The Skinny Guide to Christmas and Hogmanay 2022

Meet the team

We asked – What's your favourite Christmas film?

Rosamund West Editor-in-Chief

"Muppet Christmas Carol, of course. I went to see it in the cinema with my grandma when it came out 30 years ago, I've owned it in every format and I'm quite frankly furious they've rein stated that terrible song. "

Tallah Brash Music Editor

"Die Hard. Yippee Kay Yay Melon Farmer! Special shout-outs for It's a Wonderful Life, Scrooged and the ridiculous A Castle For Christmas set in Dun Dunbar. lololollll"

Peter Simpson Digital Editor, Food & Drink Editor

"Jingle All The Way - what’s more Christmassy than Arnold Schwarzene er punching a reindeer in the face, then blaming the reindeer?"

Jamie Dunn Film Editor, Online Journalist

"Forget It's a Wonderful Life, the greatest Christmas film featuring Jimmy Stewart is The Shop Around the Corner. And if I’m is a more downbeat mood: Eyes Wide Shut."

Anahit Behrooz Events Editor

"Remember The Nightaching and romantic, filled with tender detail, the most delicate enemies-to-lovers you could imagine. I love to have my heart wrenched out at Christmas!"

Laurie Presswood General Manager

"The Snowman and A Muppet Family Christmas (together they add up to the length of one feature film). Beautiful music, dancing snowmen, waka waka."

Sandy Park Commercial Director

"Home Alone. Keep the change ya filthy animal!"

George Sully Sales and Brand Strategist

"Klaus. Basically retconning the origins of Christmas with beautiful animation."

Tom McCarthy Creative Projects Manager

"The Long Kiss Goodnight

Geena Davis. Samuel L Jackson. Shane Black."

Rho Chung Theatre Editor

"We didn't really do Christmas movies growing up, so I'd have to say Muppets Christmas Carol, because I'm a fan of their oeuvre."

Dalila D'Amico Art Director, Production Manager

"Home Alone, the traps are excellent!"

Phoebe Willison Designer

"Gremlins, cause I will be going full Gremlin mode this festive season x"

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Illustration

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

Photo: Siobhan Nevada

Photo: Chris Flexen

Spry Wines

Heads Up

Endless Love Creative Makers Market

Fruitmarket, Edinburgh, 4 Dec, 10am

A curated Christmas market from Endless Love Creative, this is a chance to pick up some beautiful and unique gifts - think prints, ceramics, and jewellery - from local artists in the beautiful gallery space of Edinburgh’s Fruitmarket. True to the market's, and its venue’s, profoundly creative streak, there are also a couple of fun illustration and embroidery workshops to break up the day.

Lost Map’s Christmas HUMBUG!

The Old Hairdressers + Summerhall, Glasgow + Edinburgh, 16+17 Dec Every year, indie record label Lost Map throws a big Christmas party with some of the bi est and best of Scottish music drawn from their incredible lineup. Catch them in The Old Hairdressers in Glasgow this year with the likes of Maranta and Lost Map DJs, or in Edinburgh’s Summerhall with Susan Bear, Alliyah Enyo and others.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Tron Theatre, Glasgow, until 8 Jan 2023

Head down the yellow brick road like you’ve never seen it before with this hilarious pantomime production of the L.F. Baum classic. There’s a Scarecrow with too many Insta-sham followers, a heartless Tin Wummin’ who maybe works for the council, and the usual scared lion - get your boos and hisses ready and waiting and be prepared to be blown away.

Christmas at the Botanics

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, until 30 Dec A stunning series of installations that cast the magnificent gardens and greenhouses of the Edinburgh Botanics in a, quite literally, whole new festive light, Christmas at the Botanics is now in its sixth year and is only getting more spectacular. This year promises hundreds of red glowing flowers lighting up the paths on the Chinese Hillside, floating feathers in the trees, and a gorgeous recreation of the Aurora Borealis.

Endless Creative Market

Maranta

Christmas at the Botanics

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Photo: Raymond Gubbay

Image: Jamhot & Boxdog Inc

Hoolie in the Hydro SEC, Glasgow, 17 Dec, 6:30pm

The bi est night of Scottish traditional music to ever take place, Hoolie in the Hydro - organised by Scottish music legend Gary Innes - offers the ceilidh of a lifetime. Head to the Hydro, Glasgow’s enormous concert venue on the banks of the River Clyde, for a night with the likes of Dougie Maclean, Mànran, Sharon Shannon Band, Trail West and Skerryvore.

Hogmanay Summerhall 2022 Summerhall, Edinburgh, 31 Dec, 9pm

See out the year in an old, probably haunted, vet-school-turned-artsvenues? We can’t think of a better way. Summerhall is one of our favourite places in the capital, offering a year round programme of stunning art, performance and music. Their first Hogmanay celebration since 2019 (RIP 2020/2021), this night sees live music from The Soul Foundation, DJs playing throughout the night, with more stellar artists to be announced soon.

Scottish Ballet’s The Snow Queen Festival Theatre + Theatre Royal, Edinburgh + Glasgow, until 8 Jan Scottish Ballet have been killing it in recent years with jaw-dropping, universally acclaimed productions of The Crucible and a postmodern retelling of Coppelia. They are going a little more traditional, but still groundbreakingly good, with the classic tale of The Snow Queen - last shown to rave reviews in 2019. Frosty, magical, and set to the stunning music of RimskyKorsakov, this is the perfect winter ballet.

Sprog Rock Tramway, Glasgow, 10-18 Dec A festive gig for the little ones (think under fives, and any and all willing adults), Sprog Rock are teaming up this year with beatboxer Bi Taj for an extra special high-energy, highfun celebration. Fully interactive and relaxed, this is the kind of live music experience which encourages participation: sing, dance, or sit quietly and let the fun wash over you.

Hogmanay

The Snow Queen

Sprog Rock

Hoolie in the Hydro

The Soul Foundation

Scotland turns into a veritable winter wonderland in December. We pick out our favourite festive shows, unique Christmas markets, and Santa pop-ups for the whole family Compiled by: Anahit Behrooz

Photo: Andy Ross

Photo:

Image: courtesy of Endless Love Creative Market

Photo: Kate Johnston

Heads Up

Optimo (Espacio) Hogmanay 2022

Room 2, Glasgow, 31 Dec, 11pm

Beloved Scottish legends Optimo (Espacio) return to their hometown for an incredible New Year’s Eve blowout. The duo have been spinning the decks in Scotland since the 90s with their irresistible brand of house - we can’t guarantee how the rest of 2023 will go, but its first few hours, we can promise, will be in the safest of hands.

RSNO Season 22-23 Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman

Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 18 Dec, 3pm

Join the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for their annual Christmas concert, packed full of carols and familiar festive tunes, perfect for getting into the spirit of midnight mass without the midnight or the mass. This year sees a live orchestral playing of the beloved Christmas classic The Snowman, narrated by the original singer of Walking In the Air, Aled Jones.

