1 Great Edinburgh Xcountry

Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, January 7

Team GB will pit its talents against Europe and the USA during this impressive display of athleticism in Holyrood Park.

Athletes will show off their skills and endurance as they compete across four races, with the team that has the best aggregate finishing positions across all the events taking the top prize.

This year also sees the return of the International Mixed Relay, where national teams of four compete in a 4x1km challenge for the Stewart Cup.

Entry is free. Visit www.greatrun.org.

2 Johann Strauss Gala: A Viennese Party

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, January 7

Dancers will get the chance to waltz away their January blues at this spectacular gala.

Conducted by Rainer Hersch, the evening features the much-loved music of Strauss, dancing and plenty of waltzes and polkas, all directed and choreographed by Alexandra Worrall.

Orchestral highlights include Die Fledermaus Overture, Blue Danube Waltz, Tic Tac Polka and Radetzky March.

Tickets cost £29.50. Visit www.glasgowconcerthalls.com.

3 And Other Stories…

Bon Papillon, Edinburgh, today until January 8

Showcasing paintings by Ingrid Nilsson, this winter show is a must for art lovers.

The exhibition includes a variety of Nilsson works as well as landscapes, figurative and narrative displays from Bon Papillon gallery artists.

Postcard sized paintings created by the Parkinson’s art group and gallery artists will also be sold in aid of the Parkinson’s Society in Edinburgh.

Entry is free. Visit www.bonoapillon.com.

4 Gin Garden

Indigo Yard, Edinburgh, today until January 31

Gin aficionados will be able to tantalise their tastebuds at this winter themed garden in the Scottish capital.

Transforming their summer beer garden into a cosy gin refuge, connoisseurs can snuggle up under a blanket and enjoy hot mulled gin cocktails under the Christmas lights.

For those still mourning Christmas past, there will also be festive music and an outdoor heater to keep you warm.

Entry is free. Visit www.indigoyardedinburgh.co.uk.

5 Out of their Heads: Building Portraits of Scottish Architects

Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, various dates in January and February

Scotland’s greatest architects will be celebrated at this unique exhibition in Edinburgh.

The exhibit features 12 portraits and let's visitors peer into the minds of Scotland’s most revered architects by showcasing recreations of some of their most iconic designs.

The portraits have been taken from collections including the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.

Entry is free. Visit www.foa2016.com

6 Out of this World: The Solar System Show

Dundee Science Centre, Dundee, today until January 29

Budding Patrick Moores will be able to marvel at the solar system during this educational space show.

The event explores the planets and moons of the Milky Way, giving an insight into its celestial bodies and constellations.

If you wish to follow in the footsteps of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins then this family show could be the event for you.

Entry is free. Visit www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk.

7 Canongate Stars and Stories

John Knox House, Edinburgh, today until March 25

Celebrating Canongate’s 500 years of literary history, this trail is a book lover’s idea of heaven.

Led by the City of Literature Trust, the trail explores books that have shaped Scotland and gives a fascinating insight into Edinburgh's print and publishing heritage.

Twenty light-boxes featuring quotes and phrases from famous books will also be displayed in the windows of businesses along Canongate's until March 2017.

Tickets are free, visit www.cityofliterature.com.

8 Stockbridge Market

Jubilee Gardens, Edinburgh, January 7

Foodies are in for a treat on Saturday when the Stockbridge Market returns after its Christmas break.

The popular market has stalls from artisan producers and farmers, including Au Gourmand’s artisan bread and pastries, The Pea Green Boat’s Scotch eggs and preserves and Tanny Gill’s cheese selection.

Quality tea, coffee, crafts, jewellery, soaps and lotions will also be on offer.

Entry is free. Visit www.stockbridgemarket.com.

9 Marvel Universe Live: Superheroes Assemble

The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, today until January 8

Some of the world's best known superheroes will be in Glasgow tonight as Marvel Universe makes its live debut at the SSE Hydro.

The stunt filled show follows The Avengers, X-Men and Spider-Man as they team up to track down the cosmic cube.

Featuring amazing sets, aerial pyrotechnics and stunts developed by the team behind Thor and The Amazing Spider-Man films, this show is what comic book fans have been waiting for.

Tickets cost £22.70-£56.75. Visit www.thessehydro.com.

10 Willow Lantern Workshop

WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, Caerlaverock, January 7

The art of willow lantern making will be revealed at the WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre on Saturday.

Visitors will learn how to make their own dragonfly willow lanterns during the special workshop.

The event is in preparation for the Big Burns Night supper, where the finished lanterns will be paraded down the streets of Dumfries.

Entry is free. Visit www.wwt.org.uk.