Heads Up: 32 events to catch this Christmas & Hogmanay

Giant Lanterns

Edinburgh Zoo, various dates until Feb 2026
The Giant Lantern trail is coming back to Edinburgh Zoo for the first time in six years. Running throughout winter, the event takes audiences under the sea, with a trail of 600 Chinese lanterns taking the form of sea creatures. Expect plenty of fish, whales and the odd crab along the route.

Gallus in Weegieland

Tron Theatre, Glasgow, 19 Nov to 4 Jan
Is it even Christmas if you don’t see the Tron panto? Johnny McKnight (aka the new vanguard of Scottish pantomime) has penned another subversive tale, which this time takes his heroine, Gallus, on a wild adventure down a mysterious pothole to a land full of strange creatures and a maniacal, power-hungry Queen of Hearts.

Christmas at the Botanics

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, 20 Nov-30 Dec
Escape the dark nights to the Botanic Gardens, which will be sparkling this winter with its new light installations. While wandering below the twinkling designs from international artists, you can keep warm and fed via the selection of street food vendors set up in the park. You might even see Santa along the way.

Parade Artists’ Christmas Makers Market!

WASPS Hanson St, Glasgow, 22-30 Nov
Get a good chunk of your gift shopping done at this reliably excellent Christmas Market. Featuring an array of local artists, you’ll find stalls selling everything you need to treat your loved ones and friends this year, from large statement pieces and precious gifts to original art and prints to fun stocking fillers and tree decorations.

Weans in the Wood

Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, 26 Nov-3 Jan
More Johnny McKnight panto, this time in Stirling. This one follows Hans No Solo and his best pal Gretel, pupils at Merlina’s School for Magical Minors, as they fight the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham and their band of evil minions. As well as writing and directing, McKnight is also at the heart of this uninhibited fairytale mashup, playing the role of the Dame.

Cinderella: A Fairytale

Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, 27 Nov-3 Jan
If panto isn’t quite your thing, try this Christmas show from Sally Cookson, which offers a sparky retelling of Cinderella with fewer of the pantomime clichés and a bit more emotional clout. This take on the Brothers Grimm story features a tomboy heroine, an asthmatic prince and some birds who’ve got Cinderella’s back.

The Snow Queen

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, 27 Nov-7 Dec; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, 3-17 Jan; His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen, 21-24 Jan; Eden Court, Inverness, 28-31 Jan
Scottish Ballet’s spectacular production of The Snow Queen is becoming something of a Christmas staple. Kids who grew up on Frozen (and all the adults who secretly love that modern Disney classic) will get a kick out of this sumptuous adaptation of the same Hans Christian Andersen tale set to an epic score by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

Christmas Markets at The Pitt

The Pitt, Edinburgh, 28, 29 & 30 Nov
We never need an excuse to head to The Pitt, but it will be extra special over this weekend as it’s transformed into a winter wonderland of food, fun, and fabulous finds with over 40 local traders flogging their wares. Also expect workshops for wee and big kids alike, seasonal tipples and even an appearance by the big man himself – Santa!

Castle of Light: Fire & Ice

Edinburgh Castle, various dates until 4 Jan
This year’s projections extravaganza – the biggest in the UK – promises to deliver a journey through a fortress of light, featuring mythical creatures, a mighty dragon soaring across the night sky and the Ice Queen herself.

Tea Green Festive Markets

V&A Dundee, 28-30 Nov; Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow, 6-7 Dec; Bowhouse, St Monans, 12-14 Dec
We love the curation of Tea Green markets, which collect a wealth of Scotland’s independent makers and artisans under one roof for all your Christmas shopping needs. This trio of pop-up gatherings spread across the country promise a great selection of luxurious textiles, exquisite jewellery, beautifully functional ceramics, quirky illustrations, and much more! Photo: Dylan Drummond

Jack and the Beanstalk

Dundee Rep, 29 Nov-30 Dec
Ever wanna hear the Jack and the Beanstalk saga from the point of view of the cow who was traded in for a handful of pulses? That’s what’s on offer here from Dundee Rep as Caroline the Highland Coo spills the beans on the classic fairytale. We’re told to expect a story of community bursting with heart, humour, and some catchy tunes.