Tea Green Festive Market

V&A Dundee + Kibble Palace, Dundee + Glasgow, 25-27 Nov + 10-11 Dec, 10am

There are so many Christmas markets on this festive season that it can be hard to know which ones to prioritise, but somewhere like Tea Green Festive Market, that skips over the usual Christmas tat for really creative pieces from local artists. There’s gorgeous art, handmade homeware, and striking accessories that are perfect for gifts for others and yourself.

Samedia Shebeen Hogmanay

Tropical Soundclash

La Belle Angele, Edinburgh, 31 Dec, 11pm

For a Hogmanay celebration that eschews standing out in Princes Street in the cold for a much more heated vibe, head to Samedia Shebeen’s Hogmanay Tropical Soundclash. One of Edinburgh’s most beloved clubnight, Samedia Shebeen play everything from Latin and Afrobeats to Arabic electro - this NYE celebration sees them joined by Los Chichanos, playing live chicha and psychedelic cumbia, and dancehall and amapiano DJing from Strawberry Jam Soundsystem.

Optimo

The Snowman

Samedia Shebeen

Tea Green Market - Studio Emma

Photo: David Moffat

Photo: Drew Farrell

ImagE: courtesy Dundee Jazz Fest

Image: courtesy Studio Emma

Maw Goose 2022

Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, 2-31 Dec

It’s a fairy-tale bonanza in Stirling this year with this panto production of Maw Goose, written by award-winning playwright Johnny McKnight. Follow our hero as she faces eviction after failing to pay Panto Tax and loses track of her son Jack, who has fallen for girl-next-door Jill, all while Bo Peep and Little Jack Horner try to form a band and Lucy Goosey gets eyed up for Christmas dinner. It’s the kind of chaos that’s perfect for the whole family.

Double Door Studios Festive Boutique

Double Door Studios, Dundee, until 22 Dec

Every year, small independent jewellery design studio Double Door Studios opens up its eponymous doors on certain Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays to dozens of artists and craftspeople for a one-of-a-kind Christmas market right in the heart of Dundee. Find sustainable homeware, sculptures and ceramics, bookbinding, and handcrafted knitwear on show - perfect for a bit of ethical Christmas shopping.

Bowhouse Christmas Market Weekend

Bowhouse, St Monans, 10 Dec, 10am Tucked away on the stunning coast of Fife, just a couple of hours north of Edinburgh, Bowhouse is a monthly market held in the picturesque Balcaskie Estate, which seeks to connect people with local growers and producers and create a shorter, farm-to-table, local supply chain. The Christmas edition of their market features food and drink gems perfect for making Christmas dinner that extra special, as well as an array of arts and crafts traders.

The Santa Experience

Archerfield Walled Garden, Dir leton, until 23 Dec Just a short drive or bus ride away from Edinburgh on the scenic (and admittedly blustery in December) East Lothian coast, Archerfield Walled Garden manages to be beautiful whatever the season, featuring carefully sculpted walled and herb gardens that feed directly into their gorgeous, airy cafe. Clearly Santa thinks so, too: catch him at the Gardens this December complete with presents and a North Pole letter writing experience.

Beecraigs Festive Forest Beecraigs Country Park, Linlithgow, 2-23 Dec With gorgeous panoramic views over the Forth bridges, the Lothians and even across to Fife, Beecraigs National Park is a beautiful spot to take in a part of Scotland that is easily accessible, but feels outside of the main cities. Their Festive Forest features an illuminated trail, Santa’s Grotto (what can we say, he’s everywhere), a funfair and plenty of festive food and drink stalls for warming up.

Dundee Christmas Market WinterFest Slessor Gardens, Dundee, until 1 Jan Live your best Weihnachtsmarkt life at Dundee Christmas Market WinterFest. Launching for the first year in Dundee, this head-to-toe festive experience has an ice skating rink perfect for romantic - and wobbly - skating, an authentic Bavarian tavern, and a vintage funfair. Held in the city’s Slessor Gardens, you can drop in or book ahead to avoid disappointment in the busy festive season.

Mawgoose

Beerscraig Festival

Photo: Emma Kauldhar

Photo: 21CC Group

Heads Up

Festive Spirit

As you prepare for the most confidently IRL Christmas of recent years, here is a handy guide to help you get into the festive spirit! Featuring the best places to eat and drink, our favourite independent shops in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, and a guide to festive theatre.

Festive Spirit

Feeling Fancy

We’ll start with some classic restaurants – great dining rooms where everyone gets a nice meal and has a lovely time. Top of the list is te Seba (393 Great Western Rd, Glasgow), an excellent spot that’s focused pretty squarely on pasta and bellinis. The pasta is incredible, the drinks are brilliant, the staff are welcoming and the decor is pleasingly stripped-back. It’s not as stripped back as The Outsider (16 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh), which balances a muted colour palette with some amazing views of Edinburgh’s Old Town out the back. Once you tear yourself away from the window, expect some crowd-pleasing bistro classics. The Palmerston (1 Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh) operates in a similar vein – you’ll find an ever-changing menu of

inventive dishes centred around great Scottish ingredients, all in a lovingly restored former bank. For something a bit cosier, head to Julie’s Kopitiam (1109 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow) for excellent home-style Malaysian dishes in a wonderfully welcoming atmos phere. If you want to capture the vibe of a night in, but with excellent chefs in the kitchen, this is the place for you. Alternatively, turn away from the homely and embrace chaos by heading to Chez Jules (109 Hanover St, Edinburgh) or Pizzeria 1926 (85 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh). The former is a basement French bistro that’s all low lighting, low low prices and excellent steak; the latter is Edinburgh’s best pizzeria, a hive of activity lined with Napoli football shirts and innumerable references to Diego Maradona.

If you

The Palmerston

Brett

Organising ‘the Christmas night out’ can be a tricky task, but if you get it right you’ll be a hero until mid-January at the very least – here are some of our top tips

Words: Peter Simpson

Photo: Clair Irwin

Image: courtesy The Palmerston

Festive Spirit

can wedge yourself in, the Agacan (113 Perth Rd, Dundee) pairs excellent Turkish mezze and kebabs with an incredibly vibrant aesthetic. Worried you’ll be stuck for conversation? Let the walls and tabletops entertain you!

If folk are willing to share, Mother India’s Cafe in Edinburgh (3 Infirmary St) and Glasgow (1355 Argyle St) offers great rewards. Delicious Indian dishes served tapas-style, the best strategy here is to pick a few things each, then spend your evening di ing into a bit of everything. Small plates are generally a good way to go as they’re ideal for sharing and keeping people from taking the hump because they’ve ordered the wrong thing. Ox and Finch (920 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow) and Five March (140 Elderslie St, Glasgow) both bring a pan-European approach to the sharing table, while Brett (321 Great Western Rd, Glasgow) focus on fire-cooked dishes and an excellent wine selection.

Gloriosa (1321 Argyle St, Glasgow) serves up an absolutely brilliant selection of dishes with Mediterranean

influences throughout, and Noto (47a Thistle St, Edinburgh) offers a diverse but expertly-presented mix of small plates pulling influences from across Europe and Asia. Sol y Sombra (27 Gray St, Dundee) offers a classic tapas set-up which takes a lot of hassle out of a night out – the menu changes daily, so just state your dietary requirements, and before you know it you’ll be presented with a big ol’ platter of tapas with your name on it.

