What's On Scotland 29 Nov-6 Dec: Christmas Markets

It’s nearly December, which means we can actually start talking about Christmas and not freak out about how IT’S ONLY (insert month here). Ease your way into the festive season, and take your pick from a lovely selection of Christmas markets taking place across Scotland this weekend.

Jupiter Artland's Christmas Fair is a good place to start to get you in the Christmas spirit. Have your first mulled wine of the season, shop for presents from artisan stalls, and even make your own wreath to take home. Or if you’re looking for a more unique present this Christmas, try your luck at A Very Contemporary Christmas, a pop-up shop featuring ceramics, jewellery, knitwear, prints, fashion, lifestyle accessories and much more from various independent designers.

You can also get your craft fix over in Dundee at the CRAFTED Christmas Market, where over 30 talented independent designers and makers will be setting up shop. Etsy Made Local also hits Scotland this weekend, with markets in both Dundee and Glasgow. If you're looking for a more music-related present though, head to Sleazy’s Record Fair for a wide range of vinyl, cassettes, CDs, music T-shirts and posters from various traders.

Peter Murphy
SWG3, Glasgow. 5 Dec, 7.30pm
Goth legends Bauhaus celebrate their 40th anniversary this year, and in honour of it, frontman Peter Murphy is heading out on tour with fellow founding member David J in tow. The live dates follow the first official release of the group’s debut studio recording, The Bela Session EP, earlier this month, which features the original version of the band's iconic track, Bela Lugosi’s Dead.

Young Fathers
O2 Academy, Glasgow. 30 Nov, 7pm
It’s been a massive year for Young Fathers. Since releasing their incredible third album, Cocoa Sugar, in March, they’ve appeared on Later… with Jools Holland, won the Scottish Album of the Year award, and even had time to release a new single, also called Cocoa Sugar, at the end of October. They’re seeing out the year with a brief run of UK dates. Image: Cameron Brisbane

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Scottish Queer International Film Festival
Various venues, Glasgow. 5-9 Dec, times vary
Continuing its celebration of queer cinema, SQIFF this year includes a strand on Queer Arab Lives. The festival will collaborate with Kinning Park Complex's monthly community meal, where food is served on a pay-what-you-want basis, for a screening of Mr. Gay Syria – a documentary following the lives of Turkish barber Husein and Syrian refugee Mahmoud. Image: Bradley Secker

Book Yer Ane Fest XII
Abertay Student Centre, Dundee. 30 Nov-2 Dec, times vary
Dundee record label and promoters Make-That-A-Take Records are back with Book Yer Ane Fest XII, celebrating ten years of DIY solidarity with a massive array of bands playing over the course of the weekend. London punk witches Dream Nails (pictured) are set to bring their rollicking live show to Dundee alongside Lou Mclean, Bratakus, Boak, Billy Liar, Fistymuffs and more. Image: Ant Adams

Pentagram (Decagram is Five + Skylight Re-launch)
Skylight, Edinburgh. 1 Dec, 6pm
Initially opened as a pop-up during the Edinburgh Fringe, Skylight is located at the Old Tolbooth Market just off the Royal Mile, and lucky for us, it's reopening as a permanent venue, cafe, bar and creative workspace this weekend. To mark its relaunch and to coincide with Decagram’s fifth birthday, head to the aptly-titled Pentagram for sets from Numbers are Futile (pictured), Pleasure Pool, Heavy Pelvis and more.

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ADVERTISEMENT | Marvel at the moon with Burns&Beyond!
St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, 21-25 Jan, times vary
In January 2019, join us as we celebrate the life and works of Robert Burns with intimate one-off performances from acclaimed Scottish songwriter Roddy Woomble and folk-noir balladeer Rachel Sermanni in the illuminated setting of Museum of the Moon at St Giles' Cathedral. A fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound, marvel at the Museum of the Moon, a new touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram.

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All Good presents Big Miz
Reading Rooms, Dundee. 1 Dec, 10.30pm
Support Scottish nightlife! As some of Scotland's most loved clubbing institutions come under threat from gentrification, and extreme pressures from local councils and police, there's no better time than now to show your support. Stepping in at the small town club on Saturday night for the originally-billed Krystal Klear, whose show has been rescheduled for February next year, is Glasgow young gun Big Miz.

Christmas at the Botanics
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. Until 29 Dec, times vary
Christmas at the Botanics returns to Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden, with a one-mile trail weaving through the gardens, featuring lights and visual effects along the way. The Cathedral of Light is a new addition to this year’s spectacle, an immersive installation of over 100,000 pea-lights, as well as a new Scented Fire Garden by the pond.

Giant Lanterns of China
Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh. Until 17 Feb, times vary
Edinburgh Zoo once again play host to the absolute spectacle that is Giant Lanterns of China. Over 450 lanterns will light up a trail through the Zoo, with stops along the way including the Monkey King, the Faerie Glen and the Mystical Winged Tiger. There will also be a festive marketplace, selling handmade crafts from Chinese artisans.

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