Glasgow’s Christmas events in George Square and St Enoch Square have been given the green light — with the festivities set to begin this weekend.

Winterfest will get underway with a Christmas market and fairground in St Enoch Square from this Saturday, November 9. George Square will then be transformed from Saturday, November 23.

Approval for the events were granted by the city’s licensing committee today (Wednesday), as the organisers received temporary public entertainment licences.

Stephen McGowan, the licensing lawyer representing M&N Events, said the company’s winter festivities had been “very successful” last year.

He told councillors: “I’m sure a number of people within Glasgow and visitors to the city look forward to coming to both St Enoch Square and George Square to enjoy the fair and the Christmas setting.”

The market and fairground in St Enoch Square will be able to open between November 9 and December 29.

Organisers have permission for a bar area, 16 retail and food stalls, five amusement rides, a bungee trampoline and a snow globe. There is a capacity of 2,000 people.

At George Square, the market and fairground can run from November 23 until January 5. 

An ice rink, a bar, 19 retail and food stalls, fairground rides and a snow globe are all allowed. The event’s capacity will be 4,000 people.

Previously, the organisers have revealed George Square will feature attractions such as an 80m Drop Tower, the Booster Maxx Carousel, the Wave Swinger and a Santa’s Train Kids Carousel.

At St Enoch Square, attractions are set to include Santa’s Runaway Train, the Grinch Train and a kids carousel.

As well as the rides and food stalls, both locations will have a range of gift stalls with handcrafted decorations, jewellery, cosy clothing and other unique gifts.

When the return of the events were announced, a spokesperson for M&N Events said: “Whether you’re looking for the perfect present or just want to soak in the festive atmosphere, Glasgow Winterfest 2024 is set to be a highlight of the season.”

They added it would be an “unforgettable event, filled with excitement, festive lights and plenty of seasonal delights”.