Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing
This year is the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death – to mark the occasion the Royal Collection Trust has collaborated with 12 museums and galleries to host simultaneous exhibitions of his drawings across Britain. The display features 12 drawings reflecting the full range of Leonardo’s practice including anatomy, botany, engineering, and cartography. There will also be a series of talks, tours and art workshops alongside the exhibition. December 16-22. Price included in admission The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX
It’s a Wonderful Life
Based on Frank Capra’s iconic film, the Floating Brick Theatre bring the cinematic story to life in a new adaptation from Tamas Fazakas. The show, like the film, follows the story of George Bailey who has always dreamed of escaping his small hometown of Bedford Falls and travelling the world. The show has one very important message: No man is a failure who has friends. Whether watching with friends or family, it’s a heart-warming story for all. December 16-22. Tickets from £10. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR
Mother Goose
The panto story of Mother Goose takes the stage at the Byre, in a combination of Once Upon a Time and Shrek. It’s a cracking Christmas adventure for the whole family. The story follows Mother Goose as she fights to save Fantasia, faced with the temptations of eternal youth and beauty. You’ll have to see it to find out what she’ll do. December 18 and 19 at 7pm. Tickets from £19.50. Byre Theatre, Abbey Street, St Andrews, KY16 9LA
Grotto experience at Santa and the Snow
There’s a whole host of activities on offer at the Santa and the Snow grotto extravaganza. Shoppers can hop on the Santa Express Train taking them directly to the North Pole where they can make their own tree decoration in Santa’s workshop. Head through to Mrs Claus’ Kitchen to indulge in hot chocolate and homemade cookies. Then, experience a white Christmas by sledging in the snow play area before visiting Santa in his story room. December 16-22. Tickets from £9.95. Snow Factor, SOAR, INTU Braehead, King’s Inch Road, Glasgow, G51 4BN
RSNO Christmas Concert: The Snowman
A special screening of Christmas classic The Snowman is accompanied by the RSNO as a live orchestra, playing the songs from the film alongside a screening of the film. Teaming up with presenter Jamie MacDougall, the RSNO is hosting a Christmas event to really put you in the festive spirit. There will be a host of seasonal favourites, old and new carols and the chance to sing along. December 19 at 7.30pm. Tickets from £15. Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS
One Night of Queen
In 2002, Gary Mullen formed his band The Works to pay tribute to rock legends Queen and since then, the band have performed throughout the UK, US, Europe, South Africa and New Zealand to sell-out audiences as well as playing the prestigious BBC Proms in the Park twice to a crowd of 40,000 people. This December, join Gary and The Works in a spectacular live concert that recreates the look, sound and showmanship of one of the greatest rock bands of all time.December 20 from 7pm. Tickets from £22.50. Troon Concert Hall, South Beach, Troon, Ayrshire, KA10 GEG
BAaD Christmas Cinema Club
Join the BAaD this December for some special pop-up film screenings as the heated courtyard is converted into a cinema; featuring a mezzanine bar serving popcorn, craft beers, cocktails and pizza from pop up Magnificent 7. There’s a variety of movies throughout the week and there’s a drink and mince pie included in the ticket price. December 17-23. Tickets are £8. Barras Art and Design, 54 Calton Entry, Glasgow, G40 2SB
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight
Distinguished soloists Fenella Humphreys and Warren Mailley-Smith accompanied by the Picadilly Sinfonietta will be taking over Glasgow Cathedral. The Picadilly Sinfonietta is one of the UK’s most exciting young ensembles who perform a selection of well-loved classics. Violinist Fenella Humphreys will be showcasing exceptional violin skills while award-winning concert pianist Warren Mailley-Smith will perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major. Warren has played for the Royal Family on many occasions and he recently became the first pianist to perform Chopin’s complete works from memory. Take a break from all the carols and experience some classical music this Christmas. December 21 from 7.30pm-9.30pm. Tickets from £16.76. Glasgow Cathedral, Castle Street, Glasgow, G4 0QZ
Conscience Matters
The Conscience matters exhibition at the National War Museum explores the story of conscientious objectors through objects such as paintings, poems, letters, music and speeches. During the Second World War more than 60,000 men and women chose not to fight for political, religious or moral reasons. This exhibition examines the application process and the reasons people had for opposing conscription as well as the consequences this had on their lives. December 16-22. Free. Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Elfingrove
From the team behind GlasGLOW, Elfingrove is a night time tour of Glasgow’s favourite museum. Enter through the doors into the Grand Hall and experience the museum as its inhabitants come to life. Over the hour-long experience, an ancient secret is finally revealed and ends in a spectacular finale. Afterwards, there's gourmet street food – with festive surprises, singing and dancing. December 9-15 from 5.30pm-10.30pm. Tickets from £8. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow West End, G3 8AG
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here