GLASGOW’S Christmas lights switch on in George Square has been axed.
Officials have announced the popular ceremony won’t be going ahead this year.
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Every year thousands of people buy tickets to watch the launch of the city‘s festive season.
They pack into the square to watch the Christmas lights bright up the streets.
But this year something else will have to be done as George Square is closed down for a controversial refurb.
The landmark location will be closed down today as major work continues.
Parts of George Square will be boarded up and it isn’t expected to open until Autumn 2026.
But this has left organisers needing to plan another festive event.
The work will also see George Square lose it’s popular Christmas Market.
The big wheel and ice rink also won’t be there as crews work on giving the city centre location it’s fresh new look.
Plans for the alternative switch on have been revealed by organisers at Glasgow Life.
Instead there will be a ‘Christmas light trail’ throughout the city centre and the switch on will be held in another location.
The illuminations will go along Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street – which has been branded Glasgow’s ‘Golden Z’ in upgrade plans.
A Glasgow Life spokesperson said: “Glasgow is a hub of top-class events, activities and attractions which offers year-round entertainment, and the city will again build up to Christmas in spectacular style in 2025.
“The upcoming redevelopment work in George Square will mean Glasgow’s Christmas lights switch-on moment will take place in a different part of the city centre this year as part of a new lighting trail.
“To ensure residents and visitors can celebrate the festive season with family and friends, Glasgow Life is developing a Christmas lighting trail that will light up Argyle Street, Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street.
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“The trail will encourage people to explore and make memories in the city centre and, in turn, support local shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels in the lead-up to Christmas. We look forward to sharing more information in due course.”
We told earlier this year how preparations for the refurb got underway.
Many of the statues have been removed from George Square ahead of the work.
They will be restored and returned to the square in 2027.
Statues that will be removed include Prince Albert, Queen Victoria, Robert Burns, William Gladstone, Robert Peel, James Watt, Thomas Graham, Thomas Campbell, Lord Clyde, Sir John Moore, and James Oswald.
The Centotaph and the statue of Walter Scott will remain in place.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
The streets around George Square will also be redesigned.
Major plans for the area include a water feature, sheltered seating, feature lighting, play areas for children, and new raised lawns.
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