Thousands gather in George Square for Glasgow Christmas light switch-on

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A festive crowd of around 10,000 gathered at George Square on Sunday evening for the highly anticipated Glasgow Christmas Light Switch-On.

The square shimmered with golden light as strings of snowflake decorations and a towering Christmas tree illuminated the night. The celebration featured an evening of live entertainment, with Father Christmas himself making a special appearance. Addressing the crowd, Santa quipped, “Glasgow always behaves itself the best, and that’s why I come here rather than Edinburgh.”

The crowd joined in festive renditions of Jingle Bells and Slade’s Merry Xmas Everybody, led by Santa Claus, alongside live performances by Nathan Evans, SAINT PHNX, Soul Nation Choir, and On Repeat, reports GlasgowLive.

Radio hosts George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie kept the energy high as they hosted the evening, which also included a sneak peek of the Pavilion Theatre’s panto, Beauty and the Beastie, performed by its lively cast. The event marked the start of Glasgow’s holiday season in true celebratory style.

Tickets for the sold-out Glasgow Christmas Light Switch-On were distributed via a ballot, making the event a much-anticipated occasion for lucky attendees.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, set the festive tone as she took to the stage before the big moment, declaring: "It's nearly Christmas, let's have a cheer. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in George Square!"

The honor of switching on the lights went to competition winner Reighgan Thomson, who was joined on stage by all the evening's performers and Father Christmas himself. Overjoyed by the experience, Reighgan said, "That was the most magical, marvellous night ever. I loved it! Now I can’t wait for Christmas."

As the countdown ended, George Square erupted in celebration. The golden glow of the Christmas lights was met with cheers, confetti, and a dazzling fireworks display. The City Chambers came alive with a stunning red-and-white light show, adding to the spectacle.

This year, the light show at the City Chambers will repeat every 30 minutes each evening from 3.30 pm to 10.00 pm. Adding a touch of interactivity, lamppost buttons outside the building allow visitors to illuminate the pavement with playful projections of candy canes, snowflakes, and reindeer hooves.

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The event officially kicks off Glasgow's festive season, with upcoming highlights including Winterfests at George Square and St Enoch Square, the Style Mile Christmas Carnival, and the Santa Dash.

Reflecting on the evening, presenter George Bowie said: “It feels like the countdown to Christmas has truly begun after another brilliant Christmas Lights Switch-On with the wonderful people of Glasgow. Cassi and I love this event, and we’re so grateful to Glasgow Life for inviting us back each year. We wouldn’t miss it!”

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