Stirling Christmas Market

Albert Halls, Stirling, 29 & 30 Nov
Over 50 stallholders will be rocking up to Albert Halls with all sorts on offer, from unique decorations and one-of-a-kind gifts to clothing and handcrafted arts and crafts. Even if you just fancy a browse, there’ll be a warm Christmas atmosphere inside the beautiful Albert Halls, with plenty of delicious food and drink available too.

Winter Wonderland

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, 29 Nov-23 Dec
The cavernous Dynamic Earth transforms into an Arctic world of wonder this Christmas. Expect storytelling sessions about Arctic life and the animals that live there; real footage of the aurora borealis above your head at the Planetarium show; festive family films in the morning, and Christmas classics on the big screen as part of Dynamic Earth’s Planetarium Lates.

Science Lates – Merry Little Christmas

Glasgow Science Centre, 6 Dec
Fancy a fun Christmas science show without the kids in tow? That’s what’s on offer at Science Lates – Merry Little Christmas, a night where you can eat, drink, and be merry while exploring the wonders of science. Activities include a Home Alone-inspired booby trap trail as well as hundreds of interactive exhibits to explore. Photo courtesy of Glasgow Science Centre

Christmas at Jupiter

Jupiter Artland, 6-14 Dec
This year’s Christmas Fair at Scotland’s premier sculpture park has an extended run, with nine days bringing together the Jupiter Christmas favourites of choirs, wreath-making, Santa et al alongside their new winter visual art programme. The park will be transformed into a Festive Village alive with light, sound and winter magic, alongside a programme of visual art from artists Tai Shani, Georg Wilson and Florence Peake.

Wee Nutcracker

Tramway, Glasgow, 12-24 Dec
Scottish Ballet’s production on home turf is a scaled down performance aimed directly at the littlest of ballet lovers. With a 45 minute runtime, it’s a family-friendly gateway presentation of Tchaikovsky’s perennial Christmas favourite for theatre goers aged 5+..

Lost Map's Christmas HUMBUG!

Leith FAB Cricket Club, Edinburgh, 13 Dec
Christmas shindigs don’t get more fun than Lost Map’s annual HUMBUG! This year they’re at a more intimate venue, the wonderful Leith Cricket Club, so tickets will go fast. Despite the cosy confines, expect the usual festive antics, including a crackling live music lineup and DJs into the wee hours.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, 13 Dec-11 Jan
With King’s Theatre currently getting a much-needed spit and polish, Edinburgh’s traditional pantomime is once again heading to Festival Theatre. Many an Edinburgh panto fave is here, including Allan Stewart as Dame Trot, Grant Stott as Fleshcreep and Jordan Young in the title role. Brace yourself for wild puns, jaw-dropping special effects and oodles of audience participation.

SPOT Design Winter Market

Pollokshaws Burgh Hall, Glasgow, 13-14 Dec
SPOT, the excellent gift shop in Shawlands, always assembles a great market lineup each Christmas season. Pollokshaws Burgh Hall will be packed with some of the best creative makers Scotland has to offer, and you’ll be sure to find some perfect presents as you snake around the stalls.

Summerhall Winter Market

Summerhall, Edinburgh, 13-14 Dec
If you live in Edinburgh, a visit to Summerhall’s Winter Market is practically mandatory. This year you’ll find over 35 carefully curated stalls spread all over the arts venue, with a focus on local independent makers and artisan products. Caroling from the Summerhall Singers, hot mulled wine and festive food options add to the Christmas cheer.

Lost in Translation: Love Actually

Gilded Saloon, Edinburgh, 17 Dec
What would happen if Richard Curtis’s Love Actually script was put through an online translator a dozen times? Some might argue it couldn’t get any worse, but find out for yourself when some guest comedians have a go at performing the resulting version of Love Actually live on stage and in character.

