From Ginger Day, to dress up days, to Autism Friendly sessions, there is something for everyone at the IRN BRU Carnival!
The IRN-BRU Carnival returns for another year of rides, thrills and memory making at the SEC this December and January.
Article Source: The IRN-BRU Carnival
Last Updated: 13 November 2023 12:22
With over 65 rides and attractions to see from 22 December, there is no shortage of fun to be had for children, families and adults at the annual event.
Having been a Glasgow institution for over 100-years, we’ve rounded up some of the top things for you to keep an eye out for at this year’s edition.
Christmas Jumper Day – 24 December
Those wearing their Christmas jumpers on Christmas Eve will be gifted an extra voucher to be used throughout the Carnival. Get ‘em on and treat yourself to an extra spin on the Waltzers or one of the other fantastic rides available – ‘tis the season for giving after all!
Meet your heroes - Wednesday 27th December & 7th January
On Wednesday 27 December and on 7 January 2024, children are invited to dress up as their favourite superhero, princess or villain for ‘theme day’.
Special guests from some family favourite films are also expected to swing by, and in the past have been known to put on performances for event goers – keep an eye on IRN-BRU Carnival’s social media for more information coming soon!
Ginger Day – 12th January
We all love a ginger and to show our appreciate to our fiery headed pals, we are celebrating them on 12th January by offering a free voucher to one the 65+ stalls and rides, simply by turning up and being ginger.
We love ginger of all shades and sizes, so be it dyed, a wig, or au naturale, come along and celebrate the mighty gingers!
Autism Friendly Sessions – 31st December (11-2pm) & 9th January (4 – 9pm)
It’s important that everyone gets a chance to enjoy Glasgow’s greatest festive tradition, so the IRN-BRU Autism Friendly Sessions are back to allow those with autism or sensory processing difficulties a chance to enjoy the rides in an environment with reduced sound and light, and with smaller crowds and queues.
During the Autism Friendly sessions, the main hall lights will be on, music will be turned off or very low, and the rides will be slower where possible (although the ride lights will still be on).
Sensory packs are available. Quiet areas will be open throughout the full Carnival run for anyone who needs them.
Seek thrills on new rides
The Carnival is bursting with stalls this year, with rides for everyone from toddlers to teenagers, and big kids of course.
Screams are expected to be heard far and wide as those a little older take to Glasgow’s skies on The Extreme Ice Blast outside of the iconic SEC venue, as well as getting twisted upside down and all around on the brand-new indoor ride, Super Trooper. Those looking for a jump scare will be welcome to explore the Hotel of Terror, an immersive and creepy walk-through experience, sure to be a hit at this year’s event.
For the younger children, check out Mini Miami, a mini version of the popular “Miami Wave” rides. Youngsters can get the chance to experience the thrills of the heart dropping sky to floor feeling with the rest of the family.
Musical performances
IRN-BRU Carnival are also supporting local buskers and musical talent throughout, with a number of amazing performances, from the opening day where guests can expect a traditional Scottish bag piper, to DJ’s and some of Scotland’s rising starts from Sauchiehall Street superstar, Maria McAveety, to the sultry sounds of local boy, Matthew Gibb.
Win exclusive prizes
The Treasure Hunt is back almost every single day of the run this year. Kids under 12 will once again be invited to take part in the Treasure Hunt, gathering letters around the Carnival to attempt to unjumble the word and win a certificate.
Those over the age of 12 and a height of 1.4m can enter the Carnival Ride Challenge. For each ride in the challenge, the guest will get a stamp. Once they have collected ten stamps, they can send in a photo of the completed ride challenge to be entered into a prize draw to win a Phenomenal Ticket for next year, giving visitors four free entries every day that the Carnival is on from December 2024 – worth over £1,600!
Make new memories
The Carnival has been a firm-favourite in the city for over 100 years and this year is set to be no different. Families are invited to make new memories and enjoy the spoils of the festive tradition together at the SEC.
With delicious food, lively music, and plenty of fun activities to explore, there is no better time to head down to the IRN-BRU Carnival with all the family and enjoy the festive period.
The IRN-BRU Carnival kicks off on Friday 22 December 2023 (closed Christmas Day) and will be open until Sunday 14 January 2024. Standard entry tickets are available from £18.50 with discounts available for groups, concessions and Young Scot card holders, and kids under three go free.
Tickets are available online now at www.irn-bru-carnival.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort unwraps festive celebrations
Christmas magic is set to return to Glasgow Fort on Thursday 20th November as the centre unveils its seasonal line-up!
READ MORE
Global fashion brand Stradivarius opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, opens Glasgow's first-ever Stradivarius store, further elevating its fashion offering.
READ MORE
Boney M ft Maizie and Newton Faulkner join Fun For Life Fest lineup
Boney M featuring Maizie Williams are set to co-headline the Fun For Life Fest on Saturday 16 May 2026, with Newton Faulkner also joining the line up.
READ MORE
Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio
Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.
READ MORE
New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden
Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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).
READ MORE
The Ivy Buchanan Street unveils festive set menu for 2025
From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.
READ MORE
Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail
Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!
READ MORE
KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End
The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026
The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!
READ MORE
Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow
The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future
Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival reveals first titles for 2026
Scotland's biggest film festival has confirmed its highly anticipated Retrospective Programme, which gives audiences the chance to catch classic films back on the big screen for free.
READ MORE
Sir Billy Connolly award applications open for Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2026
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has opened applications for its prestigious Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award with acts, venues and staff in 2026's festival encouraged to apply now.
READ MORE
Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic
This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.
READ MORE
SEC Glasgow at 40: Four decades of creating incredible
For four decades the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has stood at the centre of Scotland’s cultural life, attracting world-class shows, artists, major events and conferences to Glasgow.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Glasgow Taxis Cup returns for its 21st year in 2026
Now in its twenty-first year, Glasgow Taxis Cup, will see more than 700 student athletes from Glasgow Caledonian, Strathclyde, and Glasgow universities competing across 17+ sports in 21+ events!
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Christmas Songbook to take festive cheer to Glasgow
Scotland's iconic Christmas Songbook is back for 2025, promising to sprinkle even more festive magic in Glasgow this December!
READ MORE
Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor
Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.
READ MORE
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
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links