Celtic Connections

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MusicGlasgow
DatesDates TBA · Usually JanuaryCheck locally before booking
Duration18 daysListed event span
CrowdLargeAbout 130,000 people
Best forLive music, late nightsThe festival was deliberately scheduled for
LanguageEnglishCurrency: GBP
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Celtic Connections in Glasgow

Europe's largest winter festival of folk, roots and traditional music, held across Glasgow venues each January since 1994. Founded to fill a quiet post-Christmas slot at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, it now stages several hundred concerts, ceilidhs and workshops spanning Scottish and international traditional music.

Celtic Connections began in Glasgow in January 1994, devised by Colin Hynd to fill what was normally a quiet post-Christmas period at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with a festival built around traditional and roots music rather than the classical and popular programming the hall usually carried through the rest of the year.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival was deliberately scheduled for the depths of a Scottish January specifically to fill a quiet post-Christmas period at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, a scheduling choice that has become central to its identity as a winter counterpoint to the summer folk festival circuit

02

The mystery stays covered

Its programming has combined traditional Scottish and Celtic music with experimental and international folk and world artists since its very first edition in 1994, avoiding a purely heritage-tribute approach from the outset

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Ceilidh dances paired with seated concert performances have remained part of the festival's programme since 1994

Water and renewal

Living ritual

alongside its consistent focus on both traditional Scottish music and contemporary international folk artists

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually January

Getting around

Use Glasgow transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.

What to wear

Warm winter outdoor layers for travel between venues across the city, with comfortable flat shoes if attending a ceilidh with dancing involved.

Safety

At Celtic Connections, agree on a meeting point and plan food, water and the return route before crowds thicken.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Glasgow, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

GBP

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map55.87 N, 4.26 WOpen in Google Maps

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Nearest airportGLA — Glasgow
TransportUse Glasgow transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Glasgow, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Glasgow via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Glasgow, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for January.Compare faresFestival gearWarm winter outdoor layers for travel between venues across the city, with comfortable flat shoes if attending a ceilidh with dancing involved.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United Kingdom and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Celtic Connections?

Celtic Connections is listed for Past edition: 15 January–1 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Celtic Connections take place?

The festival is listed in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

18 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

How big is it?

Large: 130000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLcelticconnections.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually January
Source statusOfficial source linked
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