If you can push the boat out, there’s a good batch of restaurants in the category we’ll call ‘cool fancy’. Places like Stravaigin (28 Gibson St, Glasgow), with its boundary-pushing takes on Scottish cuisine, or Celentano’s (28-32 Cathedral Sq, Glasgow) and its elevated Italianinspired menu. Crabshakk (1114 Argyle St, Glasgow) is ideal for fish fans with expertly-prepared and pleasingly simple dishes, while Eleanore (30 Albert Pl, Edinburgh) pulls together a whole load of influences and styles into brilliant plates of food.

Photo: Murry Orr Eleanore

Festive Spirit

On the Go

Words: Peter Simpson

As much as we love Christmas, festive overload is very much a real thing; there are only so many times you can hear Step Into Christmas before you start swinging at folk. At the same time, you want to support local businesses, and that means going outside, where everyone is being extremely jolly. What to do?

Edinburgh

One classic trick is to run off and hide just out of reach. Tucked away on the

corner of Princes Street, Taco Libre (3 Shandwick Pl) serves up excellent tacos and great margaritas in a pleasantly chaotic environment. Hakataya (122 Rose St S Ln) will give you a fantastic bowl of ramen, around the side of the many, many Christmas nights out up and down Rose Street. Pickles (60 Broughton St) is a stone’s throw from the St James, but it’s a whole other world of relaxing chairs and cheese boards that go on for days. If you just need to grab *some thing*, we have a few su estions. Sister Bao (32 S Clerk St) serve tasty and ludicrously cheap bao buns from their shop in Newington; Piemaker (38 South Bridge) remains the best place to grab a handheld snack in the heart of the city; The Sicilian Pastry Shop (14 Albert St) make up delicious sandwiches every day, or you can just go wild and have a cannoli for lunch. It’s Christmas!

Glasgow

Paesano

Christmas shopping got you down? Legs knackered? Need fuel, no time, want help? What you need is Paesano (94 Miller St and 471 Great Western Rd) – the pizzas are excellent, the venues are enormous, the pricing is incredibly reasonable and the service is terrifyingly quick. Fastest we know of someone getting in, eating, and leaving is 14 minutes – if you break the record this Christmas, get in touch.

Lunch spots for shopping breaks, places to hide from your friends and family, and a surprising amount of spice – this Christmas, we’ve got you covered...

Image: courtesy Paesano

Festive Spirit

It’s a similar story across at the Lighthouse, where Sugo (70 Mitchell St) applies the Paesano formula to pasta. Big bowls of ragu, hundreds and hundreds of seats, and enough hustle and bustle to revive anyone. Just around the corner, Mezcal (104 Hope St) has great tacos and an extensive tequila list. It’s just behind Central Station in the middle of town, but with a fantastic level of neon lighting to zap you back to life. Ting Thai Caravan (19 W Nile St) does a great line in bowls of noodles, small boxes, tasty snacks and very spicy things; more neon in here as well, if anyone’s starting to spot a theme.

Alternatively, hop on the bus to the Southside, and take a break at Ranjit’s Kitchen (607 Pollokshaws Rd). Have an excellent homemade curry to keep you going, or grab a pal and get the Panjabi tea for two – a brilliant selection of savoury nibbles, sweets,

and the house chai, it’s guaranteed to pull you out of any kind of festive funk.

Dundee

When you’re marching about on a Christmas shopping run, versatility is key. You might want a coffee, or lunch, or a beer or to keep shopping… The Bach (31 Meadowside) has it all covered. Great beers and wines with a New Zealand twist, a great brunch and all-day menu, lovely coffee, a tuck shop-type situation filled with Southern Hemisphere treats – just stay here, to be honest.

Elsewhere, Pacamara (302 Perth Rd) offer excellent coffee and brunch to fuel you up for the day, Rad Apples (51 Meadowside) has tasty vegan bar food and the prospect of gigs down stairs if you can’t face more Christmas stuff, and Loco Rita’s (15 Old Hawkhill) and Mas (304 Perth Rd) provide the chance to get your tacos in both vegan-friendly and omnivore set-ups.

Sugo

Image: courtesy Sugo

Festive Spirit

Festive Tipple

For a quality night out with friends around the holidays, you’ll probably want to go somewhere a bit special but also somewhere that’s a haven from the Scottish winter; somewhere that’s as chic as it is cosy, basically.

Edinburgh

Fitting that bill in Edinburgh is The Devil’s Advocate (9 Advocate’s Close), an Old Town jewel serving great whisky and cocktails that you’ll find halfway down a staircase between The Royal Mile and Cockburn Street. Other inviting cocktail joints are to be found scattered around the New Town. Bramble (16A Queen St) offers low light and cool tunes while neighbouring Lucky Liquor (39A Queen St) is more stripped back, with a great menu of 13 drinks that change with the seasons. Nightcap (3 York Pl) is a snug spot with a menu of alternative cocktail classics, and it’s right next to The Stand, so perfect for some drinks before festive comedy. Down in Leith, you have Nauticus (142 Duke St), where every concoction has a link to Leith’s rich history as a trading hub, the West End has Hey Palu (49 Bread St), an Italian aperitivo-style drinking den, while on the Southside, the neon-lit Paradise Palms (41 Lothian St) offers more of a tropical party feel for your Christmas night out.

If wine is your preferred Christmas tipple, run to the lovely

Spry (1 Haddington Pl), the small but perfectly-formed Mistral (10-12 Bonnington Rd) or the vibrant Wine and Peach (91 Dalry Rd). We’re also fans of the chic Nótt (13 Crighton Pl), which also has a deli counter special ising in cheeses, meats and home made Turkish delights, so you could pick up some last-minute gifts for those foodies in your life.

Craft beer aficionados looking for a Christmas night out can choose from The Hanging Bat (133 Lothian Rd) and Salt Horse (57-61 Blackfriars St), both of which offer an ever-changing menu of sharply curated beers. And if

you

Christmas is the time of year you’re obliged to hang out with your family, but it’s also the perfect occa sion to grab some festive drinks with friends or get properly hammered with co-workers to help toast another year at the coalface

Words: Jamie Dunn

Lucky Liquor

Image: courtesy Lucky Liquor

Festive Spirit

don’t mind drinking alfresco there’s the wonderful Bellfield Brewery (46 Stanley Pl) in Abbeyhill, but don’t worry, the beer garden is equipped with patio heaters, so you can enjoy the winter nights without developing frostbite.

Glasgow

As Christmas nears, cosy spots with great selections of whisky make for the perfect venues to catch up with friends at the end of the year. The Ben Nevis (1147 Argyle St) is small but always lively thanks to a mighty selection of malts and regular live trad music. You’ve more chance for a seat at Woodlands gem Dram! (232 Woodlands Rd), the gorgeous Òran Mór (Byres Rd) or city centre stalwart The Pot Still (154 Hope St); each has a unique atmosphere and an enviable array of whiskies and ales.

