1. Jack and the Beanstalk
SEC Armadillo, Glasgow, tomorrow until January 7

This year’s annual show sees the return of 3D to Glasgow’s biggest panto adventure with audiences joining the Trot family on an exciting quest deep into a mysterious forest. Starring comedy sensations Gary: Tank Commander and The Dolls, follow the classic story - which comes with a twist. Mistakenly selling the family cow for only a bag of beans, Gary (Jack’s brother) faces the wrath of his mischievous aunties (The Dolls), before finding the “magic” beans lead to an unexpected world of adventure. Jack and the Beanstalk promises stunning special effects, created especially for the world’s biggest pantomime producer.

Tickets are priced between £17 and £30, with service fee. Discounts available. Book at ticketmaster.co.uk.

2. Meet Father Christmas
Hamleys, Glasgow, until December 24

Join the big man in red himself along with his loveable elves at one of the most popular toy shops around for plenty of fun, magic and theatre over the most wonderful time of the year. In what is being promised as “an extra special experience,” children will take part in seasonal activities, spend time with Father Christmas and receive an extra special gift bag to take home. Cost is £25 per child. Book a spot at hamleys.com.

3. The Nutcracker
Edinburgh Festival Theatre, until December 30

Dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers and the Sugar Plum Fairy come to life in this magical, festive, family classic from Scottish Ballet’s founder, Peter Darrell. Experience a fantastical adventure with a little girl called Clara. Having drifted off to sleep on Christmas Eve, she meets her prince, is confronted by a battle of larger-than-life mice and rats, and is then whisked into the luscious land of sweets. Expect snow on stage against the backdrop of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score. Tickets are priced between £15.50 and £44.50. Book at edtheatres.com/nutcracker.

The production then moves onto the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from January 4 to 13.

4. Giant Lanterns of China
Edinburgh Zoo, until February 25, 2018

This awe-inspiring winter event welcomes one of China’s most dramatic performers, the Face Changer. Guofan Jin has brought the unique art form to the capital and will perform the mesmerising act to visitors at the 50-night event. Using illusion and dramatic costume to tell a mythical story in an enchanting performance, prepare for an installation of over 450 dazzling colossal lanterns that illuminate the venue.

Tickets are priced from £9.50. Book at edinburghzoo.org.uk/lanterns. Under-threes go free.

5. Christmas in Aberdeen
Various venues, Aberdeen, until December 31

The Granite city is all set to twinkle and sparkle over the festive season with a jam-packed Christmas programme. With events and activities for all the family to enjoy - with the exciting addition of the brand new Christmas Village in Broad Street - there’s something for the whole family this year. The vIllage is set to bring a spectacular open air ice rink, wonderful festive fairground, plenty of refreshments and community events.

To keep up-to-date with all the exciting events in, head to aberdeencity.gov.uk/christmas17 to see the full brochure.

6. Shrek the Musical
Edinburgh Playhouse, until January 7

Following a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour, the smash hit blockbuster is back. Based on the story and characters from the 2001 Oscar-winning film, follow unlikely hero, Shrek, and his loyal steed, Donkey, as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful - and slightly temperamental - Princess Fiona from her tower, guarded by a fire breathing dragon. Hilarious and spectacularly bright to life on the stage, see the world of fairy tales turned upside down in this all-singing, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.

Tickets cost between £18.50 and £72, plus booking fee. Head to atgtickets.com to book.

7. Christmas Music
Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow, Saturday and Sunday

Whether your favourite yuletide tune is “Away in a Manager,” Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” or even Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” the popular Glasgow museum is catering to all music fans in the run up to the big day. Go and and sing along, stomp, sway or simply listen and enjoy the music that makes us all merry at this time of year. Take a load off in between all that festive shopping and head along both days from 1.30pm to 4pm.

Suitable for ages five and over. Free to attend.

8. Christmas Craft Fair
Merchant Square, Glasgow, tomorrow until Sunday

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon browsing a host of stalls in the relaxed surroundings of the events, food and drink venue under the covered courtyard’s atmospheric and twinkly lights. On sale will be handcrafted jewellery, candles, cards and cakes through to artwork, aromatherapy products, baby clothes and photography. There’s just about something for everyone here. So why not head along and buy your loved ones something which has been handmade, with love, locally?

Free to attend. Runs from noon to 6pm. The fair will be on again over the weekend of December 22 to 24.

9. Santa School
Scotland Street School Museum, Glasgow, until Sunday

A must for the little ones who may not realise that, just like them, Santa also had to go to school to learn all he knows today. Learn in the style of the man in red himself by making a Santa beard, finding that inner magical sparkle by making a glittery creation, learning how to control a sleigh and making some delicious reindeer food. All graduates get a special Santa School Certificate.

Entry is free and sessions take place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

10. Festive Wine & Dine
Hilton Glasgow, Friday and Saturday

If you’re looking for a party that’s a little bit more intimate this Christmas, with food and drink that extra bit special, be sure to head along to the Morblas restaurant. The venue’s wine and dine evenings are offering an arrival glass of fizz, a choice of suitably festive dishes and after-party dance in the bar.

Prices start from £45 per person. Visit hiltonchristmas.co.uk.

DON’T MISS…

Christmas at Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, until January 5

The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland has been adorned with glittering decorations to celebrate the festive season. The Great Stair leading to the palace’s historic state apartments has been draped with garlands and wreaths and lit up with twinkling lights in a sight that is a must-see.

To see all the festive activities lined up in the building this month, and to book a spot, head to royalcollection.org.uk.