Christmas is coming early to Strathbungo with two local Christmas shopping fairs planned for later this month.

First comes the annual Christmas Shopping Night at the Kildrostan St and Nithsdale Rd Shops. Kicking off at 6.30pm on Wednesday 16th November, it’s a great opportunity to get your shopping done early, locally and in the festive spirit.

There’ll be Christmas lights, carol singers, mince pies and a great opportunity to support local businesses and get some of the festive legwork over with early. Newcomers The Potting Shed will be opening along with most of the other local shops, selling ever-lasting plants and flowers, homewares and exclusive perfumerie from some of Florence’s oldest pharmacies. Floral Haven offer discounts on the night for anyone placing Christmas orders and if, like me, you normally shop with a buggy it’s a great chance to do some shopping while they’re tucked up in bed without getting in everyone’s way

If you’re free during the day, or work locally, do visit the following week’s Christmas Fair in the Crypt at Queens Park Baptist Church on Balvicar St. The fair, to raise funds for Rainbow Pre-School, takes place on Thursday 24th November from 11.30am-1.30pm. Why not pop along for your lunch or some home baking? There’ll be a number of crafts stalls, including one selling work made by the pre-school children, Phoneix Cards and wrapping paper, Usborne children’s books, Rosie’s Retro crafts, Traidcraft stall for fairtrade gifts and goodies, a Taste Of Austria stall, Tombola and a Christmas wreath-making workshop.