Barras Market traders explain why Christmas Eve is special

Traders say they will work “20 hour shifts” as the East End landmark opens across the weekend - up until midnight on Sunday, December 24.

They will once again welcome last minute festive shoppers as part of a long standing tradition, with food, stalls and drinks up for grabs.

Lots of Christmas items are up for grabs at the market (featuring art from trader Alt Mojo) (Image: Sourced)

You can find hand painted unique Christmas items at the market (featuring art from trader Alt Mojo) (Image: Sourced)

Glaswegians have flocked to the iconic market since it was first established on Christmas Eve in 1939 - and now 84 years later punters still can’t resist its bargains.

It has stood the test of time after falling victim to a fire in 1958 before rising from the ashes on Christmas Eve 1960.

We headed down to the market ahead of the festivities and asked the current traders what makes the tradition so special.

Trader Alan Cree spoke about the history of the market (Image: Sourced)

Alan Cree, a cosmic tie-dye vendor,  has worked at the market with his husband for over a year and spoke to us about the Christmas Eve market.

The 40-year-old, from the Southside, claims the traders are paying tribute to the Barras rich past by staying open until midnight.

He explained: “I have learned a lot since doing the Christmas market last year, it seems to be a big tradition for families to come.

“When the building was rebuilt after the fire, the first trading day was Christmas Eve.

“When the traders got to come back in they had a massive party afterwards.

“Now we remember that by staying open for the midnight market, it is really great.”

Leyna Rafferty can't wait to welcome festive shoppers to the Christmas market (Image: Sourced)

Leyna Rafferty has a vintage clothing boutique at the Barras and at first could not believe that they would be open until midnight.

The 33-year-old, from Hamilton, said: “At first I thought it was a joke that we would be open till midnight but it was amazing last year.

“It was so incredibly busy and festive, everyone just had the best time so I really cannot wait for this year.

“Full families come down because there is something for everyone and lots of unique little finds.

“I am so happy to keep the tradition and history alive in Glasgow.”
William McMillian told us how different the Christmas Eve markets have been across the years (Image: Sourced)

William McMillian, who produces vintage posters for his stall Collectavision, has attended the Christmas Eve Markets for years and told us how it has changed. 

The 55-year-old, from the East End, claims “you couldn’t move” in the past but watched it get quieter.

Now he is seeing the market get back to its popularity and can’t wait to be part of the magic again.

He explained: “The Christmas Eve market tradition has been around for a long time, people want a bargain up to the last minute.

“The last market was very busy but before that it was quieter, I’m watching it become popular again.

“Going back to the early 70s you could not move in here, especially on Christmas Eve.

“We will be here this weekend for the midnight market, so hopefully it is busy again.”

Kaitlyn Debiasse is ready to work long hours over the festive weekend for her first Christmas Eve market (Image: Sourced)

Kaitlyn Debiasse, who owns a queer country and western stall, is preparing to do a 20 hour shift for the Christmas Market weekend.

This will be her first time participating as she has flown over from America to become a trader at the Barras.

She said: “I haven’t done the maths but I will be here all weekend and am doing something like a 20 hour shift. I'm ready for it because I am American.

“Everyone says every year there is loads of joy, mulled wine, last minute shopping sprees and that it is just a really fun ritual that is so dear to Glasgow.

“I can’t wait to join in and be a part of it all.”

Kaitlyn has a huge festive cow on top of her shop at the Barras (Image: Sourced)

Dylan Hampshire trades vintage jewellery and has only been trading at the market for three months.

The 53-year-old, from Strathaven, spoke to us about being a new trader around the Christmas period.

He said: “The Barras is on the way up and I am so happy to be part of it.

“The markets used to be really busy and now we are starting to see that return.

“Get down for Christmas and pick up all your goods. If my wife allows it I will be here for the midnight market.”