CHRISTMAS LOOKS LIKE A CRACKER Festive season ready to rock
IT’S the run-up to Christmas and Scotland’s towns and cities have their own special magic and character at this most magical time of the year. Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations run from now until January and include the annual Winter Wonderland of fairground rides, an ice rink and shows, as well as the popular Christmas Markets.
New for 2017, Edinburgh’s Giant Advent Calendar runs throughout December at General Register House and is free to see. This Sunday, don’t miss Light Night – a free event capturing the spirit of the festive season where choirs from across Scotland will perform in front of an audience of around 20,000 people.
Head west, where the fun never stops at Glasgow Loves Christmas. Take a festive stroll through the Christmas markets, don’t miss the Glasgow Style Mile Carnival in the city centre on November 26 or join the traditional blessing of the crib in George Square with a chorus of singers on December 6. With more than 1,500 shops in Glasgow’s Style Mile, you can get all your Christmas shopping done with time left for a bite to eat and a show.
Breathe in the north-easterly air in Aberdeen as the warming sounds of carol concerts and performances float through the city. Head to the Christmas Village from today until December 31 for ice skating, fairground rides, food and drink and community events at Aberdeen’s Winter Festival. Warm up at one of the city centre’s whisky bars for a delicious dram of single malt. Dundee is a cultural and creative hub with many theatre performances, pantomimes, and shows to see across the city. Or try your hand at one of the lantern-making workshops at The McManus. Enjoy the Christmas Fair for lots of stalls, delicious home-baking, plants, books, jewellery and more – perfect for those last-minute gifts.
Head to Perth for a range of winter festivities, including the Christmas Lights Switch On tomorrow to see the city come to life, featuring a sensational line-up of acts to keep you entertained, including Alesha Dixon, The Hunna and more. This weekend, don’t miss the Perth Chocolate and Gin Street Festival, where you can indulge in a huge variety of chocolate, from buttons and bars to truffles and sauces, as well as browsing the range of stalls showcasing a variety of gins. As the year draws to a close, Highland capital Inverness FROM 12-5pm on Sunday, the Little Stars Light Up in Ayr take a new approach to their Christmas Light Switch On. Children and young people from across South Ayrshire will take centre stage in an event to celebrate all their various talents. Enjoy school and youth performers on the new Wallace Tower Little Stars Stage, as well as further entertainment on the Newmarket Street Stage. Browse the outdoor school Christmas Art Exhibition or have an unforgettable trip on the Christmas Express Train, where you can meet the elves and even make your own Christmas decorations. Santa will, of course, be there with his sleigh and reindeer – and there is plenty of entertainment and activities to keep you going before the big switch on. southayrshirechristmas.com/events/little-stars-light-up-ayr becomes pretty magical with its annual Christmas Lights Switch On Parade on Sunday and the Winter Wonderland in Whin Park, complete with Santa’s reindeer, beautifully lit trees, and fairground rides. Catch a pantomime at the Eden Court Theatre, or attend one of the carol singing concerts across various venues – with mulled wine and mince pies on the go too.
Stirling has your festive season all wrapped up this year. There is an exciting programme of events, from carol singing and Christmas markets to great shopping and delicious food. Sunday sees the Christmas Lights Switch On with a great l i ne- up of entertainment, including the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.