Ashton Lane fave Ubiquitous Chip (no. 12) has three inviting bars to choose from (The Big Pub, the Corner Bar or the aptly-named Wee Pub), so you should find one to fit your Christmas get-together. While you’re on that distinctly festive lane, with its

shiny cobbles twinkling under a canopy of fairy lights, you can also pop into Belgian beerhouse Brel (no. 37-43) or the much-loved Irish pub Jinty McGuinty’s (no. 29).

If you fancy a classy but relaxed wine bar for your festive meet-up, Brett (321 Great Western Rd) has you covered. Chinaski’s (239 North St) and Hillhead Bookclub (17 Vinicombe St), meanwhile, are both fun pubs with great atmospheres and should be top of your list of destinations for more lively Christmas drinks.

Dundee

Over in Tayside, speakeasy Draffens (Couttie’s Wynd) offers a buzzy atmosphere and inventive cocktail menu and the St Andrews Brewing Co (2-3 Shore Terr) is your go-to if you’re looking for more of a tap house session for your Christmas night out. There’s also the sleek and inviting Jute Cafe Bar (152 Nethergate). Not only is it one of the best hangouts in town, but it’s also part of the DCA, so perfect if you want to incorporate a night at the cinema with your Christmas drinks.

Spry

Photo: Siobhan Nevada Festive Spirit

Bean Thinking

Awarming caffeinated drink and a slice of cake to fuel you through, and break up the monotony/rage of your Christmas shopping is a must. But a bag of locally roasted coffee beans, a coffee-making accessory or tote bag from your favourite local cafe also makes for a brilliant Christmas gift.

In Edinburgh, independent coffee shops and roasters can be found in abundance, most of which sell fresh beans and coffee-making accessories on-site. Fortitude Coffee is a good starting point, with cafes in three key

areas of the city – Stockbridge (66 Hamilton Pl), Southside (72 Newington Rd) and the New Town (3c York Pl). Cairngorm Coffee can also be found in multiple locations in the New Town (1 Melville Pl; 41A Frederick St), and you’ll find several Artisan Roasts too – in the New Town (57 Broughton St), Stockbridge (100A Raeburn Pl), Bruntsfield (138 Bruntsfield Pl) and Leith (72-72 Leith Walk).

Excellent one-offs can be found in most corners of the city too, like Williams & Johnson at The Shore (Custom Lane, 1 Customs Wharf), Union Brew Lab in the Old Town (6-8 S College St), Machina Espresso in Marchmont (38 Marchmont Rd) or The Source in the West End (4 Spittal St). Just round the corner from The Source, you’ll find great gifts, cake and coffee on-the-go from Lovecrumbs (155 West Port) and Tasty Buns (67 Bread St), while pit-stops are a must if you’re in the area at The Milkman (7 and 52 Cockburn St), Nice Times Bakery (147 Morrison St), 101 Bakery (101 Newington Rd) and Bits Bake Shop (38 Dalkeith Rd).

In Glasgow, the coffee scene is also thriving with roasters like Dear Green supplying delicious beans to many cafes in the city, like Riverhill Coffee Bar (24 Gordon St), Cafe Strange Brew (1082 Pollokshaws Rd) and Pastéis

With this helpful guide to cafes and roasteries across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, you can treat yourself while treating others at the same time. It’s a win win!

Tallah Brash

Photo: Splintr Design

Festive Spirit

Lisboa (280 Byres Rd) to name but a few. Roasters with their own cafes include Gordon Street Coffee (79 Gordon St) in the City Centre, The Good Coffee Cartel (12 Cornwall St) in Cessnock and Papercup (603 Great Western Rd) in the West End. In Govanhill, you’ll find coffee from The Good Coffee Cartel at the two.eight. seven bakery (287 Langside Rd) on the weekends alongside a great provisions and gift selection to boot. For deli cious treats and coffee on-the-go to help pad out your day, head for Laboratorio Espresso (93 W Nile St) or Outlier (38 London Rd).

In Dundee, for cake, pastries and coffee to break up the stress of it all head for the West Port where you’ll find The Parlour (no. 58) and the Newport Bakery (no. 54). Also from the team behind the Newport Bakery, you’ll find Daily Grind on Exchange St (no. 18a), with beans courtesy of the excellent Arbroath roastery Sacred Grounds. While you’re out and about, keep your eyes peeled for bags of

beans from Dundee roastery Brewery Lane, which you should find at places like The Bach (31 Meadowside) and the Heather Street Food van outside the V&A (1 Riverside Esplanade).

You’ll also find good coffee at Empire State Coffee Artisan Roasters (28 Whitehall Cres), as well as at EH9 Espresso (248 Perth Rd). While EH9 don’t roast their own beans, you’ll find bags of beans in-store from the likes of Brewery Lane and Edinburgh’s Cairngorm Coffee, among others. And if all that isn’t enough, you’ll find bags of beans and Italian treats like cannoli and aragostine from Dundee Espresso Lab (31 Commercial St).

And if you can’t be arsed heading out to do your Christmas shopping, or have forgotten about someone important and only remembered about them at the last minute, most of the above roasteries have online shops with coffee subscriptions available. Give the gift of caffeine this Christmas!

Outlier

Photo: Richard Gaston

Festive Spirit

Independent Shopping

Our top picks for gift buying in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee

EDINBURGH

BOOKS

Rare Birds

13 Raeburn Pl

Much-loved independent bookshop championing women authors – their subscription service offers an ideal gift, and their advent calendar (inc. books) is an annual sell-out. rarebirdsbooks.com

Ginger & Pickles

51 St Stephen St

A thoughtfully selected range of kids’ books, with beautiful titles ranging from baby to young adult – plus a small stationery selection. gingerandpicklesbookshop.com

Argonaut Books

15-17 Leith Walk

Leith’s community bookshop, with a diverse stock and programme of in-person events. argonautbooks.co.uk

Lighthouse Bookshop

43-45 W Nicolson St

Edinburgh’s radical bookshop – the place to find nonmainstream, politically engaged writing. lighthousebookshop.com

Tills Bookshop

1 Hope Park Cres

This secondhand bookshop overlooking the Meadows specialises in rare and antiquarian books. tillsbookshop.co.uk

Armchair Books 72-74 West Port Family-run secondhand bookshop with the city’s best About page: ‘staffed by Edinburgh’s finest book people who brave the shop’s untraceable noises and unique microclimate.’ armchairbooks.co.uk

Golden Hare Books

68 St Stephen St

A cosy space filled with a finely chosen selection of writing, art books and children’s titles. goldenharebooks.com

Typewronger Books 4a Haddington Pl

Edinburgh’s smallest bookshop and Scotland’s only typewriter repair shop! Selling books, independent publications, zines and associated merch. typewronger.com

Armchair Books

Photo: Florencia Viadana

Festive Spirit

DESIGN, HOMEWARES & GIFTS

An Independent Zebra 88-92 Raeburn Pl

A hub of independent designers/makers of home wares, prints, furniture and gifts from across the UK. anindependentzebra.com

