Born Free Forever
When: 6 Oct – 1 Jan Where: The Meadows, Edinburgh South Cost: Free Time: Various W: bornfree.org.uk Featuring stunning life-size, bronze lion sculptures to raise awareness and vital funds for lions. Visit the event website here: https://www.bornfree.org.uk/born-free-forever
Seek & Peek
When: Daily. Where: V&A Museum, Dundee. Cost: Free. Time: 10am-5pm. This colourful trail will take your family on a waterfront wander of discovery around the plaza, urban beach and gardens. W: vam.ac.uk
Selkie Trail
When: Daily. Where: V&A Museum, Dundee. Cost: Free. Time: 10am-5pm. Self-guided, family-friendly trail inside the museum where you can sketch, wander and find out fun facts about the architecture and design. W: vam.ac.uk/dundee/event/353/selkie-trail
Bodyworks Exhibition
Glasgow Science Centre 50 Pacific Quay, GlasgowWhen: Daily. Where: Glasgow Science Centre. Cost: Free with Science Mall ticket. Time: Various. Take on the role of the snot barrier, perform a virtual autopsy and bust some moves at the DNA disco – you’ll never look at your body the same way again. W: glasgowsciencecentre.org/discover/our-experiences/bodyworks
Edinburgh Treasure Trail
When: Various. Where: Edinburgh Old Town. Cost: From £9.99. Time: Various. Self-guided treasure hunt trail that covers the east end of the Royal Mile, twisting and turning through Edinburgh’s ancient streets. W: treasuretrails.co.uk/products/what-to-do-edinburgh-lothian
Christmas at the Botanics
Royal Botanic Garden Arboretum Pl, EdinburghWhen: 17 Nov – 30 Dec Where: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Cost: From £15 Time: Various W: christmasatthebotanics.seetickets.com Over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Visit the event website here: https://christmasatthebotanics.seetickets.com/timeslot/christmas-at-the-botanics/?utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=199223&utm_content=Direct+Traffic&awc=7816_1669118800_d268975a3f7caafc466d2540f8696fd8&AFF=aw
Christmas Fair at George Square
When: 18 Nov – 8 Jan Where: Glasgow City Centre Time: Various Cost: Free W: glasgowlife.org.uk Get into the festive spirit by visiting the two Christmas Fairs in the heart of the city at St Enoch Square and George Square. Visit the event website here: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/arts-music-and-cultural-venues/glasgow-loves-christmas/christmas-fair-george-square
Sinbad the Pantomime
The Brunton Ladywell Way, MusselburghWhen: 23 Nov – 31 Dec Where: The Brunton Theatre Cost: From £8 Time: Various W: thebrunton.co.uk Join Sinbad on his fantastic journey as he voyages from Fisherrow over the sea searching for fortune and finding romance with a runaway Princess-in-disguise. Visit the event website here: https://www.thebrunton.co.uk/en-GB/shows/sinbad%20the%20pantomime/events
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Tron Theatre 63 Trongate, GlasgowWhere: Tron Theatre When: 23 Nov – 8 Jan Time: Various Cost: From £17 W: When a tornado rips through her home, Dorothy Blawna-Gale and her trusty dog Tronto, find themselves landed in the mystical land of Oz. Visit the event website here: https://www.tron.co.uk/shows/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz-2/
An Edinburgh Christmas Carol
When: 24 Nov – 31 Dec Where: Royal Lyceum Theatre Cost: From £10 Time: Various times W: lyceum.org.uk Join the theatre on the snowy streets of the Old Town for a festive comedy as they revisit this celebrated Christmas tale of a miser redeemed. Visit the event website here: https://lyceum.org.uk/whats-on/production/an-edinburgh-christmas-carol-1
Conifox Christmas Experience
Conifox Adventure Park Kirkliston, EdinburghWhen: 25 Nov – 24 Dec Where: Conifox Adventure Park Cost: From £8 Time: Various W: conifox.merlintickets.co.uk This year the well-loved Conifox Christmas Experience is back even better than ever, enhanced with enchanting lighting and effects. Visit the event website here: https://conifox.merlintickets.co.uk/collections/Events
Santa’s Stories
When: 25 Nov – 24 Dec Where: Edinburgh New Town Cost: From £3.50 Time: Various W: showcatcher.com Santa and some very helpful elves will be tucked away in West Princes Street Gardens, ready to welcome children and families and provide a magical Christmas experience. Visit the event website here: https://showcatcher.com/edwinterfest/whats-on/51264/santa-stories
The Wizard of Oz
Eastwood Park Theatre Rouken Glen Rd, Giffnock, GlasgowWhen: 25 Nov – 31 Dec Where: Eastwood Park Theatre Cost: From £12 Time: Various W: ercultureandleisure.org Join Dorothy as she begins her adventure into the wonderful land of Oz, filled with excitement, laughter and the usual panto magic. Visit the event website here: https://www.ercultureandleisure.org/events/the-wizard-of-oz/
Beauty and the Beast
