What's On Scotland 9-16 Dec: Christmas at GFT & more

Is it even Christmas if you haven’t watched It’s a Wonderful Life or, let’s be real, Elf? Glasgow Film Theatre returns this December with its eclectic, and at times truly bananas, collection of Christmas films, running from 10-27 December.

Have your cockles warmed by Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, feel extra cosy with Judy Garland musical Meet Me in St Louis, or go left-field with screenings of Eyes Wide Shut or Batman Returns. There's also plenty of anniversaries this year: The Bishop's Wife turns 75, Ingmar Bergman's Fanny and Alexander turns 40 and everyone's beloved The Muppet Christmas Carol is a whole 30 years old - frankly, it would be rude not to celebrate.

Mr Ben & the Bens
Broadcast, Glasgow. 10 Dec, 7:30pm
Winter has officially set in (there is snow on the ground, I am wearing my ugliest boots, etc), but for a dose of summer back in your life, head to Broadcast this week for Lancaster-based band Mr Ben & the Bens and their irresistible brand of sunshine-y jangle pop. Image: Courtesy of artist.

Robert McNeil: Flipside
iota, Glasgow. 3-17 Dec
UK artist Robert McNeil is predominantly for his ground-breaking war photography and documentation of genocide; this subversive exhibition shines a spotlight on his lighter work, showcasing the little-seen intimacy and humour of a phenomenal artist. Image: Robert McNeil.

ADVERTISEMENT | Andrew Gannon: Impressions
Fruitmarket, Edinburgh. 10 Dec-8 Jan
Edinburgh-based artist Andrew Gannon shows a series of new works created from clusters of hollow modular forms cast from his own left arm. Using plaster as if in preparation for a prosthesis, Gannon creates wearable casts that become increasingly unwearable as they are bound together, their functional ungainliness becoming a sculptural elegance. Describing his own prosthesis as ‘near me, but not part of me’, Gannon uses these objects to test out a space between limb and independent sculpture.

Queer History of Dance Music
CCA: Centre for Contemporary Art, Glasgow. 10 Dec, 9pm
A history lesson (of sorts) that you can boogie to? This Saturday, Amy and Duncan from the Queer History of Dance Music research collective will be taking over Saramago Cafe and putting theory into practice, with warm, jazz inflected grooves throughout the night. Image: CCA.

Talisk
Summerhall, Edinburgh. 11 Dec, 7:30pm
There's an embarrassment of riches in Scotland's trad scene at the moment, from Niteworks to Elephant Sessions. One of our favourites from the bunch, Glasgow-based Talisk are taking to Summerhall this Sunday: expect high-octane, foot-tapping tunes that are sharp and fresh. Image: Agnieszka Straburzynska-Glaner.

↪ The Stand Christmas Specials
The Stand, Edinburgh + Glasgow. 15-17 Dec
Split over The Stand's Glasgow and Edinburgh locations, these Christmas specials offer six shows of the very best comedians on the local and international circuit, from Susie McCabe to Liam Withnail, plus street food and other festive vibes. Image: Andy Laing.

→ Christmas Arts Market
Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh. 10 Dec, 10am
If you too are considering homicide every time you walk past the Princes Street Christmas Market, maybe whisk yourself off to Out of the Blue this weekend. Filled with independent artists selling their wares, it's the best way to reclaim the joy of Christmas shopping.

→ Amapiano X Afrobeats Party
La Belle Angele, Edinburgh. 9 Dec, 11pm
Made up of special guest and resident DJs, from Burna Boy and Yemi Alade to Lola Rae and Tiwa Savage, this evening is a celebration of South African-infused house music amapiano and vibey, smooth afrobeats.