Christmas is going cosmic at Glasgow Science Centre this December, with Santa heading to the stars, The Polar Express returning to Scotland’s biggest IMAX screen and festive favourites showing beneath the sparkling Planetarium dome.
If you’re looking for Christmas things to do with the kids in Glasgow, Glasgow Science Centre has a packed festive programme for December 2026 – and there’s something for everyone from little Santa believers to families who simply love a Christmas movie.
Here’s what families can look forward to.
🎅 Santa’s Galactic Grotto
Forget the traditional trip to the North Pole – this Christmas, Santa is somewhere out among the stars!
Santa’s Galactic Grotto promises families “the most magical Christmas journey in the universe”, combining the excitement of a Santa visit with a space adventure at Glasgow Science Centre.
Families will journey through the stars inside the Planetarium, help search the galaxy for Santa and then enjoy a magical family meeting with the man himself.
It sounds like a brilliant choice for young space fans – and a very different take on the traditional Christmas grotto experience.
Santa’s Galactic Grotto Dates
📅 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 & 21 December 2026
📍 Glasgow Science Centre
🚂 The Polar Express 3D Returns to IMAX
All aboard!
Christmas favourite The Polar Express is returning to Glasgow Science Centre this winter – and families can experience the adventure in 3D on the biggest IMAX screen in Scotland.
The modern Christmas classic follows a young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
Seeing it on a huge IMAX screen should make the famous train journey even more spectacular and could be a lovely addition to a festive family day out in Glasgow.
The Polar Express 3D Dates
📅 5, 6, 12 & 13 December 2026
📍 IMAX at Glasgow Science Centre
✨ Christmas Movies Under the Stars
Fancy watching a Christmas film somewhere a little more magical than your living room?
Starlight Screenings return to Glasgow Science Centre’s Planetarium this December, giving families the chance to enjoy festive favourites beneath its sparkling dome.
Three Christmas classics are joining the programme for 2026.
🏠 Home Alone
Kevin McCallister is back for another Christmas of ingenious traps, memorable one-liners and chaotic attempts to protect his family home.
📅 22 & 23 December
🐸 The Muppet Christmas Carol
Kermit, Miss Piggy and the Muppets put their own much-loved spin on Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story.
📅 22 & 24 December
🎃 The Nightmare Before Christmas
For families who like their Christmas movies with a slightly spooky twist, Jack Skellington and the residents of Halloween Town return in Tim Burton’s festive favourite.
📅 23 & 24 December
🎄 A Christmas Day Out in Glasgow
With Santa adventures, giant-screen movies and Christmas films under the stars, families could easily make Glasgow Science Centre part of their festive plans this year.
Santa’s Galactic Grotto offers something special for younger children, while The Polar Express 3D and the Starlight Screenings could also appeal to older children, teens and grown-ups looking for a bit of Christmas nostalgia.
And with events running right up to Christmas Eve, there are plenty of opportunities to add some festive magic to the December diary.
Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre – At a Glance
🎅 Santa’s Galactic Grotto: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 & 21 December
🚂 The Polar Express 3D: 5, 6, 12 & 13 December
⭐ Home Alone: 22 & 23 December
⭐ The Muppet Christmas Carol: 22 & 24 December
⭐ The Nightmare Before Christmas: 22 & 24 December
📍 Glasgow Science Centre, 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA
Starlight Screenings are due to open for booking shortly. Check Glasgow Science Centre for the latest availability, ticket prices, timings and booking information before travelling.