Handsel 336 Leith Walk

An independent one-stopshop for art, homewares, jewellery, cards and zero-waste products. handsel.uk

Logan Malloch

13 Leith Walk

Art, books, ceramics, greet ings cards, plants, stationery and gifts mostly sourced in Leith, Edinburgh and wider Scotland. loganmalloch.com

Bard

1 Customs Wharf

A brand new shop celebrating Scottish craft and design, with the noble mission of sharing local work on a global stage to show there’s more to us than tartan shortbread tins. bard-scotland.com

Flamingosaurus Rex 22 Bruntsfield Pl

A dynamic, multi-functional gallery, shop and art space. flamingosaurusrex.com

Blunt Knife Co

41 Thistle St

Centrally-located social enterprise shop selling zines, books, pamphlets, art prints, stickers, postcards and more, all made by independent artists and organisations. bluntknife.co

Red Door Gallery

42 Victoria St

Long-standing hub for local artists’ prints, artworks, crafts and jewellery in prime sight-seeing location. edinburghart.com

Curiouser & Curiouser 93 Broughton St, 106 Bruntsfield Pl Art, framing and gift shop with two locations in the city. curiouserandcuriouser.com

FOOD & DRINK

George Mewes

3 Dean Park St

Cheese! Excellent cheese! They sometimes give away samples and mulled wine when the Christmas queue is too long. georgemewescheese.co.uk

Beerhive

24 Rodney St

A carefully-chosen selection of beers, wines and spirits with a local emphasis. thebeerhive.co.uk

Winekraft

6 Brandon Terrace

Organic, biodynamic and natural wine shop. winekraft.co

I.J. Mellis 30 Victoria St; 6 Bakers Place; 330 Morningside Rd The OG of Edinburgh cheesemongers, Mellis focus on small-scale farmhouse producers alongside a range of wines and artisanal foodstuffs (also in Glasgow, 492 Great Western Rd). mellischeese.net

Cork and Cask 136 Marchmont Rd

Thoughtfully sourced wine, beer and whisky. corkandcask.co.uk

Cornelius

18 Easter Rd; 128 Leith Walk

An Easter Road institution that has branched out to Leith Walk, Cornelius stock the very best wine, beer and spirits. corneliusbeers.com

Salt Horse 57 Blackfriars St

Centrally-located craft beer shop and bar for all your beer fan gifting. salthorse.beer

Lupe Pintos

24 Leven St (also 313 Great Western Rd, Glasgow)

Specialist deli supplying Scotland with hard-to-find Mexican, American and Spanish ingredients, for all your hot sauce and taco needs. lupepintos.com

I.J. Mellis

Image: courtesy I.J. Mellis

Festive Spirit

Locavore

118-126 Dalry Rd (also 349 Victoria Rd, Glasgow; 134 Renfrew St, Glasgow; 449 Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow)

A social enterprise selling a wide variety of local organic produce at affordable prices. locavore.scot

Great Grog

2 Dalkeith Rd

Specialist in local and interna tional craft beers and wines. greatgrog.co.uk

PLANTS

Grow Urban 92 Grove St; 8B St Vincent St

A leafy haven for all your plant gifts inc. hand-painted pots, cards by local artists and terrariums for your low-main tenance plant gifting. growurban.uk

Moss and Fern 84 South Clerk St

Plants and gifts, including dried floral arrangements, art,

prints and homewares. mossandfern.shop

Rose and Ammi Flowers 2 Gillespie Cres Bespoke wreaths and beautiful pots. roseandammiflowers.com

Green. Meadows 137 Buccleuch St

A modern take on a tropical plant shop with social and environmental sustainability at its core. Sister shop Green. Leith at 55 Elm Row. greenplantshops.co.uk

RECORDS

Slow

Progress Records

53 Blackfriars St

Old Town record store specialising in alt-rock, indie-rock, punk, hardcore, emo, post-rock and modern pop, plus coffee and plantbased doughnuts.

Ilium 100 Marchmont Cres

A coffee shop also selling retro and vintage clothing, records and books. iliumshop.com

Underground Solu’shn 9 Cockburn St

Edinburgh mainstay for dance music on vinyl, decks and DJ equipment – it could not be more centrally located. undergroundsolushn.com

VoxBox Music 21 St Stephen St

An independent selling pre-owned vinyl discs and CDs, plus books and music memorabilia. voxboxmusic.co.uk

Assai Records 1 Grindlay St

Staff-favourite specialists in vinyl, turntables and music merch with central locations in Dundee (33 Union Street) and Edinburgh. assai.co.uk

Festive Spirit

Grow Urban

Image: courtesy Grow Urban

GLASGOW BOOKS

Mount Florida Books

1069 Cathcart Rd

With an aim to stock the best in literary fiction, poetry, politics, cookery and more, Mount Florida Books are dedicated to reinvesting profits into literary and literacy projects in Glasgow. mountfloridabooks.com

Category Is Books

34 Allison St

This is a space for the LGBTQIA+ community to learn about, be inspired by and share in the founders’ love of queer books, art, history, activism, writing and storytelling. categoryisbooks.com

Good Press 32 St Andrews St

A workers’ cooperative dedicated to the promotion, distribution and production of independent or self-published printed matter, plus bookshop and risograph printer. goodpress.co.uk

Ripe Mags

Barras Market, Moncur St

This specialist in magazines and photo books is based in the iconic Barras Market. instagram.comripe_mags

DESIGN, HOMEWARES & GIFTS

Fat Buddha Store 81 Queen St

Urban clothing, hip trainers, accessories and spray paints, in a store reflecting street culture. fatbuddhastore.com

Forty Clothing

11 Royal Exchange Sq

A Scottish brand dedicated to producing high-quality, affordable streetwear clothing with an edge. fortyclothing.com

The Blankfaces 427 Great Western Rd

The UK’s first clothing label aimed at ending homelessness – each of The Blankfaces’ designs is inspired or created by someone who is or has experienced homelessness. theblankfaces.co.uk

The Woom Room

Barras Market, 244 Gallowgate A creative platform supporting the Glasgow art community, The Woom Room sells prints, original artworks, accessories and clothing by local artists. thewoomroom.com

South Block

60-64 Osborne St

The shopfront of WASPS studios. Supporting all manner of creatives, from visual artists to jewellers, homeware crafters and clothing manufacturers. southblock.co.uk

Category Is Books

Risotto Studio

The Glue Factory, 22 Farnell St Scotland’s leading risograph studio, producing vibrant stationery, calendars, prints and subscription services for the gift that keeps on giving. risottostudio.com

Hoos

715 Great Western Rd

An eclectic mix of homeware, design and lifestyle, from Nordic design houses to beautifully crafted pieces by local artisans. hoosglasgow.co.uk

Welcome Home CCA, 350 Sauchiehall St This shop in the Centre for Contemporary Arts celebrates contemporary craft and design from a range of artists based

in Glasgow and beyond. welcomehomestore.co.uk

Decadent Riot 11 Park Rd

An alternative gift shop in Glasgow’s West End which promises to deliver ‘everything for those punks in your life’. decadentriot.co.uk

Velvet Moon 1203 Argyle St

A lifestyle boutique supporting local artists specialising in cards, clothes, homewares and accessories. instagram.com/ velvetmoonglasgow

Gallus Alice 1017 Argyle St

Glasgow’s premier destination for gifts for dogs (human

presents also available). gallusalice.co.uk

Wild Gorse Pottery 684 Pollokshaws Rd

Wheel-thrown, contemporary stoneware in beautiful colours made and sold in Glasgow’s Southside. wildgorsepottery.com

Ruthven Mews Athole Gdn

A warren of tiny antique shops and small independents in a lane behind Byres Road – a joy to explore.

