Monday 19 December 2011

Christmas in Glasgow

At Maia Gifts, we love Christmas. Every last winter snowflake of it.

The noise of your feet crunching on fresh snow. The swirling patterns the frost makes on your window. The taste of cinnamon, sage and cranberry. Putting the fairy on top of the Christmas tree and making sure your baubles are positioned ‘just so’.

To us, December’s a magical time to be enjoyed and savoured. And in our mind, Christmas in Glasgow is the best of all. Honestly. We’ve travelled to many places in the world, but truly nothing beats a Glasgow Christmas. We may moan about the cold weather but it just wouldn’t feel like Christmas if we weren’t wrapped up all toasty and warm, listening to the wind whistling down the streets. If we were in Barbados and the sun was splitting the sky, sure, it would be super nice – but it wouldn’t be Christmas to us.

So, with that in mind, whether you live in Glasgow or you’re passing through for the festivities, here are a few of our favourite things to do during the festive period so you can share the fun too. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.



Image by byronv2

From a ferris wheel, to an outdoor icerink, to squillions of Christmas lights – seriously, what is not to like? The minute we step into George Square we feel like Christmas has pulled up on a sleigh.



We find it impossible to walk along Byres Road without popping in to this atmospheric cafe. The owners say their menu is inspired by their time spent in Europe and North Africa. The cakes are freshly baked on the premises each day and there are lots of nice nibbles in their food emporium that are great to buy and take away if you're entertaining over Christmas. It's a busy wee place though so you may need to wait for a table.

Watch Miracle on 34th Street at Sloans Bar










A Christmas feel-good movie is essential in the run up to Christmas. We'll be heading to one of Glasgow's oldest bars to watch this favourite Crimbo movie. You can watch the film and order two mac and cheese for £9.95 - now that's spreading the Christmas cheer!

A frosty winter's picnic at Mugdock Country Park


Image by SpoiltCat

Get wrapped up, fill your flask with warm tea and go for a stroll in one of the many country parks that surround Glasgow city centre. Enjoy looking at the frost on the trees and stroll along one of the many walking routes letting the scenery clear your head of any Christmas stress. Pick your spot and settle down for some homemade turkey and cranberry sandwiches (or stop at Marks and Spencer along the way!) We've picked Mugdock Park near Milngavie but there's also the gorgeous Chatelherault near Hamilton.

Carols by Candlelight at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall















Image by twicepix

"Carols and seasonal classics performed in full period costume in a candle-lit style setting." From O little town of Bethlehem to O come, all ye faithful. O yes - we'll have some of that, O thank you, please :)

Watching It's a Wonderful Life at the Grosvenor Cinema














Image by David C Laurie
Another classic Christmas film that makes us appreciate the important things in life. And where better to watch it than in the cinema that likes to do things a bit differently. Big, comfy leather seats, a glass (or two) of wine and a wee bubble at a classic. Perfect.

Buy a new bauble for your Christmas tree 
Every year, we like to buy at least one new bauble for our Christmas tree. Here are a few favourites we have in store just now.

Nordic Ball Christmas Decoration (£2.99)






































Merry Christmas everyone!

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