RSNO Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman

Music Hall, Aberdeen, 17 Dec; Caird Hall, Dundee, 18 Dec; Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 19 Dec; Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 20 Dec
Get ready to sing your heart out at RSNO’s festive, family-friendly concert. On the menu are some much-loved carols and festive melodies, including Consider the Penguin and Schneewalzer. And the show also includes a screening of nostalgic Chrismas jewel The Snowman, accompanied by the orchestra and narrated by comedian Josie Long. Photo: Drew Farrell

The Big Show Christmas & New Year Specials

Monkey Barrel Comedy, Edinburgh, various dates
There are seven chances to catch Monkey Barrel’s Big Show Christmas & New Year Specials. No acts are announced so far, but this Edinburgh comedy institution has never steered us wrong before, and can usually be relied upon to serve up some incredible standups.

Irn-Bru Carnival

SEC, Glasgow, 19 Dec-11 Jan
Europe’s largest indoor funfair is back. From gentle kids’ rides to the Dodgems, the Fun House and the infamous Sticky Wall, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There’s also plenty of stalls (think classics like Hook-a-Duck and the Coconut Shy) where you’ve the chance to test your skills and win some festive treats.

Christmas Films

Glasgow Film Theatre; Filmhouse, Edinburgh; DCA, Dundee
Our favourite indie cinemas are all serving up their own selections of Christmas movies this year. Each cinema’s lineup features classics (think It’s a Wonderful Life, The Muppet Christmas Carol) and some more leftfield choices (eg Eyes Wide Shut, Batman Returns) for those who prefer Christmas with a twist. See the cinemas’ websites for listings.

Tommy Reilly's All Star Christmas

St Luke's, Glasgow, 22 Dec
The venue for this much-loved annual party is bigger than normal this year, but proceedings will be just as silly. Kathryn Joseph, Little Acres and Roddy Hart are just a few of the acts confirmed, while the house band features the usual all-star lineup. The Christmas fun is in aid of good causes too, with money being raised for Tiny Changes and Macmillan Cancer.

Hogmanay Specials

The Stand, Glasgow, 27-31 Dec
It’s been another hellish year, but if you wanna see out 2025 with a belly laugh, The Stand have a perfect Hogmanay treat in store. The lineup features Kim Blythe, Amanda Dwyer, Jack Brookmyre and headliner Mark Nelson, with Billy Kirkwood holding everything together as host.

Samedia Hogmanay Tropical Soundclash

La Belle Angele, Edinburgh, 31 Dec
Begin 2026 boogying to some uplifting global sounds at Samedia’s Hogmanay Tropical Soundclash. Expect plenty of carnival atmosphere from the 20-strong Edinburgh Samba School band. DJ Still Dre of UK afro-electronic project Afriquoi will be spinning a range of records, from dancehall to UK funky to deep house. And there'll be more global club sounds from the Samedia residents.

NYE: Bodyheat Party: Joy Orbison B2B Ben UFO

SWG3, Glasgow, 31 Dec
SWG3 has a blistering B2B planned this Hogmanay. UK club legend Joy Orbison will bring a set combining house, techno, dubstep and everything in between, and he’s joined behind the decks by producer Ben UFO, whose label Hessle Audio has been responsible for some of the most groundbreaking releases of 2025. Photo: Michael Cameron Hunter

Femmergy NYE

Biscuit Factory, Edinburgh, 31 Dec
Down in Leith, 2025 comes to a close with a blast of queer joy from Femmergy. Annafleur and jevan are confirmed so far, so the music will be excellent, and Groundskeeper Fanny will be the master of ceremonies, so expect plenty of hilarious chaos too. We can’t think of a better way to kick off 2026.

Ponyboy NYE

The Art School, Glasgow, 31 Dec
Much-lauded queer party Ponyboy has a reputation for throwing some of the best events in the whole UK, so this New Year's soirée should be pretty special. No acts have been revealed as of yet, but this iconic club focused on trans and non-binary people always delivers nights that are fabulous and memorable.

King Tut's New Year's Revolution

King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, 2-25 Jan 2026
Start the year by falling in love with some incredible bands! Throughout January, King Tut’s will welcome some amazing home-grown acts to its iconic and intimate 300-capacity venue. The energetic and emotive Diva Down, Glaswegian rockers Stratus, and the ever-entertaining Juan Laforet are just a few of the acts in the month-long lineup.