By NICOLA DUNCAN

CHRISTMAS has come to Glasgow!

The traditional festive markets have opened in St Enoch Square with an incredible serving of food and drink from around the world. 

Thousands of people flocked to the square when the markets opened yesterday, many of them making the trip into town specially.

Among them were students Fiona Barley, 21 and Lynette Evans, 30, who were looking at scarves.

Fiona said: “We can’t wait for it every year, we get so excited. 
“We came running down from uni to get some Christmas food from the stalls.”

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Lynette added: “We usually bring the kids, so I think we’ll come down on Saturday and treat them too.”

Treats from various countries are available at the numerous stalls which will be operating from now until Christmas.

This year, the Christmas Markets will also return to George Square, offering a wide selection of festive gifts and even more street food.

Stallholder Alana Smith said she always enjoyed the market.

She said: “I really enjoy speaking to members of the public, you see all kinds of people. 

“Santa hats are very popular, as well as Christmas jumpers. 

“This year we’re trying Christmas headbands for something new.”

She said her husband started the stall and she took over in recent years and had been at the Christmas market in previous years.

Lydia Bain was with her five-year-old granddaughter, Amira Sahbaz, and said they came in specially to go to the market.

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She said: “We came because I knew they were opening today, it’s kind a Christmas tradition for us. 

“I love the atmosphere, it’s the best thing about it–  it gets you in the Christmas spirit. 

“The smells and food are so festive.”

At the German sweet stall, Billy Thomson, 20 and Heather Madden, 19, were excited to see what the market had to offer.

Heather said: “I love the Christmas markets, I’ve been so excited for them to be here. 

“It’s just the start of Christmas.”

She said she loved trying all the different foods and added “it’s all just so festive!”

Billy said they “had to come on the first day.”

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He said: “It’s definitely preparing us for more of the Christmas events, the nights out and the other markets at George Square and in Edinburgh.”

The centrepiece of the George Square market is a traditional carousel, the iconic Big Wheel and a whole host of family-focused street entertainment.  

St Enoch Christmas Market opening times:

  • November 9-December 22:
  • Monday-Wednesday, 10am-8pm
  • Thursday-Saturday, 10am-9pm
  • Sunday, 10am-7pm (bar area closes at 9pm)

George Square Christmas Market opening times:

  • November 25-December 29: 
  • Monday-Sunday, 10am-10pm​
  • Closed Christmas Day