Whether it’s wandering along streets twinkling with festive lights, exploring world-class galleries and museums, or uncovering hidden corners, Glasgow offers something for every mood.
Crisp winter mornings invite riverside strolls and neighbourhood walks, while the evenings glow with music, theatre, and immersive cultural experiences - all easily within reach of Mar Hall.
To help you make the most of the season, we’ve curated a guide to planning your visit and the best things to do in Glasgow in winter so you can experience the city at its most enchanting.
Winter Weather in Glasgow
Average winter temperatures in Glasgow range from 3-5°C (37-41°F), though it can drop below freezing at night. Wind chill can make it feel significantly colder, sometimes closer to -2°C (28°F) or lower.
Snowfall is generally light and sporadic, but when it does arrive, it adds a picturesque charm to the city’s architecture and streetscapes. Rain and overcast skies are more common, so layering up is essential.
A warm coat, scarf, and comfortable footwear will keep you comfortable while exploring riverside walks, historic neighbourhoods, galleries, and seasonal markets.
Best Winter Activities and Attractions in Glasgow
Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or seasonal entertainment, the city offers something for every visitor during the colder months.
Wander Through Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
A visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must. One of Glasgow’s most cherished cultural landmarks, it offers a welcoming retreat from the cold, filled with world-class art and history.
Wander through grand galleries showcasing everything from Scottish and European masterpieces to armour, sculpture, and natural history. Interactive displays bring the museum to life for visitors of all ages, making it easy to lose track of time among its many treasures.
Discover the Past at the Riverside Museum
Offering fascinating insights into Glasgow’s past, the Riverside Museum brings the city’s industrial and transport heritage to life. Inside, interactive displays showcase vintage cars, trams, bicycles, steam engines, and even a recreated street scene - inviting visitors to explore and engage.
Outside, the historic Tall Ship provides an immersive maritime experience, with decks and cabins that reveal what life was like at sea.
Relax and Rejuvenate with a Spa Escape
There’s nothing like a winter day spent entirely in blissful relaxation. Escape to Mar Hall and indulge in a luxury spa experience, where each treatment is designed to soothe and restore.
Choose from the Hebridean sea‑weed ritual by ishga, a revitalising facial to refresh and renew your skin, or a deeply relaxing full‑body massage to melt away winter tension. Every moment is crafted to calm the body, rejuvenate the mind, and offer the perfect pause before the year ahead.
Visit Glasgow’s Winter Wonderland
If you’re looking to get into the spirit of the season, Glasgow’s festive markets fill the city with warmth and sparkle. Stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and twinkling lights create a vibrant atmosphere celebrating both local creativity and global flavours.
Wander through St. Enoch Square and Glasgow Green at Glasgow's Winter Wonderland event, enjoy the seasonal displays, and soak up the cheerful atmosphere - whether you’re browsing artisan stalls or simply enjoying the twinkling winter glow.
Explore History at Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis
Glasgow Cathedral and the nearby Necropolis are particularly striking in the winter months. The crisp winter air and soft, low light make wandering through the Gothic architecture and historic gravestones especially atmospheric.
Inside the cathedral, soaring arches, intricate stonework, and stained-glass windows offer a glimpse into centuries of history, faith, and craftsmanship
Just a short walk away, the Necropolis rises above the city with its Victorian monuments and quiet, tree-lined paths, providing both peaceful reflection and panoramic views across Glasgow.
Experience Glasgow’s Theatre and Live Music
Glasgow’s vibrant theatre and live music scene offers an exciting winter escape for culture lovers. From grand historic venues to intimate performance spaces, the city pulses with creativity and energy throughout the season.
Enjoy captivating stage productions, from classic plays and modern dramas to festive pantomimes, or soak up the rhythm of live music spanning jazz, folk, and contemporary sounds. Seasonal performances and special events bring extra sparkle, making every night out unforgettable.
Stroll Through the Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Glasgow Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful winter escape in the heart of the city. The glasshouses shelter tropical and subtropical plants, providing warmth and colour even on the coldest days.
The gardens’ tree-lined paths and frosted flower beds invite leisurely winter strolls, while seasonal displays and architectural features add charm to every corner.
Ideal for nature lovers and families alike, the Botanic Gardens combine tranquillity with exploration, offering a serene and inspiring retreat from the city’s bustle.
Embrace a Riverside Walk
For fresh-air enthusiasts, the River Clyde and Glasgow Green are perfect destinations for a winter stroll. Meander along the riverbank, where the crisp air invigorates the senses and the gentle flow of water reflects the city’s winter light.
Wander through historic parks, where frost-tipped trees and quiet pathways create a serene escape from the bustling streets.
Discover Glasgow’s Distillery Tours
Step inside historic production sites where traditional techniques meet modern innovation, and learn the secrets behind Scotland’s world-renowned whiskies and gins.
Guided whisky tours reveal the art of distilling, from barley and botanicals to barrel ageing, while tasting sessions invite visitors to savour signature flavours and seasonal specialties.
Perfect for both connoisseurs and curious beginners, distillery experiences combine education with indulgence, offering a warm, inviting way to explore Glasgow’s rich spirits culture during the colder months.
Sample Beers at Tennent’s Brewery Hidden Bar
Step inside the iconic Tennent’s Brewery for a fascinating journey through Glasgow’s brewing heritage. Guided tours reveal the history and craftsmanship behind Scotland’s most famous beers, from traditional brewing techniques to the modern processes that keep the city’s favourite pints flowing.
After exploring the production halls, head to the on-site bar, where you can sample a curated selection of beers, including hidden gems like rare stouts and craft ales.
Uncover Hidden Gems and Historic Streets
Explore Glasgow’s West End and Merchant City for a walking adventure full of history and discovery. Meander along cobbled lanes, uncover public art, or admire striking architecture - the city offers countless small wonders to explore, even in the chill of winter.
Uncover public art, from striking murals to sculptures tucked into unexpected corners, or admire the city’s eclectic architecture, from grand Victorian tenements to modern glass-fronted buildings.
Best Time to Visit Glasgow in Winter
The winter season in Glasgow runs from late November through February, offering different experiences depending on when you visit:
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Late November to December: Experience the city’s festive spirit with Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and seasonal events.
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January to February: Enjoy a quieter, more relaxed pace with fewer crowds, perfect for exploring cultural attractions, museums, and scenic winter walks.
Plan Your Winter Escape at Mar Hall Resort
Nestled within a tranquil 240-acre woodland estate just 10 minutes from Glasgow International Airport, Mar Hall Resort’s rooms, suites, and luxury lodges offer the perfect setting for a sumptuous winter retreat.
Experience the beauty of Scotland in its most enchanting season, then return to candlelit dining in our restaurants and bars, or enjoy the soothing calm of our award-winning spa.
Whether you’re looking to relax and recharge with a wellness retreat or celebrate the season in style with an indulgent festive break, Mar Hall offers the perfect escape.