King's Theatre Glasgow 297 Bath St, GlasgowWhere: King’s Theatre, Glasgow When: 26 Nov – 31 Dec Time: Various Cost: From £13 W: atgtickets.com Dreaming of a happier life, the beautiful Belle finds herself transported to a cursed castle and held captive by a hideous beast. Visit the event website here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/beauty-and-the-beast/kings-theatre-glasgow/
Lidl on Ice
When: 26 Nov – 3 Jan Where: Edinburgh New Town Cost: From £10 Time: Various W: showcatcher.com Get your skates on and glide all the way up and down Edinburgh’s famous George St on the magnificent alpine ice rink. Visit the event website here: https://showcatcher.com/edwinterfest/whats-on/51253/lidl-on-ice
Nativity! The Musical presented by the Pantheon Club
Theatre Royal GlasgowWhere: Theatre Royal, Glasgow When: 30 Nov – 3 Dec Time: Various Cost: From £11.90 W: atgtickets.com Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity, and at St Bernadette’s School they’re attempting to mount a musical version! Visit the event website here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/nativity-the-musical-presented-by-the-pantheon-club/theatre-royal-glasgow/?clickref=1011lwncs7HM&utm_source=partnerize&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=whatsonnetwork&referralurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whatsonglasgow.co.uk%2Fevent%2F107566-pantheon-club-presents-nativity-the-musical%2F
Mother Goose
Where: Various locations in Glasgow When: 30 Nov – 17 Dec Time: Various Cost: £3 / £2 W: glasgowlife.org.uk Mother Goose is touring to community venues across Glasgow. Join in the fun of the circus with Mother Goose and her feisty daughter Ginny. Visit the event website here: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/11/mother-goose
Festive Films for a Fiver
When: Various Dates in December Where: Glasgow Science Centre Time: Various Cost: £5 This Christmas, bring your friends and family together to experience some of your favourite festive films for a fiver! W: glasgowsciencecentre.org Visit the event website here: https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/festive-films-for-a-fiver
Festive Faerie Trail
Loch Lomond Faerie Trail Luss Car Park, LussWhen: 2 Dec – 8 Jan Where: Loch Lomand Time: Various Cost: From £3.33 W: lochlomondfaerietrail.com Enjoy a woodland trail full of festive fun and family adventure. Visit the event website here: https://www.lochlomondfaerietrail.com
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
When: 3 Dec – 8 Jan Where: His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen Time: Various Cost: £14.50 - £39 W: aberdeenperformingarts.com Join Peter Pan as he sets sail on a brand-new adventure this Christmas. With amazing special effects and barrel-loads of laughter. Visit the event website here: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/peter-pan/
Love Gorgie Farm
When: Various. Where: Gorgie Road, Edinburgh. Cost: Free but donations welcome. Time: 9.30am-4pm. Get a hands-on experience of taking care of farm animals at the community-led charity. W: lovegorgiefarm.org.uk
Loch Lomond Faerie Trail
When: Various. Where: Loch Lomond Faerie Trail, Luss. Cost: Family Ticket £36. Time: 10am-4pm. Using an activity booklet, solve clues and questions to make your way round each point of the unique trail. W: lochlomondfaerietrail.com/seasonal-trails
The Bing Store Pop-Up
Glasgow FortWhere: Glasgow Fort When: 7 Nov – 31 Dec Time: 9am – 7pm Cost: Free (booking required for Meet & Greet) W: glasgowfort.com An exciting new shopping experience featuring Bing, is coming to Glasgow Fort this November and December, complete with the chance for families to meet the show’s much-loved
Five Sisters Zoo Christmas Illuminations
When: 11 Nov – 24 Dec Where: Five Sisters Zoo Cost: From £11 Time: 4pm – 7:30pm W: fivesisterszooilluminations.seetickets.com Five Sisters Zoo Christmas Illuminations are back for another year, BIGGER, brighter, and better than ever before. Visit the event website here: https://fivesisterszooilluminations.seetickets.com/timeslot/five-sisters-zoo-christmas-illuminations?outputStyle=Default&pageIndex=1&pageSize=30
Castle of Light: Kingdom of Colours
Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, EdinburghWhen: Selected dates from Fri 18 Nov to Fri 30 Dec. Where: Edinburgh Castle. Cost: Tickets from £12. Time: 4.30pm-9pm. See extraordinary projections dance from the castle walls and immersive illuminations guide you throughout the castle. W: historicenvironment.scot
Elfingrove
Kelvingrove Art Gallery Argyle St, GlasgowWhen: 24 Nov – 24 Dec Where: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Time: 10am – 9pm Cost: Various W: itison.com/elfingrove This Christmas, marks the return of Elfingrove – bigger, snowier and glowier! Visit the event website here: https://www.itison.com/elfingrove
Cranside Winter Village
