GLASGOW, 9 November 2026 — WestFest, Glasgow’s biggest community led cultural festival, has announced a programme of Christmas family events from 9 to 19 December, created in partnership with Kelvin Hall and local groups after the cancellation of a major commercial Christmas event at Kelvingrove Galleries.
Most events are free and the programme builds to the WestFest Winter Warmer at Kelvingrove Galleries on 19 December.
The programme has been made possible by collaboration between the festival, Kelvin Hall and community partners, so families don’t miss out at a tough, expensive time of year. Delivered with Kelvin Hall and Glasgow Life, supported by Glasgow City Council and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, it is open to everyone.
Spirit
“Kelvin Hall is really excited to be a part of the WestFest festive programme this year, offering families something fun and free at this time of year is a great way to show Christmas spirit,” says Yvonne Greenlees, Kelvin Hall Area Manager.
Arts and creative workshops for children and families will take place at Partick Burgh Halls and Kelvin Hall from 14 to 17 December, including Christmas songwriting, decoration making, storytelling and more.
On 18 December, Halo Arts’ Community Reels will screen Christmas favourites Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life at Kelvin Hall, with popcorn and soft drinks included and donations welcome.
On 19 December, the Kelvingrove Galleries piazza hosts an outdoor Christmas ceilidh followed by a candlelit carol concert with local choirs and a brass band, plus stalls, hot drinks and a rumoured visit from Santa. Families can make their own lanterns at Kelvin Hall beforehand to light up the event.
To help fund the programme, Halo Arts will stage a one-off performance of its community panto, Wee Jock and the Beanstalk, at Kelvin Hall on 9 December.
It’s a time of year where many feel isolated and we want to provide opportunities for the community to come together. Christmas is also an expensive time, and so many commercial events are simply not accessible for families - Brendon McIlroy
Tickets are a fraction of city centre prices, and all proceeds go towards keeping the winter events programme free for all.
Brendon McIlroy, Festival Director of WestFest, said: “We’ve been looking at ways to bring a free winter community events and outreach programme to the West End since the festival started four years ago.
“It’s a time of year where many feel isolated and we want to provide opportunities for the community to come together. Christmas is also an expensive time, and so many commercial events are simply not accessible for families.
“We saw the cancellation of the event at Kelvingrove as an opportunity to work with our community partners to bring something special together that’s free and open to all.
“That’s what WestFest is all about. It’s about people, and arts and culture are our conduit to enable connection and shared experiences.”
* For full details, visit http://www.westfest.uk or pick up a programme. Follow WestFest on social media at @westfestgla. Panto tickets are at https://tinyurl.com/KelvinHallPanto2026.
