1. Style Mile Christmas Carnival
Glasgow City Centre, Sunday

The event is, once again, set to bring music, dance and spectacle to the heart of the city where a magical procession of festive characters will come to life as they sprinkle their magic dust over Glasgow. With amazing performance, thrilling costumes and enchanting acts, the afternoon is a definite date for all festive calendars.

The carnival starts at 2.30pm, setting off from St Enoch Square and finishes at 3.30pm at George Square. Free to attend.

2. Light Nights: Dundee’s Christmas Celebrations
Dundee City Centre, tomorrow to Sunday

Dundee’s spectacular festivities officially begin with the annual switching on of the Christmas lights, a traditional ceremony taking place tomorrow. One of many free, family-friendly events taking place, the vibrant evening ceremony is at the centre of a packed weekend programme of events including a twinkling torchlight procession, popup Christmas market, silent movie screening with live music, big winter warm up session, an outdoor concert from the best-selling Got Soul Choir, fireworks and a chance to take a family selfie with Pingoo the giant penguin at Slessor Garden’s Christmas Market. Closing the weekend is the family-friendly fundraising Santa Dash on Sunday.

Head to dundee.com to see the full programme of events.

3. Christmas at the Botanics
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, tomorrow until December 30 

As night falls, the venue turns into a magical, botanical outdoor trail of light celebrating Christmas. There’s truly something for everyone at this festive event, a one-mile illuminated trail that winds its way through the world-famous venue, providing a magical experience after dark and fun for all the family. Prepare to be mesmerised by the hypnotic beauty of the flickering Fire Garden, a circular carpet of dancing flames, enjoy the sights and sounds of a woodland grove of ‘singing’ conifers or walk through the enchanting crystal lawn lit by a thousand spheres of light.

Advance tickets are £14 for adults or £10 for children. Children under four and carers go free. Book at rbge.org.uk.

4. Foodies Festival Christmas
EICC, Edinburgh, tomorrow until Sunday 

Foodies Festival is bringing the Christmas spirit back to the capital where keen cooks can take home recipes and top tips from MasterChef winners, Great British Menu stars and top Scottish chefs who will be cooking up their festive favourites in the Chef’s Theatre. Great British Bake Off winners and top patisserie chefs will be whipping up show-stopping cakes and treats in the Cakes and Desserts Theatre. So, head along and learn all the skills you need to become the ultimate host on December 25.

Adult ticket prices start from £11.50, with booking fee. Head to foodiesfestival.com/edinburgh-christmas for more information.

5. Christmas Craft Fair
Brodie Castle, Forres, tomorrow to Sunday

Small family-run business Exclusively Highlands take to the stunning castle to host its annual event. Throughout the venue and the stables, over 60 exhibitors will be displaying their wares, including a range of patisseries, cakes, scones, homemade breads, cheeses, charcuterie, marshmallows, chocolates, preserves, seafood, teas, coffee and collections of jewellery, art, clothing, tweed accessories, photography, candles and skin care products, all made in Scotland.

Adult tickets are £4 while children go free. Purchase on the day.

6. Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade
Union Street, Aberdeen, Sunday

Football legend Denis Law will be awarded the Freedom of Aberdeen, celebrated in a colourful parade from Albyn Place down Union Street to the Castlegate. Law will travel in an open top car to the Town House in a parade led by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, as part of the city’s Christmas lights switch-on.

The event kicks off at 5.30pm and is free to attend.

7. Elf, The Musical
King’s Theatre, Glasgow, until Saturday

Based on the beloved and hugely-popular 2003 holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually a human, Buddy goes on a quest to find his true identity. This modern day classic is sure to make kids of all ages embrace their inner elf by singing out loud and bringing in the Christmas spirit.

Tickets are priced between £22.90 and £32.90, plus booking fee. Purchase at atgtickets.com.

8. The Scottish Kids Show
AECC, Aberdeen, Saturday and Sunday

After an action-packed 2016 show, head along for an even bigger and better 2017 and take in range of live entertainment acts, inflatables and play areas, games and competitions, goody bags, lots of sporty activities and health and beauty. With Christmas just around the corner, Santa Claus will once again be paying a visit. The show promises to be a great, fun-filled and festive day out for the whole family.

Adult tickets are £8 while children passes are £6, plus booking fee. Under-twos go free. Buy at scottishkidsshow.com.

9. Previously… Scotland’s History Festival
Various venues, Edinburgh, until Sunday

Two of Scotland’s biggest names have completed the impressive programme of speakers for annual this event which celebrates “our story,” Scotland’s longest-running drama. The event everyone has their eyes on is Alex Salmond in conversation with Professor Sir Tom Devine on Saturday at 7.30pm in the City of Edinburgh Methodist Church Halls on Nicolson Square. The diverse programme also includes comedy, walks, talks, food, seminars and plenty of healthy debate.

The full programme and ticket details are available at historyfest.co.uk.

10. Christmas Market
George Square, Glasgow, Saturday until December 29

If you’re looking for a change of scenery from the market in St Enoch Square, take a five-minute walk to George Square for a gastronomic treat, a warming glass of festive, cheer or a unique festive gift. The traditional carousel, iconic big wheel and a whole host of family-focused street entertainment are all on standby to ensure a fun-filled day or evening out for all.

Free to attend. Open from 10am to 10pm everyday.

DON’T MISS...

Country Living Christmas Fair
SEC, Glasgow, today until Sunday

Over 300 of the UK’s finest craftsmen and women will gather together under one roof to offer unique gifts, decorations, crafts, food and inspired interior ideas, to help bring a magical Christmas sparkle to every home. Special guest Annie Sloan - dubbed “Queen of Paint” - will be making an appearance on Saturday to demonstrate how to use her decorative Chalk Paint™, along with other products from the popular range.

Advance adult tickets can be purchased online for £11.50 with under-fives going free. Book fees apply. Head to countrylivingfair.com for more information.