, fairground rides, food and artisan gift stalls🎄
Glasgow City Chambers Illuminated (George Square, 17 November - 1 January 2025)
Stop by George Square after 3:30pm and you'll see the iconic City Chambers lit up with state-of-the-art lighting and projection shows.
Glasgow Christmas Markets (George Square and St.Enoch Square, 9/18 November 2024 - 5 January 2025)
Over 50 stalls featuring food and drinks from around the world, arts and crafts, jewellery and much more. There’s also a bar, live music, and a Santa’s train🎅🏻
Merchant Square Christmas Market (Merchant Square, Every weekend in December)
Find unique gifts, food, art and jewellery every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas in the stunning surroundings of Merchant Square.
A Christmas Carol (Royal Conservatoire, 6 December)
Bah Humbug! See Charles Dickens' Christmas classic brought to the stage by the talented students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Tea Green Winter Market (Kelvingrove Art Gallery, 7 and 8 December)
Find artisanal products from some of Scotland's best independent artists in the incredible Kelvingrove Art Gallery!
Peter Pan Panto (Kings Theatre, 23 November 2024 - 5 January 2025)
Part theatre, part musical, part slapstick comedy, don't miss the pantomine version of Peter Pan at the Kings.
Beauty And The Beastie (Pavilion Theatre, 28 November 2024 - 12 January 2025)
Head to Cludgie Castle with Grado and the gang as they give Beauty and the Beast a uniquely pantomime work over.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (SEC Armadillo, 2 December)
A very special screening of the Christmas favourite starring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Michael Caine, accompanied by a live orchestra!
RSNO: Home Alone in Concert (Royal Concert Hall, 12 December)
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) perform the John Williams score from one of the best-ever Christmas movies, Home Alone.
Christmas movie fans will also be delighted to hear that the RSNO will also be performing music from another Christmas classic, The Snowman, on the 21st of the month!
Glasgow’s Santa Dash (Glasgow Green, 8 December)
The annual Glasgow Santa Dash, which sees thousands of Santa's pounding through the streets of Glasgow, is back for 2024 and all in aid of the brilliant Beatson Cancer Charity.
Handel's Messiah by the Dunedin Concert (St Aloysius Church, 17 December)
Join the outstanding Dunedin Concert as they perform Handel's festive masterpiece, the Messiah.
Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight (Glasgow Cathedral, 19 December)
Experience Vivaldi's classic performed in the atmospheric, candlelit surroundings of Glasgow Cathedral.
Elf: The Musical (OVO Hydro, 28 & 29 December)
If you miss the film screening in ARC, you'll be able to catch the musical version at the Hydro at the end of the month!
Music
Charli XCX (Ovo Hydro, 2 December)
Charli XCX tours her BRAT album that has elevated her one of the biggest pop stars of the moment.
Alabama 3 (O2 Academy, 6 December)
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of their song "Woke Up This Morning", which became the theme song of the unforgettable Sopranos TV series, Alabama 3 will be performing their 1997 debut album, Exile On Coldharbour Lane along with some of their greatest hits.
Jools Holland (SEC, 6 and 7 December)
Musician, TV star and all-round national treasure, Jools Holland will be bringing his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra to the SEC as part of their Autumn/Winter tour.
MacFleetwood (Òran Mór, 7 December)
Hear the songs of the legendary Fleetwood Mac brought to life by the wonderful MacFleetwood.
Vampire Weekend (Ovo Hydro, 8 December)
Following on from huge shows in Madison Square Gardens, New York rockers Vampire Weekend bring their 'Only God Was Above Us' tour to the city on the 8th.
Human League (Ovo Hydro, 12 December)
The synth-pop legends, who can boast some of the biggest hits of the 1980's, will be performing some of their incredible back catalogue as part of their Generations tour.
GUN (Barrowlands, 14 December)
Scottish Rock Legends GUN will make a triumphant return to the Barrowlands on the 14th as they perform tracks from their new album, Hombres.
Midge Ure (Royal Concert Hall, 18 December)
The man behind Ultravox, Band Aid and Live Aid brings his Catalogue: The Hits tour back to his home country.
The Music of Zimmer vs Williams (Royal Concert Hall, 30 December)
Film fans will definitely want to check out the RSNO taking on the work of legendary film composers Hans Zimmer and John Williams. There will be famous scores from such illustrious films as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Gladiator and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Callum Beattie (Barrowlands, 20 December)
Don't miss one of Scotland's top singer-songwriters as he performs new material for fans.
Travis (OVO Hydro, 21 December)
One of Scotland's best-loved bands, Travis are back and bringing some of their biggest hits including Why Does It Always Rain on Me, Driftwood and Sing to the Hydro.
Del Amitri (Barrowlands, 22 December)
Roll to the Barrowlands on the 22nd to catch up with 90's alternative rock stars and Glasgow's very own Del Amitri.
Graduation
Winter Graduation Lunches (One A The Square, 2 - 13 December)
If you're going to be graduating in December, why not make the day extra special with a UofG Graduation Lunch in One A The Square!
New Year/Hogmanay
The Stand Hogmanay Special (The Stand Comedy Club, 27 - 31 December)
If you fancy bringing in the new year with a laugh, the Stand Comedy Club is the place for you! Even better, it's located on Woodlands Road, just across from the St. Andrew's Building.
Ashton Lane Hogmanay Street Party (Ashton Lane, 31 December)
One of the hottest tickets in the West End this new year, there's going to be live music, great food and access to Ashton Lane's brilliant bars and restaurants including Brel, Vodka Wodka and the Ubiquitous Chip.
The Hogmanay Ceilidh (The Ferry, 31 December)
Bring in the bells in traditional Scottish style with a ceilidh on the River Clyde in the iconic Ferry.