Mr Ben Unit 6, Kings Court, 101 King St

A longstanding favourite for vintage fans, a treasure trove of 80s tracksuits, sequin dresses and souvenir jumpers from the Glasgow Garden Festival. mrbenretroclothing.com

Minted 105 King St

Specialists in vintage streetwear from Stone Island to Carhartt. instagram.com/mintedshop Orzel 678 Dumbarton Rd

Menswear store specialising in brands with sustainability and quality at their core. orzel.store

Re-Jeans

Studio 3, Rogart Street Campus, 4 Rogart St Based in the Barras, this gender-neutral fashion label reclaims and repurposes old jeans to make new denim products. rejeandenim.com

Festive Spirit

RISOTTO

Image: courtesy RISOTTO

Paulin

Beautiful, locally-made watches and accessories. paulinwatches.com

Doyenne Skateboards

Glasgow’s very own wom en-run skateboarding brand created to celebrate and promote diversity in the determined pursuit of equality and unity. doyenneskateboards.com

FOOD & DRINK

Valhallas Goat 449 Great Western Rd

Subtitled ‘liquid treasures’, you’ll find a fine selection of beers, plus wine, Cuban cigars, handmade chocolates and a range of interesting spirits valhallasgoat.com

Roots Fruits and Flowers 455 Great Western Rd

Local institution serving generations of Glaswegians flowers, fruits and organic foods. rootsfruitsandflowers.com

George Mewes 106 Byres Rd

Serving all your fine cheese needs. georgemewescheese.co.uk

Lupe Pintos

313 Great Western Rd

The Glasgow branch of Scotland’s premier Mexican, American and Spanish specialist deli. lupepintos.com

PLANTS

Glasgow Plant Mama 70 Bell St

Everything you need to grow your own urban jungle indoors. glasgowplantmama.com

Blooms

182 Dumbarton Rd

Serving all your botanical needs, from plants and fresh blooms, to stylish pots, seeds and dried flowers. bloomsglasgow.co.uk

RECORDS

Strip Joint 956A Argyle St

A vinyl-only record store located within a pizza joint. stripjointglasgow.co.uk

Monorail Records 12 97, Kings Court, 95 King St

Another Glasgow institution, Monorail have been promoting the Glasgow music scene in their space adjoining vegan-friendly bar Mono for over 20 years. monorailmusic.com

Love Music 34 Dundas St

Queen St station-adjacent rock music specialists stocking new and used CDs, vinyl, plus material by unsigned artists. lovemusicglasgow.com

Some Great Reward Unit 2, The Cooperage, 674 Pollokshaws Rd

Independent record store plus takeaway coffee shop on the Southside! somegreatreward.scot

Festive Spirit

Paulin

Image: courtesy Paulin

DUNDEE

BOOKS

The Book Attic 93 Perth Rd

Dundee’s independent bookshop, with a particular focus on local writers and interests. twitter.com/bookattic1

DESIGN, HOMEWARES & GIFTS

Dundee Contemporary Arts Shop 152 Nethergate

A well-curated selection of design pieces, artworks, homewares and knitwear, with an emphasis on local talent. shop.dca.org.uk

V&A Shop

1 Riverside Esplanade

Design gifts and specifical ly-commissioned pieces by Scottish designers and curators engaging with exhibition themes. shop.vandadundee.org

Kist

151 Perth Rd

An independent with a focus

on Scottish makers, quality, handmade, sustainable and beautiful design. instagram.com/kistdundee

Volk Gallery

Keiller Centre, 3 Chapel St

A repurposed nappy machine selling monthly-changing artist commissions for £3 a pop. volkgallery.com

Tilted Duck 9 Dock St

This small vintage boutique is a stone’s throw from the V&A. tiltedduck.co.uk

Hayley Scanlan Shop 186 Perth Rd

Original pieces from local fashion designer (and Netflix star) Hayley Scanlan. hayleyscanlan.com

Arkive 36-40 Seagate Stockists of urban fashion, streetwear and footwear, also housing Ozzy’s skateboard and BMX shop. arkiveclothing.co.uk

RECORDS

Assai Records 33 Union St

Staff-favourite specialists in vinyl, turntables and music merch with central locations in Dundee and Edinburgh (1 Grindlay St). assai.co.uk

Le Freak Records 159 Perth Rd

Underground record shop, seller of new and used records and self-proclaimed ‘home of The Dolphindog’. lefreakrecords.co.uk

Thirteen Records 13 Union St

Independent used record shop from the staff of former Dundee mainstay Groucho’s. thirteenrecords.co.uk

PLANTS

The Botanist and the Bee 40 Whitehall St Dundee’s first ‘indoor only’ plant shop! thebotanistandthebee.com

Daytrippers at the V&A Shop

Photo: Julie Howden

Shop Local

The Stand

When The Stand rst opened, their manifesto included creating a list of genuine comedy fans to make sure they charged them the fairest possible price. The membership scheme evolved from this idea and is still strong today with over 1000+ members. It entitles the holder to advanced show announcements, discounted tickets and member exclusives for just £15 a year. thestand.co.uk @standcomedyclub

Shelter

From mouth-watering Fairtrade chocolate and pre-loved partywear to a new festive range of Christmas cards, gift wrap and crackers, Shelter Scotland’s online shop has everything you need this festive season. Plus, every order made will help in the ght against housing injustice. Shop now at shelterscotland.org/shop ©Shelter, the National Campaign for Homeless People Limited 2022. Registered charity in England & Wales (263710) and Scotland (SC002327).

BLUDGE

BLUDGE is a queer-owned “online-o e” run by a WSET-certi ed cork dork who likes drinking and talking about wine ad nauseam. We’re based in Leith – where we o er regular tastings – but we also deliver wine all over mainland GB. Check us out for all your wine-o needs: bludge.co.uk or @bludgewine on all our socials!