When: 24 Nov – 31 Dec Where: Cranside Kitchen Time: From 12pm Cost: Free W: cransidekitchen.co.uk Cranside Kitchen's Winter Village transforms the Finnieston into a magical Scandic inspired Winter experience! Visit the event website here: https://www.cransidekitchen.co.uk/wintervillage
Ocean Terminal Christmas Market
When: 25 Nov – 23 Dec Where: Ocean Terminal Cost: free Time: 10am – 6pm W: localmotivemarkets.co.ukDon’t miss this beautifully decorated Christmas Market, brimming with local and Scottish gifts, food, and drinks. Visit the event website here: http://www.localmotivemarkets.co.uk/ocean-terminal-market.html
Christmas Market – East Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens EdinburghWhen: 25 Nov – 3 Jan Where: Princes Street Garden Cost: free Time: 10am – 10pm W: showcatcher.com The Christmas Market returns to East Princes St Gardens in 2022 showcasing the best in artisanal festive products and goods from local makers. Visit the event website here: https://showcatcher.com/edwinterfest/whats-on/51257/edinburgh-christmas-market
Castle Street Christmas Market
When: 26 Nov – 23 Dec Where: Edinburgh New Town Cost: Free Time: 10am – 6pm W: localmotivemarkets.co.uk This beautiful festive outdoor market is held in bright coloured gazebos and filled with quality gifts, as well as delicious food options. Visit the event website here: http://www.localmotivemarkets.co.uk/castle-street-fairs.html
Magical Christmas Light Trail
When: 1 Dec – 30 Dec Where: Various Locations in Edinburgh Cost: From £40 Time: 1:15pm – 9:15pm W: timberbush-tours.co.uk Join Timberbush Tours this Christmas on board a very special co-ho-hoach tour, departing from Edinburgh. Visit the event website here: https://www.timberbush-tours.co.uk/our-tours/from-edinburgh/1-day-tour/magical-christmas-light-trail
The Magical Adventures of Aladdin
When: 1 Dec – 15 Jan Where: The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow Time: Various Cost: From £17.50 W: paviliontheatre.co.uk Join our Superhero Aladdin, his glamorous mother Widow Twanky and his cheeky older brother Wishee Washee as they go on a Magical Adventure. Visit the event website here: https://www.paviliontheatre.co.uk/shows/the-magical-adventures-of-aladdin-2022-2023/#tab
Christmas Afternoon Tea at Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, EdinburghWhen: Selected dates between 1 Dec – 23 Dec Where: Edinburgh Castle Time: 1pm Cost: £22.50 - £30 W: historicenvironment.scot Make Christmas 2022 special with afternoon tea in The Great Hall at Stirling Castle and enjoy a dining experience fit for royalty. Visit event website here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=cbfbab94-9145-4a06-a4e7-ac6f0122eef1
Snow White
When: 1 Dec – 31 Dec Where: The Byre Theatre St Andrews Cost: From £17 Time: 2pm & 7pm W: byretheatre.com Snow White and her pals have to come up with a plan to halt the Queen’s evil plans and save a certain handsome prince. Visit the event website here:
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
When: 2 Dec – 22 Dec Where: Tivoli Theatre Time: 2pm & 7pm Cost: From £13 W: aberdeenperformingarts.com Join Goldilocks and her mum, Tina Trott, at their circus which is facing financial ruin, until a twist of fate leads them to meet three very special bears! Visit the event website
Saturday Art Attack
Summerlee Museum Heritage Way, CoatbridgeWhen: Every Sat until Sat 17 Dec. Where: Summerlee Museum, North Lanarkshire. Cost: £6 per class. Time: 10am. Wide range of arts activities on offer for ages 7-12, including drawing, painting and clay modelling. W: culturenl.co.uk/art-attack-summerlee-2/
Kids’ Lego Club
Gorbals Library 180 Crown St,, GlasgowFun, free and interactive building sessions for all ages. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents or guardians are welcome to stay during sessions.
Festive Weekend
National Museum of Rural Life Wester Kittochside Philipshill Road East Kilbride, GlasgowWhen: 3 – 4 Dec Where: National Museum of Rural Life Time: 10:30–12:30 & 13:30–15:30 Cost: Free with general admission W: nms.ac.uk/ On Saturday and Sunday, celebrate the season with family crafts at the museum. Visit event website here: https://www.nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events/events/national-museum-of-rural-life/festive-weekend/
The Enormous Christmas Turnip
When: 3 Dec – 23 Dec Where: Lemon Tree, Aberdeen Time: 10:30 am / 1:30pm / 6pm Cost: Child £9, Adult £11 W: aberdeenperformingarts.com Help two playful bunnies get ready, set, and grow grow grow – but what happens when one vegetable grows a little too big? https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/the-enormous-christmas-turnip/
The McDougall’s Magic Castle
When: 3 Dec Where: Tolbooth, Stirling Time: From 1:30pm Cost: £8 / £24 W: stirlingevents.org Join Auntie Aggie, Max and Morag the Rabbit on a holiday to the Magic Castle – a spellbinding school for trainee wizards. Visit the event website here: https://stirlingevents.org/tolbooth-event/the-mcdougalls-magic-castle/