Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

Article Source: National Trust For Scotland
Last Updated: 18 November 2025 14:19

A selection of the conservation charity’s places in the region, including Greenbank Garden, The Hill House, Mackintosh at the Willow, and The Tenement House will remain open through the winter. Special places cared for by the Trust offer settings packed with character for seasonal escapes.

Christmas events are taking place across the region to get visitors of all ages in the festive spirit, including opportunities to meet Mr and Mrs Claus themselves in the cosy rooms of The Tenement House and The Hill House. Budding bakers can decorate gingerbread cookies at family-friendly sessions in the tearooms of Mackintosh at the Willow. Children can help the elves with festive crafts before meeting Santa himself at Greenbank House. Advance booking is encouraged to avoid disappointment.

Visitors can make the most of the season both indoors and outdoors at Trust places. From exploring the charity’s historic houses to browsing for locally made gifts, there are many ways to get cosy inside Trust places throughout the winter season. The conservation charity also cares for breath-taking landscapes and havens for nature, which are free to access all year round. Outdoors adventures in Glasgow and the West can take a wander among the tall oak and beech trees at Greenbank Garden before warming up in the snug café.

The National Trust for Scotland cares for, and gives access to, many of the most magnificent buildings, collections and landscapes in Scotland, with the help of its members and supporters. It welcomed over 1 million visitors to its places in the South & West region this year.

Ian McLelland, National Trust for Scotland’s Regional Director for the South & West region, said: “We look forward to welcoming visitors to our special places in Glasgow and the West, to enjoy what the Trust has to offer all through the winter season. Our places provide the perfect settings to create treasured memories with loved ones to last a lifetime and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s thanks to our members and supporters for their ongoing generosity that we’re able to continue our work to protect and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland, for current and future generations.”

These winter events provide opportunities for everyone to access and enjoy National Trust for Scotland places throughout the season, with a range of activities for all ages and interests. This helps the Trust to deliver on the engagement objectives outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022, which set forth a vision to care for, share and protect Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for the enjoyment of all. Visitors to Trust places in Glasgow and the West can expect an assortment of festive activities, including:

Greenbank Garden – café, courtyard and woodland walks (garden closed)
Visit Greenbank for a festive adventure and meet the elves, help them with Christmas crafts and visit Santa in his grotto. A festive market and reindeer trail are also among the activities on the Greenbank Christmas calendar. Those seeking adventure outside of the festivities can enjoy a relaxing walk through the diverse woodland of beech and oak trees before enjoying a hot drink in the café, housed in the old cow byre and cobbled courtyard.

The Hill House – house, café, shop and garden
Children and families are warmly invited to meet Mrs Claus herself, in the nostalgic space of the Hill House Library; accessible experiences are available on Monday 22 December. Located in Helensburgh, The Hill House was designed by architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and is considered his domestic masterpiece. Visitors can admire the furniture, textiles and the structure where they will find the distinct details of the renowned Mackintosh ‘Glasgow Style’ all around. The property also includes a café and shop, along with stunning views from its roof terrace of Helensburgh and the surrounding area.

Mackintosh at the Willow – tea rooms, shop and exhibition
Relax and unwind in one of the most beautiful interiors in Glasgow. First opened in 1903, the original Willow Tea Rooms building was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in collaboration with his wife, Margaret Macdonald. Now known as Mackintosh at the Willow, visitors can treat themselves to a delicious hot drink and cake, explore the vibrant exhibition, enjoy a spectacular afternoon tea and browse the gift shop to pick up unique Mackintosh-related souvenirs. Families can get creative with festive gingerbread decorating workshops on selected dates.

The Tenement House – house and Wally Dug Café
Santa Claus is returning to the Tenement House for three magical days packed with festive fun. Children can write their letter to Santa before meeting the big man in Agnes’ Parlour, a cosy room in the heart of the house for a gift and selfie moment. They can also get crafty making festive treasures to take home.
Take the opportunity to explore this unique time capsule and early 20th-century life in Glasgow under the dim glow of gaslight and amongst original fixtures and fittings. Enjoy a selection of treats in the Wally Dug Café before browsing the shop for some perfect Christmas gifts.

Further information about place opening times and events can be found on the National Trust for Scotland website.

Please note that opening times are subject to change depending on the winter weather. It is advised to check the Trust’s website pages or social media for the latest updates before travelling.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Lanarkshire News

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes

Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

South Lanarkshire Council announces dates for their 2025 Christmas Lights switch on events

The countdown to Christmas is underway with lights scheduled to be switched on at events across South Lanarkshire!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Michel Roux unveils new laidback menu at Crossbasket Castle

Crossbasket Castle, one of Scotland's most enchanting five-star destinations, has unveiled a new Market Menu at its Foveran's restaurant.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Beat the Street CamGlen winners announced!

The Beat the Street challenge taking place across Cambuslang and Rutherglen has now concluded and the winners have been announced!

Pumpkin drive for pigs at the National Museum of Rural Life to reduce waste this Halloween

Visitors to the National Museum of Rural Life are being encouraged to donate their Halloween pumpkins and turnips on November 1st.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Theme park set to host Miss Rachel shows

M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, in partnership with Wicked Entertainment, is to host Miss Rachel inspired shows following sell out performances earlier in the year.

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

Sponsored Links

Latest Lanarkshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings