Clydeside Christmas Village: Glasgow’s riverside ice rink named one of the best in the UK for Christmas 2026

A pop up Christmas ice rink in Glasgow has been named one of the best in the UK, according to a country-wide list pulled together by The Guardian.

It’s the first time the Christmas attraction has opened in the city | Supplied

Clydeside Christmas Village, on the banks of the Clyde in the West End of Glasgow, is a new addition the city’s festive attractions this year and features a covered ice rink, funfair and one of Scotland’s biggest Christmas trees.

It opened its doors for the first time on November 28 and has been a hit among visitors getting into the Christmas spirit.

It is the only Scottish pop up to make The Guardian’s list, despite tough competition from Glasgow’s Winter Wonderland and Edinburgh’s Christmas over in the capital.

The ice rink is one of the only covered ones in Scotland | Clydeside Christmas Village

The other rinks that made the list included a pop up in London’s Leicester Square, a roof top ice rink in South London, and a sea-front rink in Devon.

As well as its ice-rink, Clydeside Christmas Village has a host of festive rides including a big wheel and a star flyer, as well as a heated Alpine-style bar great for an adult hangout and a selection of stalls selling street food and sweet treats.

Children can meet Santa for free on December 6, 7, 13, 14 and 20-23 from 1-4pm.

There is no upfront cost to enter the village and parking is free too.

The village has a choice of festive fun fair rides | Supplied

For the first three weeks, from November 29 to December 21, the village is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday in the evenings from 5pm until 10pm. Every Saturday it is open from 12 noon until 10pm, and Sundays 12 noon until 8pm.

Then from December 22 until January 4, it is open every day apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.