Edinburgh Printmakers

The wide-ranging artwork for sale at Edinburgh Printmakers showcases stunning prints from its archive as well as from its current print studio members – meaning it’s impossible not to nd art to your taste! If you visit in person, you can also explore a range of homemade gifts from local makers too. edinburghprintmakers.co.uk/shop

Photo: Jay Dawson

Image: courtesy of Edinburgh Printmakers

Support your local shops and venues this festive season

The Queen's Hall

Treat your loved ones to the gift of live music in 2023. The Queen’s Hall is Edinburgh's best music venue, with a varied programme across all genres. The intimate and idiosyncratic building plays host to everyone from interna tional superstars to up-and-coming local talent. They o er email gift vouchers valid for three years – the perfect last-minute gift for the music fans in your life. thequeenshall.net/gift-vouchers

Macastory's Jack and the Beanstalk

Join Ron, Ferg and Claire as they take you on a great big Christmas cracker of an adventure in Macastory’s storytelling panto Jack and the Beanstalk (2pm, Sat 17, Sun 18, Thu 22 & Fri 23 Dec). Fifty- ve minutes of perfect panto patter, full of all the usual panto fun, excitement and laughs, specially devised for a young audience and their parents… it’s a BIG story for LITTLE people! Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 45 High St, Edinburgh; scottishstorytellingcentre.com

Fruitmarket Bookshop

This Christmas spending time with people feels more important than ever, so in the Fruitmarket bookshop the focus is on thoughtfully selected books, gifts, and activities that you can share with those you love. Shop our artists' editions and books alongside Japanese stationery, jesmonite candle holders and hand-poured candles that are luxurious (but also kind to your bank balance) fruitmarket.co.uk

DCA Shop

The shelves of DCA Shop are full of festive gift inspiration, from jewellery, craft and design by Dundee and Scotland-based makers to contemporary homeware, books and games, and limited edition prints created in DCA Print Studio. Shop in person at Dundee Contemporary Arts or order online from shop.dca.org.uk

Image: courtesy of Fruitmarket

Image: courtesy of Macastory Image courtesy: Dundee Contemporary Arts

An American’s Guide to Scottish Panto

Words: Rho Chung

After five holiday seasons as a resident of Scotland, I feel that it’s finally time to demystify British pantomime for myself and anyone who’s curious. Panto strikes me as a quintessential cultural art form, reflected in diluted iterations in North American productions of The Nutcracker and so on. It has its own vocabulary, tropes, and traditions; locals are always somewhat shocked to learn just how clueless I am. Looking in from the outside, panto seems to make use of a striking number of historical performance tropes. It plays with notions of gender, disability, sex, and class in a truly unique way.

One of the things that fascinates me most about panto is its origins. Pantomime shares fewer elements with the theatre we know today than it does with Commedia dell’Arte and ancient Greek theatre – it has arche types and formulas, and it uniformly invites (and depends on) audience participation. It is an evolved but entirely recognisable form of these rare and highly prescriptive genres. Theatres across Scotland do produc tions of the same name, but they are anything but repetitive. Productions seem highly localised, and some of them are even set in the towns in which they’re performed.

The word I hear thrown around most is “accessibility” – sometimes pejoratively, put up as a barrier between pantomime and other, more “high-brow” forms of theatre. This kind of attitude always raises alarm bells for me; as a theatre person from an academic background, I am dedicated to the belief that taste, creativity, and culture should know no bounds. Panto is known for bringing in significantly more money to theatres than the usual fare, and it is enjoyed by a much broader (read: lower-income) demo graphic. Not only do these stereotypes

One American begins to get to grips with that uniquely British art form – panto

Clare Gray. Grant Stott, Allan Stewart, Francesca Ross and Jordan Young in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Photo: Greg Macvean

Festive Spirit

further stratify the socio-economic divide between taste-makers and the working class, but they harm yearround theatre as well. In any case, this discussion is better suited to another venue and another time (wink wink, nudge nudge) – for now, read along with me as I digest some of Scotland’s myriad holiday offerings for all ages this year.

To start, Inverclyde’s Beacon Arts Centre is offering Aladdin, a fairytale parody set in Greenock. The story follows elements of the classic fairytale with a local twist – my confused American brain is still trying to wrap itself around names like Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee, and Wee Jeannie (the Genie). The show runs from 9 to 31 December.

Next up is a wide variety of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs adapta tions. Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre promises plenty of audience participa tion for all ages, with Francesca Ross in the title role. The show runs from 17 December to 22 January. St. Andrew’s

December.

The Royal Lyceum is producing An Edinburgh Christmas Carol (24 Nov-31 Dec), which returns after a highly successful run in 2019. The Macrobert Arts Centre presents Maw Goose (2-31 Dec) after a two-year hiatus, featuring Brido Hingwy as the Panto Dame. Perth Theatre will bring Jack and the Beanstalk to the holiday stage from 25 Nov to 31 Dec, complete with an online form through which audience members can request a live shout-out. The same shout-out form is in use at Glasgow’s Tron Theatre, staging Johnny McKnight’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (until 8 January) after two years of cancellation. Whether you’re a seasoned panto-goer or a won der-filled newbie like me, Scottish panto offers a mix of the familiar and the outlandish to delight every kind of audience this holiday season.

Byre Theatre is running a new adaptation by Gordon Barr from 1 to 31 December, and Dundee’s Whitehall Theatre is putting up Graeme Neil Smith’s new version from 10 to 23

An Edinburgh Christmas Carol

Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic Festive Spirit

It’s Christmaaas!

For the day itself, we’re looking at ways to make Christmas as sustainable and delicious as possible. We’ve got tips from top local chefs on how to make the most of your leftovers, ideas on low waste gifting, plus a playlist of Christmas tunes compiled by some of Scotland’s finest record shops.

It's Christmaaas!

Choose a Sustainable Christmas

Words: Jamie Dunn Illustration: AJ Hi ins

Christmas is the most wasteful time of year. On the weeks, days, and hours running up to the big day we often panic, and end up buying our loved ones shiny new trinkets that they neither want nor need and which will end up languishing at the back of a cupboard until the next clear out. There are plenty of more sustainable options that will prove more useful to the recipient and less harmful to the planet, while also saving you a few quid in the process.

Choose to regift Seinfeld gave us many great phrases – “Serenity now!”, “Spongeworthy”, “Master of my domain” – but we will never forgive them for badmouthing the noble art of “Regifting”. What exactly is wrong with giving a label maker you have no use for to someone who will? We advise you to go to that corner of the

house where you keep all your unopened Christmas gifts from yesteryear and give some to a new home.

Choose secondhand Giving a secondhand gift isn’t being a cheap skate. First off, you’ll find beautiful items in your local charity shops and vintage stores that will last a lot longer than anything bought from fast fashion retailers. And second, by scouring secondhand book and record shops you’re likely to find unique editions and pressings that are long out of print, making these gifts much more valuable than picking something off the shelf on the high street.

For secondhand books in Glasgow, head to Voltaire & Rousseau (12-14 Otago Ln), Caledonia Books (483 Great Western Rd) and Thistle Books (55 Otago St). In Edinburgh, there’s Tills (1

Hope Park Cres), Armchair Books (72-74 West Port) and McNaughtan’s (3A, 4a Haddington Pl). And in Dundee, there’s The Book Attic (93 Perth Rd).

