The Good Times Christmas Village is set to open on George Square on Thursday, November 19, and will run until Thursday, December 31, bringing a winter wonderland to the heart of Glasgow city centre.
Scott van der Hoek, founder of Good Times Markets, told the Glasgow Times: “We’re looking to create a family-friendly environment, different to whatever’s been there before.
“This is about bringing people together, being inclusive of everyone, and trying to be charitable where we can.
“I think food and activities are a great way of bringing communities together.”
He continued: “Every day there will be something for someone.
“There will be amazing activities and shows throughout the square.
“It’s going to be a spectacular event; it’s not just about coming down and getting some food.”
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The market will be free to enter and feature a wide range of food traders based in Scotland, including local Glasgow businesses such as La Vita, Ora Thai, Holy Smoke House, Far Out Bao, Lebanese in a Van, Ceylon Cartel, and more, with diners able to get everything from pizza to bao buns to tacos.
Eventgoers will also still be able to get their favourite traditional festive treats such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, German sausages, doughnuts and crepes.
There will be a glasshouse bar, chalet bar, and a rooftop container bar with a viewing platform to allow customers to look at the square’s Christmas lighting.
Scott says he wanted to ensure the market showcased local businesses serving fresh food.
He said: “We are trying our best to keep prices reasonable.
“People should be able to come in and get a meal for £10 to £15.
“They are all 100% family businesses and fresh-cooked food.”
He added: “The difference between what’s gone on in the past and us is that these are all micro businesses, they’re local, and they put their heart and soul into the food.”
Other entertainment will include Rainbow Twisters, who do activities such as face painting and balloon art, Rudolph’s Rocket Sleigh, where people will be able to climb into a sleigh and put on VR goggles to go on a journey to Lapland, a charitable Crackers Christmas Quiz on a Monday night with prizes, and photo opportunities, while choir SoundSational and other musicians will provide background music.
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ASN days will take place each Tuesday of the market from 11am to 12pm.
Branch and Bauble, meanwhile, will have a Christmas emporium showroom where customers can choose a real Christmas tree along with all the decorations.
Scott said: “For people who live in the city and don’t necessarily drive, they can get their real tree delivered to their house with all the baubles.
“It gives everyone the opportunity to have a real tree in their house.”
The Little Helpers Hamper Co will also be selling a range of hampers that can then be boxed up and delivered to people’s homes for Christmas gifts.
Scott, who also runs the Good Times Market on the Broomielaw by the Tradeston Bridge, says he wants to use the market to “give back” to Glasgow.
He explained: “For every tree we sell, we’ll be planting a tree, and we’ve linked up with PEEK, who will be doing a charitable Boogie Bingo with prizes.
“On Christmas Eve, the leftover food that won’t last until Boxing Day will be donated to a local food bank.
“We’ll also be doing a kids’ present and coat collection for those most in need through PEEK as well.”
Scott, who has lived in Glasgow for 15 years, has assured the public that the market will open on time, despite concerns on social media when the opening date was announced.
He added: “I can promise Glasgow that it will definitely be open on time.
“Working with the council has been a dream, and I’m honoured to be able to deliver something Glasgow’s never really seen before.”
Good Times Christmas Village will be at George Square from Thursday, November 19 to Thursday, December 31. It will be closed on Christmas Day.
You can find out more at goodtimesmarketGLA.co.uk or follow Good Times Market on Facebook or Instagram.
