The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Fife goes festive with fun and frivolity
The Christmas lights are sparkling all over the Kingdom of Fife, as towns and villages all over the county start the countdown to Christmas in earnest this week.
There have been visits from Santa, fun runs and lights parades taking place to mark the beginning of the festive season and with much more still to come, Fife is the place to be this Christmas.
Festive fun
Look out for some great Christmas shows in Fife’s theatres this season, guaranteed to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained in the run-up to the big day or during the school holidays.
In Dunfermline, Mother McGoose, written by Jonathan Stone, is this year’s festive offering from the Alhambra Theatre from December 6 to 29.
Visit www.alhambradunfermline.com or call 01383 740384 to find out more.
At the Carnegie Hall in Dunfermline, a production of Moon Dog and the Christmas Star has been specially designed by theatre maker Francis Gallop for children aged three to six and promised to be a fun, magical interactive show.
The production runs from December 6 to 24 and tickets are available from the box office on 01382 602302.
At the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy, Fife Cultural Trust is presenting Cinderella with Imagine Theatre.
It will run from Saturday December 10 until January 7 and tickets are now on sale from the box office on 01592 583302.
Meanwhile, audiences in St Andrews will be treated to Bard in the Botanics’ production of Alladin at the Byre Theatre. Log on to www.byretheatre.com or call 01334 475000 to book your tickets.
Shop local
At this time of year, it can be tempting to leave your town or village behind and head into the throng of the city centres for some Christmas shopping.
However, you might just be missing out on some hidden gems if you don’t take the time to explore the retail outlets on your doorstep.
Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, the perfect day to show support for small and independently-run shops and businesses who bring that personal touch to Christmas.
Friendly local stores will take the time to offer you help and advice on sourcing the perfect gifts for even the trickiest person on your Christmas list.
Fife Farmers’ markets will have a festive touch from now until Christmas and don’t forget to order your turkey and all the trimmings from your local market, butcher or farm shop in good time to avoid disappointment.
Look out for Christmas craft fairs and sales for some beautiful, hand-crafted gift ideas.
Treat yourself to a day exploring one of Fife’s pretty villages, pick up a few gifts then treat yourself to a well-earned coffee break or meal in one of the many welcoming pubs, coffee shops or restaurants serving tempting festive menus.
Look out for late night shopping events and pop-up Christmas markets, where you will be able to buy hand-made and more unusual gifts, from foodie treats to beautiful cards and jewellery.
Whatever you get up to, remember to get out there and enjoy the best of Fife.