More than 70 years of Glasgow at Christmas in pictures

These pictures from our archives capture more than 70 years of festive history, from Santa getting on the bus to Easterhouse (his sleigh was in the garage) to the beautiful lights in George Square.

Santa outside Frasers in 1976 (Image: Newsquest)

Santa arriving at Fraser’s in Buchanan Street was a highlight of many Glaswegians’ festive celebrations.

In 1976, he delighted families outside the store who had flocked to the city centre to see him arrive on November 30.

St Andrew's Halls in 1961 (Image: Newsquest)

The late, lamented St Andrew’s Halls – once Glasgow’s premier concert venue, which sadly burned down in 1962 – hosted a festive extravaganza in December, 1961.

A full orchestra and choir performed carols in the grand venue. Our archives picture shows just how impressive a venue this was.

Children on Buchanan Street in 1962 (Image: Newsquest)

This atmospheric image of children lost in awe at the magnificent Buchanan Street decorations is a reminder how beautiful Glasgow can look during the festive season.

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There is something magical about Christmas lights transforming an ordinary shopping street – and this was in the days before Buchanan Street was a pedestrianised zone – and these young people in 1962 were clearly transfixed.

Outside Wylie Hills in 1955 (Image: Newsquest)

‘Always Wylie Hills for toys’ was the slogan at this long-lost Glasgow department store, which once had pride of place across from Fraser’s on Buchanan Street.

These window-shoppers in 1955 look entranced by the array of dolls, toy phones and teddy bears packed into the festive display.

Pupils at St Raymond's Primary in Castlemilk in 1998 (Image: Newsquest)

Santa and his little helpers brought some Christmas magic to St Raymond’s Primary in Castlemilk in 1998.

Pupils Zarqa Ahmed, 11, and Joseph Clancey, 9, were first to receive their gifts at a special service in the school, which closed its doors just before Christmas in 2011.

George Square in 1962 (Image: Newsquest)

Before Glasgow’s Winterfest, with its colourful rides and fast food stalls was even a twinkle in the eye of the city bosses, George Square at Christmas, pictured here in 1962, was a sight to behold.

George Square in 1962 (Image: Newsquest)

Elegant, stylish and twinklingly beautiful, it attracted people from across the west of Scotland for whom a trip to the city to “see the lights” was an annual highlight.

Glasgow Central in 1950 (Image: Newsquest)

Glasgow’s Central Station in 1950 was filled with the sights and sounds of Christmas, from the magnificent tree in the middle of the concourse, to the carol singers tunefully entertaining commuters and shoppers going about their day.