Glasgow launches new winter campaign with free night buses this weekend

A new campaign encouraging Glaswegians to get out and enjoy the festive experiences in the city centre has launched today (Monday 12th December) with free night bus travel across Glasgow this weekend (Friday 16th + Sat 17th December) with First Bus. 

Part of a city-wide drive to encourage visitors and support the night time economy in Glasgow City Centre,  Glasgow Life and the City Centre Task Force have come together to celebrate a Winter Wonderland of activity that can be found right on your doorstep. 

Showcasing Glasgow’s sparkling programme of Christmas events, visitor attractions and championing the city's stellar independents, iconic retailers, and exciting nightlife operators, you’re invited to support local and #LoveGlasgowThisWinter where you can. 

Marking the launch this weekend, up to 500 passengers can enjoy free travel on First Bus dedicated night bus services.  500 complimentary night bus rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis with 250 free trips available on Friday night (16th December) and Saturday night (17th December) by downloading the First Bus App before you board. With 11 late-night services every Friday and Saturday evening, covering locations from Pollok to Hamilton, you can enjoy fuss-free travel on your way home. 

Simply download the First Bus app and enter the unique promo code that you’ll find at firstglasgow.com/night, before you board for Friday and Saturday free night bus rides. Codes will be published on Friday morning, and only 250 redemptions are available for both Friday and Saturday nights (500 in total). 

The new campaign features a hero film that celebrates the people and places in Glasgow during winter.  It focuses on the combination of experiences Glasgow offers – from shopping and food and drink to theatre and performance. 

Ways To Love Glasgow This Winter

There are plenty of ways to celebrate the 2022 festive season in Glasgow, with St Enoch Square and George Square both hosting Christmas Fairs complete with everything from carousels and street food hubs to a Bavarian moose bar and bungee trampolines, open until 10pm every day. 

Shoppers can also take in the shimmery lights of the city, with impressive installations providing a magical backdrop for all to enjoy this Winter.  No visit is complete without a trip to Argyll Arcade - the home of diamonds or the John Lewis beauty hall in Buchanan Galleries. Must visit boutiques include the hotly anticipated VIEVE makeup popup by Jamie Genevieve in Princes Square, newly opened BPerfect Cosmetics in St. Enoch Centre, whilst sneakerheads should take the trip to Kersch Kicks on Ingram Street.  

Sip on stylish cocktails at the newly opened August House on Mitchell Street, or enjoy a festive dram at The Pot Still before taking in a famous Glasgow show. There’s fun for all the family at this year’s pantomime, Beauty And The Beast at the King’s Theatre, one of Scotland’s most historic venues, or take a trip with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at the Tron Theatre.

The city’s world-renowned reputation for live music will be on shining display as hometown hero Paolo Nutini takes to the OVO Hydro for a sold out five night run, or spot the stars of the future at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. 

For those looking to keep the festivities going well into the night, check out late-night bars including newcomer Hide and Seek or mainstay Nice ‘n’ Sleazy. Or hit the dancefloor for your Christmas night out, at The Garage, Bamboo or Kong. 

Whatever you’re looking for this Christmas, Love Glasgow this Winter and catch the night bus home - with 11 late-night services every Friday and Saturday evening, covering locations from Pollok to Hamilton. Prices start from £2.65 - sit back and enjoy a fuss-free journey home.

Stuart Patrick, Co-Chair of the City Centre Task Force and Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Love Glasgow This Winter is a great initiative, and couldn’t have come at a more important time. Businesses rely on a spike in trade and footfall at this time of year, whether it’s retail, hospitality, or leisure, so getting people into the city and through the door is crucial.

“This funding from the City Centre Task Force aims to address that concern. From highlighting the city’s varied consumer offer to increasing public transport options during a period of planned rail disruption, we’re giving people even more reasons to spend the full day in Glasgow.

“The Love Glasgow campaign will hopefully encourage locals and visitors into the city and go some way to helping our traders have a bumper Christmas and a brighter 2023.”

Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for City Centre Recovery at Glasgow City Council and co-chair of the City Centre Taskforce, said: “Glasgow City Centre is a very special place at Christmas, and this campaign will highlight the huge range of things on offer over the festive period.  From unique shopping experiences and fantastic street food, bars and restaurants to great pantomimes, concerts and fairs, a visit to the city centre this Christmas will be a memorable occasion.”

Graeme Macfarlan, Commercial Director for First Bus Scotland, said: “We are delighted to play our part in the Love Glasgow This Winter campaign and support Glasgow City Council in promoting the many ways people can enjoy the city over the festive period.

“We are proud to continue to support the city’s night-time economy, particularly during the crucial run up to the festive period, by being in the position to offer a network of night bus services at the weekend that connect the city centre with most areas of Glasgow and beyond.”

“Whether you are enjoying a meal out with friends, some late night entertainment with family or attending an event, the festive season offers a great opportunity for new and current customers to make our night services a part of their late-night travel plans to ensure they get home safely.”

Visitors to Glasgow will be able to get inspiration, itinerary ideas, and festive programming from People Make Glasgow, including top things to do, where to stay, what’s on, and the best places to eat and drink. For more information on Glasgow’s Winter programme, head here https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/winter-in-glasgow. 

For more information on the city’s Christmas events programme visit the Glasgow Loves Christmas webpage.

Redeeming Free Night Bus Travel Friday 16 + Sat 17 December 

To redeem the free Night Bus travel:

• Download the First Bus App. 
• Head to firstglasgow.com/night to access the free codes (available from Friday morning).
• Open the app, and tab ‘tickets’, setting your region to Glasgow Network.
• Select category ‘Night’ and ticket ‘Night Bus Single’ 
• Enter your promo code for 100% discount, and checkout.
• Your ticket will be stored in your ticket wallet, and should be activated as you board the bus to redeem on board. 
• Please note this free travel offer is not available without the app promo code.
• 500 redemptions are available on a first come, first served basis with 250 free rides available on both Friday(16 December) and Saturday (17 December) nights. 

ENDS