1. IRN-BRU Carnival
SEC, Glasgow, today until January 14
It’s that time of year again, so get ready for a rollercoaster of fun as the country’s favourite annual carnival returns. Europe’s largest indoor funfair is set to take over the city where the playground returns with new rides for the whole family, plus the popular sticky wall is back by demand. Celebrating 97 years of family fun, the carnival offers over 65 rides and attractions. Family favourites such as dodgems, helter skelter and waltzers are back, alongside other thrill rides. The carnival has something for everyone, making this a festive-season must-do.
Make sure to book tickets in advance. General admission is £13 with group offers available. Under-threes go free. Book at irn-bru-carnival.com.
2. The Snowman
Caird Hall, Dundee
A must in the days leading up to Christmas, join the RSNO for its annual celebration of all things festive - a mouthwatering spread of Yuletide music old and new. Enjoy a musical flight to the North Pole with the magical 1982 Christmas short film, The Snowman, shown on the big screen, accompanied by the orchestra and narrated by a special star guest. Then, let the irrepressible Christopher Bell guide you through the Christmas party, filled with seasonal favourites, carols and, of course, a chance for everyone to sing along. The perfect start to your festive celebrations.
Tickets cost between £15 and £25, plus booking fee. Buy at dundeebox.co.uk. The performance them moves onto Usher Hall in Edinburgh tomorrow and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday.
3. La Clique Noël
Festival Square, Edinburgh, until January 26
La Clique returns home to Edinburgh with a special seasonal edition of the show; La Clique Noël. Born at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004, the multi-award winning La Clique has since toured the globe to international acclaim. The first Christmas run, a theatrical phenomenon, contains artists from around the world and a christmas stocking of seasonal treats, combining the subterranean world of circus, comedy, cabaret, variety, magic, burlesque and subversive performance clubs, all threaded together by a live band.
Tickets are priced from £20.50, plus booking fee. Book via edinburghschristmas.com.
4. Sleeping Beauty
King’s Theatre, Glasgow, until January 7
Once upon a time in a land far away, the beautiful Princess Beauty is given a 21st birthday present by her evil godmother. By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel, she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years. Can true love survive and the handsome Prince Charming break the spell? Join the First Lady of Scottish pantomime, Elaine C Smith, who stars as The Fairy in the spectacular Christmas show for plenty of magic, music, comedy and special effects, making Sleeping Beauty at the the panto of your dreams.
Tickets cost between £12 and £44, plus booking fee. Purchase at atgtickets.com.
5. How to Disappear
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, until Saturday
When Helen Daniels from Neighbours died, Robert shut his door on the world - and he’s not opened it since. Now his only connection to the outside world is through his younger sister, Isla, who looks after them both while their father is away. With only a strange menagerie of creatures to keep them company, each day looks the same as the last - until their quiet lives are interrupted by a visit from a benefit assessor who is determined to prove that Robert is fit for work. Combining biting social commentary and fantasy in unexpected ways, How to Disappear describes itself as “a pitch-black comedy which gives a voice to those who often go unheard.”
Tickets are £22 with concessions available. Call the box office on 0131 228 1404 to book.
6. LEGO Brick City
Fort George, Inverness, until January 10
Explore the canals of Venice, take a stroll past Parisian cafés and even visit the Rio carnival, all through the magic of LEGO. Artist Warren Elsmore’s popular touring exhibition has now opened at the Highland fortress. Having toured across the UK since 2013, it is a celebration of iconic landmarks from cities around the world, painstakingly recreated by Warren and his team. Some of the iconic Scottish buildings on display include a row of Edinburgh’s Georgian townhouses and 18th century Edinburgh tenements, as well as miniature versions of the Forth Bridge and Mons Meg, the famous cannon at Edinburgh Castle.
Tickets are priced between £5.40 and £9. Visit tickets.historic-scotland.gov.uk to book.
7. Brave Macbeth
Rose Theatre, Edinburgh, until Saturday
Returning for a limited festive run at Gilded Balloon - fresh off the back of a successful, award-winning Fringe run - on his way home from battle, Brave Macbeth meets the witches who tell him he will become king. Liking the idea, along with his wife, what will he do to get his hands on the crown? With catchy tunes, slapstick, sword fights, witches and warriors - this is one show the whole family will be thankful to have on their Christmas list. Suitable for all ages.
Tickets cost £8 and can be booked at gildedballoon.co.uk.
8. Alexander Millar in Glasgow
Princes Square, Glasgow, until tomorrow
Contemporary impressionist Alexander Millar’s original artwork and limited edition prints will be on display and available to buy in the Buchanan Street shopping centre. Visit the gallery until 7pm tomorrow to see a range of new festive prints, some favourite Alexander Millar gadgie characters and some of his popular industrial landscape scenes based on the cities of Glasgow, Newcastle and Birmingham.
Free to attend.
9. Ethical Christmas Fair
City Square, Dundee, until Saturday
With Scottish, as well international exhibitors, providing shoppers with a wide range of locally-made, fair trade, ethically-sourced gifts, this event gives Dundee a unique and exciting shopping event, complimenting the high street filled with shops, cafes, restaurants and bars with a variety of hot drinks and food on offer.
Free to attend.
10. HAAN Christmas Design Market
Marischal College, Aberdeen, until Saturday
A new, high-quality showcase of creative products from local, national and international designers and makers, HAAN celebrates the best-crafted and handmade treats from the region. Head along for a festive journey to discover a wide range of over 50 talented and highly-skilled designers and makers in the scenic Marischal Quad offering up their wares this Christmas. Choose from a carefully-curated selection of jewellery, ceramics, textiles, illustration, apparel, homeware and lifestyle products.
Free to attend.
AND DON'T MISS...
Balloon Winter Wonderland
Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, until Boxing Day
Catch Scotland’s only winter wonderland made entirely out of balloons inside Loch Lomond Shores Mall before the end of the festive season. At only only £2.50 per person - with under-ones going free - walk through the dreamland and also see the elf workshop and Santa’s house set in the beautiful scenery of the North Pole. Christmas goodies will also be available including balloons, arts and crafts, slime, glitter and face painting, all subject to availability where extra charges apply.
Visit rainbowtwisters.com For more information.
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