Glasgow – the Perfect Pre-Christmas Package!

Last night’s (November 19) spectacular switch-on of Glasgow’s Christmas lights represents the beginning of the city’s march towards the big day in inimitable Glasgow fashion.

The streets of Glasgow are paved with opportunities to get that perfect Christmas gift and enjoy yourself into the bargain!

Between now and December 25, there’s a feast of festive entertainment including Glasgow on Ice in George Square (November 25 – December 24), classical performances by both the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (www.grch.com) and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (www.glasgowcityhalls.com), and Scottish Ballet’s critically acclaimed adaptation of ‘Cinderella’ (www.scottishballet.co.uk).

Giving the city that little bit of extra pre-Christmas sparkle is ‘Exquisite Jewels – the Art of Carnet by Michelle Ong’ – an exhibition of more than 100 pieces created by Hong Kong-based Michelle Ong, including some worn by Kate Winslet and Mischa Barton. The exhibition is at the Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park until December 10 (www.seeglasgow.com/exquisitejewels).

Meanwhile the shopping just doesn’t get any better. Glasgow is the most exciting and diverse shopping centre in the UK outside London’s West End, and the city’s Buchanan Street ranks up alongside Fifth Avenue and New Bond Street as one of the most attractive shopping thoroughfares in the world.

Glasgow has developed more than its fair share of shopping malls, department stores and high street names as well as a wealth of specialist outlets, which offer visitors a different, 'local' retail experience.

The sheer joy of shopping in Glasgow, however, is that the city’s three main shopping districts – city centre, Merchant City and West End – are all laid out in a compact, walkable space. The city centre and Merchant City are moments from each other, while the West End is accessible via a short ride on the Subway.

Park and ride is available at several Glasgow Subway stations – Shields Road being the main one on the south side and Kelvinbridge in the West End – and Buchanan Galleries and St Enoch Centre shopping centres offer almost 3,000 parking spaces between them.

Hotel accommodation in Glasgow is both plentiful and affordable thanks to a 40% increase in the number of visitor rooms in the area in the last six years.

Indeed, www.seeglasgow.com is the fount of all knowledge about shopping, late night opening and entertainment in Glasgow in the run up to Christmas, so check it out and get your Christmas shopping wrapped up early!