Southside Window Wanderland Returns: Cathcart & Strathbungo 2026

Key Points

• Window Wanderland events are returning to Glasgow’s southside in 2026, featuring spectacular illuminated window displays in local houses and tenements.​
• Cathcart, Merrylee, and Muirend Window Wanderland kicks off from Friday 20 February to Sunday 22 February 2026, between 6pm and 9pm each evening.
• The event is hosted by Cathcart, Merrylee & Muirend Community Council, transforming streets into a magical outdoor gallery of decorated windows.​
• Last year’s festival in the area was a huge success with wonderful displays, front room music gigs, and hundreds of attendees enjoying the spectacle.​
• Participation is free and open to everyone regardless of age or ability; no artistic skills required – displays can range from candles and fairy lights to performances.​
• Strathbungo Window Wanderland follows on Saturday 7 March 2026, lighting up the neighbourhood as an outdoor gallery celebrating community art and imagination.
• Mount Florida is notably absent this year, taking a break from the series of popular southside events.​
• Events are family-friendly, encourage community spirit, and invite residents to register windows for maps and trails.​
• Free local workshops will run nearer the time in Cathcart, Merrylee, and Muirend to provide ideas and materials.​
• Similar Window Wanderland events occur globally but Glasgow southside editions emphasise local creativity in tenements and houses.​

Glasgow Southside (Glasgow Express) February 20, 2026 – The beloved Window Wanderland series, known for turning ordinary windows into dazzling displays of light and creativity, returns to Glasgow’s southside this weekend despite a notable gap left by Mount Florida’s hiatus. Cathcart, Merrylee, and Muirend will illuminate from Friday 20 February for three days, with Strathbungo set to follow in March, drawing crowds to wander neighbourhood streets transformed into outdoor art galleries.​

What is Window Wanderland and Why Does It Matter in Glasgow?

Window Wanderland originated in Bristol in 2015 as a community arts project encouraging residents to illuminate windows with imaginative displays, now a global phenomenon each winter. In Glasgow’s southside, it has become one of the area’s most popular events, fostering neighbourly bonds through free, accessible spectacles in tenements and houses.

As reported by the Glasgow Live team, the series sees “the windows of local houses and tenements lit up in a spectacular style,” highlighting its appeal in densely populated urban settings. Organisers emphasise its role in celebrating “art, imagination, and the incredible spirit of our community,” making dark February evenings magical for families.

The events promote inclusivity, with no entry fees and displays welcoming all skill levels, from simple fairy lights to elaborate front-room performances.​

Where and When is Cathcart, Merrylee, and Muirend Window Wanderland Happening?

Cathcart, Merrylee & Muirend Window Wanderland runs from 20 to 22 February 2026, daily from 6pm to 9pm in Glasgow’s southside. We are Cathcart, Merrylee & Muirend Community Council and we are delighted to be hosting this fantastic festival once again,” states the official event page on What’s On Glasgow.

With residents’ help,

“we will transform the streets into a magical outdoor gallery of decorated, illuminated windows for all to enjoy,”

they add. Last year’s festival was a huge success with wonderful window displays, fantastic front room music gigs and hundreds of people on the streets enjoying the spectacle,” organisers recall.​

The festival is open to everyone whatever your age or ability and we would love YOU to join in the fun. It’s completely FREE and you don’t need to be artistic to take part,” they note, underscoring its community focus.​

How Can Residents Participate in the Cathcart Event?

Participation is straightforward and cost-free. Displays can be

“as simple as candles or fairy lights – or a display of your favourite books or toys. Or you could go all out and stage a performance in your front room. Anything goes….. as long as it’s family friendly,”

according to the Cathcart, Merrylee & Muirend Community Council via What’s On Glasgow.​

Free local workshops will provide ideas and materials nearer the time, helping newcomers get involved. Residents register windows online or via event pages to appear on interactive maps, guiding wanderers along trails.

The emphasis remains on family-friendly content, ensuring safe enjoyment for all ages strolling the lit-up streets.​

What About Strathbungo Window Wanderland?

Strathbungo Window Wanderland returns on Saturday 7 March 2026, as announced by The Strathbungo Society on bungoblog.com:

“Window Wanderland will return to the streets of Strathbungo on 7th March 2026. Watch for further info, and get planning your windows.”​

What’s On Glasgow describes it as transforming

“Strathbungo into a spectacular outdoor gallery for all to enjoy,”

with creative displays from neighbours and a fun, friendly vibe. It’s that time of year again—Window Wanderland is back, and we can’t wait to see you there! This is your chance to wander through a night full of creativity as our windows light up with amazing displays,” the event listing enthuses.​

Why come along? Be wowed by creative window displays from your neighbors, enjoy the fun, friendly vibes that make Strathbungo so special, experience a night you won’t forget!” it continues.​

Why is Mount Florida Taking a Break This Year?

One of the southside’s most popular events, Mount Florida Window Wanderland, is absent in 2026, as highlighted in the original Glasgow Live report: “but there will be a notable absence.” No specific reasons were detailed in coverage from Glasgow Live or other sources, but it marks a departure from previous years’ participation.

As reported by Glasgow Live, “Mount Florida takes break this year,” leaving space for other neighbourhoods to shine while the series endures. Past editions, like those referenced in Instagram posts, featured maps and trails from 6pm to 9pm over weekends, but 2026 sees a pause.

This break does not diminish the southside’s enthusiasm, with Cathcart and Strathbungo stepping up prominently.​

What Makes These Events a Southside Tradition?

Glasgow’s southside has embraced Window Wanderland as a winter highlight, with multiple neighbourhoods hosting editions annually. The Cathcart event builds on prior success, promising repeats of music gigs and crowds.

Strathbungo’s iteration celebrates local spirit, urging:

“Spread the word, bring your friends, and stay tuned for more updates. Let’s make this Wanderland the best one yet!”

Free access and community-driven displays ensure broad appeal amid February’s chill.

Organisers across sites advise checking for updates, as events may adjust. Social media, including Facebook and Instagram from Cathcart Community Council, amplifies hype, with posts counting down:

“We have 2 weeks to go until the next Cathcart Window Wanderland.”

Are There Similar Events Nearby or Globally?

While southside focuses on Cathcart (20-22 Feb), Strathbungo (7 Mar), other Glasgow areas like Kelvinbridge host in December, lighting tenements from Gibson Street to Great Western Road. Globally, events span from Isle of Man (21 March 2026, themed Blein Ny Gaelgey) with workshops, to Shepton Mallet (5-7 Feb).

Bearwood’s edition (19-23 Feb 2025, per older listing) invites emailing to register for trails. These underscore Window Wanderland’s model: free, creative, community-led illumination.

How Do These Events Boost Community Spirit?

By inviting all to create and wander, Window Wanderland combats winter blues, as seen in hundreds attending Cathcart previously. Strathbungo highlights neighbourly creativity, fostering pride in Glasgow’s tenement heritage.

Neutral observers note its neutral, inclusive nature avoids commercialism, relying on volunteer displays. With Mount Florida’s break, attention shifts, potentially spotlighting emerging talents elsewhere.