Article Source: IRN-BRU
Last Updated: 20 November 2024 13:16
Image Credit: John Clark
With over 65 rides and attractions from 20 December, there is no shortage of fun to be had for children, families and the young at heart at Europe’s largest indoor fun fair.
The IRN-BRU Carnival has been a Glasgow institution for over 100-years. We’ve rounded up some of the top things to do at this year’s event.
Live Music – Dates throughout
The IRN-BRU Carnival will have musical performances taking place throughout the festive period.
Maria McAveety and Lori will be performing, delivering unforgettable live shows, filled with energy, emotion and festive flair. These performances will take place on the following dates:
• Saturday 22nd December – Jack the Piper (4pm)
• Sunday 29th December – Maria McAveety (12-4pm)
• Monday 30th December – Lori (12pm-4pm)
• Thursday 2nd January – Maria McAveety (12-4pm)
• Friday 3rd January – Maria McAveety (12-4pm)
• Saturday 4th January – Lori (12pm-4pm)
• Saturday 11th January – Lori (12pm-4pm)
Christmas Jumper Day – Tuesday 24th December
On Christmas Eve, all attendees and staff alike are invited to wear their best festive fashion! The IRN-BRU Carnival will be getting in the Christmas spirit, offering all participants decked in their best Christmas jumpers an additional ride voucher.
Princess and Superhero Day – Friday 27 December & Sunday 5 January
On Friday the 27 of December and Sunday 5 January, Palace parties will be hosting Princess and Superhero days. Visitors can dress up as their favourite princess, superhero or fantasy characters. Activities will include fun photo-ops and interactive moments as kids meet their favourite heroes. Anyone who dresses up will receive an extra ride voucher.
Autism Friendly sessions – Tuesday 31st December (11-2pm only) & Monday 6th January (4-9pm)
With reduced sound and light where possible, these popular sessions are back to allow those living with autism and sensory processing difficulties, a chance to enjoy the rides with smaller crowds.
Quiet areas and sensory packs will be available during these sessions for anyone who needs them.
This year the IRN-BRU Carnival has partnered with Scottish Autism who are supporting to improve and evolve the sessions, helping autistic people and their families, and those with sensory processing differences enjoy the event.
Unicorn Experience – Tuesday 31 December (11-2pm) and Monday 6 January
The unicorn experience is back this year and aims to deliver an enchanting adventure. Families can step into a fairy tale, say hello to the magical unicorns and their sparkling manes and tails. This will be a magical encounter for children and a brilliant photo opportunity.
Caricaturist – Friday 3 January 11am-4pm
New for this year, a Caricaturist will be on hand 11am-4pm on Friday 3 January to delight Carnival go-ers with custom caricatures as a memento of their time at the Carnival.
Ginger Day – Sunday 12 January
Everyone knows a ginger and to show appreciation to any fiery headed pals, The IRN-BRU Carnival is celebrating them on 12 January by offering a free ride voucher available to use on the 65+ stalls and rides, simply by turning up and being ginger. Be it dyed, a wig, or au naturale, mighty gingers are being invited to come along and celebrate!
Treasure Hunts
Every day the Carnival is open, kids 12 and under are invited to participate in the treasure hunt, turning the event into a thrilling quest for hidden treasure. Throughout the hunt they will encounter challenges and rewards, following the clues to win an exciting prize!
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 all the fun of this 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.
Opening on 20 December 2024 and running until 12 January 2025, tickets include 10 vouchers per person which can be used on 65+ incredible rides and attractions, games and access for little ones to enjoy the inflatable play.
This year’s Carnival ticket prices start from £12 for seniors, with discounts available for groups, concessions and Young Scot card holders, where kids under three go free. Peak prices apply to selected dates, when Earlybird general admission tickets start from £21.
Tickets are available online now at www.irn-bru-carnival.com
All events can be found here: www.irn-bru-carnival.com
Glasgow Fort has teamed up with local charities to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.
READ MORE
Tron Theatre is delighted to announce its brand-new season of work for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
This Sunday visitors to VEGA's Christmas Market have the chance to “unwrap the city” and win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift worth over £1,000!
READ MORE
City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.
READ MORE
Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.
READ MORE
Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.
READ MORE
Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.
READ MORE
Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.
READ MORE
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
READ MORE
As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.
READ MORE
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.
READ MORE
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.
READ MORE
Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.
READ MORE
The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.
READ MORE
Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.
READ MORE
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.
READ MORE
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.
READ MORE
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!
READ MORE
Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.
READ MORE
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORE