Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch On ticket info released as ballot opens this week
The switch-on of the Christmas lights at Glasgow's George Square is always a top event in the city's calendar - but you have to be lucky to secure tickets for the main event.
Glasgow Loves Christmas is set to host the much-loved celebration on Sunday, November 17 from 5pm until 7pm, launching the city’s 2024 winter festivities.
Organisers say lucky ticket holders will be treated to a preview of the Pavilion panto Beauty and the Beastie, with cast members headlining a packed programme of merriment, including live music and sing-alongs.
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They add that the event will be "brought to a crescendo" as the lights burst on, illuminating George Square while the iconic City Chambers is bathed in a repeating 30 minute, state-of-the-art, lighting and projection show.
Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren said: “The nights may be getting darker, but they provide a stunning backdrop for Glasgow’s spectacular Christmas Lights. Our switching on ceremony is a firm favourite in our cultural calendar, marking the countdown to Christmas. Fairy lights and a beautiful projection show will illuminate the City Chambers every night from 17 November, welcoming everyone into the heart of the city this festive season.”
George Bowie added: “We have been involved with Glasgow’s Christmas lights switch on in George Square for many years and we still absolutely love it. It’s by far, one of my festive highlights.”
Here is everything you need to know...
How to get tickets to Glasgow's Christmas light switch on
People can enter the ballot for tickets to the free Christmas lights switch-on from Wednesday, October 2 until Sunday, October 6 on the Glasgow Life website. All details will be shared on the People Make Glasgow Facebook, Instagram, and X social media channels. Those who are lucky enough to be chosen this year will be notified by email soon after the closing date - so keep an eye out for your golden tickets.
Who is presenting?
Clyde 1’s Bowie@Breakfast presenters George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie were quick to sign up again as hosts of this year’s spectacular, which remains a firm favourite on the duo’s presenting schedule.
What else is happening this festive season in Glasgow?
Glasgow’s Christmas lights switch-on symbolises the start of the countdown to Christmas for many in the city. With the fairy lights twinkling overhead people will return to George Square for the Blessing of the Crib, and to the city centre for other family favourites, including the Style Mile Christmas Carnival, Santa Dash, and Baby’s First Christmas.
There are pantos aplenty in Glasgow this winter, with the boy who never grew up swinging in for a chorus of ‘He’s behind you’ in Peter Pan and the Incredible Stinkerbell at The Tron (Nov 22-Jan 5) and Peter Pan the High-Flying Panto Adventure at The Kings Theatre (Nov 23 – Jan 5). Rumpelstiltskin is the annual festive show at Platform (Dec 3-24) while shows like The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert at the SEC Armadillo (Dec 2), and Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Theatre Royal (Dec 6-30) also promise fantastic entertainment.
As the elves frantically try to finish all the toys for the big day, Glasgow Life and Hopscotch Theatre Company will tour Pinocchio across city community centres, bringing the mischievous puppet and his papa Geppetto to eager audiences from November 28 until December 20.
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall will also help to get everyone into the festive spirit, starting with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s A Christmas Carol (Dec 1), and performances of popular Christmas movies with a full orchestra, The Holiday (Dec 9) and Home Alone ( Dec 14) and Christmas at the Musicals (Dec 15).
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