Avoiding Pantomine: Yule Nights

In the face of an increasingly commercialised Christmas, the Scottish Storytelling Centre is uncovering a traditional yuletide tradition. From gentle Nativity puppetry for all ages to a visit from Britain's Storyteller Laureate, the High Street venue is a haven from pantomime baddies and corpulent old men with heaving sacks.

The arrival of Taffy Thomas from the South West is a particularly exciting surprise: Thomas wanders the country, swapping tales and wearing a spectacular coat illustrated with stories. A mix of technicolour dream coat Joseph and an avuncular shaman, Thomas refutes the idea that storytelling is just for children. His wry sense of humour, and wicked turn of phrase turns his collection of tales into a unique experience.

Earlier in December, Mike Maran brings his idiosyncratic fusion of music, storytelling and theatre to Edinburgh, as he retells A Christmas Carol. It might not count as the most alternative Christmas treat – even the Muppets have had a shot at it – but Maran has already demonstrated his skill with a version of Captain Correlli's Mandolin.

In the weeks before the big day, the Yule Nights series are aimed at adults wanting to escape from the last minute shopping. Storytelling often struggles to find a place between the more urgent demands of music, but it has a natural link to the folk music that is resurging across the east coast. Catch this wave now before it joins the mainstream.