For secondhand records in Glasgow, there’s Mixed Up Records (18 Otago Ln), Missing Records (51 Oswald St) and Oxfam Music on Byres Road (no. 171). In Edinburgh, there’s Vinyl Villains (5 Elm Row), VoxBox (21 St Stephen St) and Elvis Shakespeare (347 Leith Walk). And in Dundee, there’s Thirteen Records (13 Union St). See the shopping guide for more info.

Choose experiences over trinkets

Instead of objects, buy your loved one tickets to one of their favourite bands, take them to a great-looking exhibition or on a fun getaway.

There are many ways to be less wasteful at Christmas, from sustainable gifts to composting your tree

Something Special: Three more ways to be greener this Christmas

Choose The Skinny’s wrapping paper

Be sure to pick up a copy of the December issue of The Skinny magazine. Not only is it the best arts magazine in Scotland, the centre spread of that issue doubles as beautifully designed wrapping paper by two of our favourite illustrators.

Choose handmade decorations

Don’t bother with cheap plastic baubles this year. On page 66 you’ll find instructions on how to make

lovely handmade snowflakes for your tree that can be recycled come the New Year.

Choose to compost your tree

The spectacle of desiccated pines littering the streets in January has become a potent symbol of how wasteful the festive season can be. In Edinburgh, there’s no excuse for flytipping because getting your tree composted couldn’t be easier. Simply place your tree on your street on the designated day, and the council will take it for you. Each street in Edinburgh has

a different Christmas tree collection date; you can check yours at edinburgh.gov.uk

It’s easy in Dundee too. Simply request an uplift from Dundee City Council: my.dundeecity.gov.uk/service/ Christmas_Tree_Uplift

It’s a bit more complicated in Glasgow, but you can take your tree to three of the city’s parks – Pollok Country Park, Alexandra Park or Kelvingrove Park – where the trees will be chipped to be used within the parks throughout the year.

Waste Not Want Not

Interview: Peter Simpson Illustration: AJ Hi ins

Christmas dinner – it’s iconic, it’s impressive, it’s impossible to get totally right. OK, maybe not impossible, but it does require a fair bit of planning and it’s very easy for it to snowball into a load of waste and half-formed ideas about side dishes.

The good news is you’re reading this article so you’re already thinking about it, and the even better news is that we’ve brought help. We asked around a host of bars, restaurants and distilleries to get their tips – grab your shopping list and get ready for the best sandwich of your life…

What would be your main piece of advice to someone making Christmas dinner for their pals or family?

Shaun Hegarty, head chef at Shucks: Don’t stress out! Make sure you’re cooking with a glass of wine in your hand. It’s

supposed to be enjoyable, not hard work! Don’t overcommit and do what you’re comforta ble with. Make a plan and recruit helpers where you can.

Colin Anderson, Brett: organised – do as much prep the night before and make the cooking on the day as chilled and fun as possible. By having all the vegetables prepped and puddings made it means less cleaning up on the day and more time to eat and play board games!

Tomás Gormley, Joint Chef Patron of Heron: everything other than your main event beforehand so when it comes to the meal itself it’s mostly reheating and serving. Use your microwave! A lot of

people assume it’s cheating but if you have put in the work earlier on then there’s no problem being efficient with

A host of our favourite foodie folk share their Christmas tips on reducing waste, saving yourself some time and hassle, and spicing up your festive drinking

Elsie Cinnamond, Holyrood Distillery: A drinks cabinet can be broken down into base spirits, liqueurs and fortified wines, and bitters. To cut down on waste, pick cocktails that share ingredients and this will limit what you need to buy.

Mark Lambert, The Raging Bull: I always find darker spirits more complementary to Christmas flavours, but gin can also pair very well with your clover, cinnamon and nutty ingredients.

Andy Dunton, The Cocktail Mafia: When I’m thinking about festive drinks my mind immediately goes to e nog-type drinks or an Old Fashioned. The last few years I have also made espresso martinis for my family at lunchtime, so a bottle of Kahlua is definitely on the

What restaurant tips and tricks can we use at home to cut down on the amount of food going to waste?

Try shopping for less but more often, and plan your meals ahead. You can still cook daily or do actual meal prep, but having a plan of attack makes the world of difference. Make soups for lunch with any vegetables etc left over from recipes.

Shop as locally as possible and get as much as you can from your local greengrocers and veg shop. Buy just what you need, instead of in large packets from the supermarket. This

also cuts down on plastic waste as well as food waste, and supports the local economy.

TG: Make more of less things! If you’re worried about not having enough food for everyone, instead of having a large selection of sides with your dinner just pick your favourite two or three. This will be easier to store away in the fridge afterwards and you’re less likely to throw stuff out because you don’t have the space.

What’s your go-to recipe for Christmas leftovers?

TG: Sandwiches are my go-to, not just for Christmas but for

everything. There’s not much that isn’t improved the next day by being placed between two slices of bread.

SH: Deep-fried sprouts with kimchi, dirty Christmas sandwiches with leftover roast meat you have, or a fried hash with all the trimmings is great for a Boxing Day brunch.

CA: Always a fry-up! Stuffing fried like it’s white pudding, you’ve got wee amazing sausages already wrapped in bacon, bread for French toast, fry the sprouts and chestnuts too – and trust me the bread and cranberry sauces make a far better accompaniment than ketchup!

Photo: Kraken Images It's Christmaaas!

What would be your top tips for pairing drinks with food, particularly when it comes to festive food?

EC: I’m no expert but I like contrast. If a dish is particular ly rich I like a drink that is more acidic that can cut through the richness. If a dish is overly sweet a bitter drink, like a hoppy beer, can offset this.

ML: I’d always recommend pairing wine with food and mulled wine is always a winner at Christmas.

Recommend a cocktail that’s easy to make while also putting together a Christmas dinner…

ML: Christmas Negroni. Batch 200ml Secret Garden Christmas Gin, 200ml of Sweet Vermouth, and 200ml Campari (use Aperol if you prefer it slightly less bitter) in a big jug. Chill with ice, before straining into a 70cl glass bottle that can be stored in the fridge.

EC: Punch – maybe the oldest cocktail and so versatile you

can use whatever you have to hand. The proportions are easy once you know the rhyme: “one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong and four of weak”. Sour is lime or lemon juice. Sweet is sugar. Strong is your spirit – I like a rum punch. Weak can be water, lemonade, fruit juice, cold tea etc.

shucksglasgow.com barbrett.co.ukheron.scot holyrooddistillery.co.uk theragingbulledinburgh.co.uk thecocktailmafia.co.uk

Photo: Adam Jaime

Sounds Like Christmas

It's Christmaaas

Low – Christmas

Simply some of the most beautiful music of any kind ever made. Low imbue the music with a celestial sense of peace and love that whether you’re religious or not is the true spirit of Christmas. Just a small piece of Mimi Parker’s legacy, may she rest well.

[Michael Kasparis, Monorail Music]

July) since it was released. The lyrics hit even harder since Scott’s tragic death: ‘Now the cold has turned away / We can be best friends with the people we hate’. [Andy McKenzie, Slow Progress]

Frightened Rabbit – It’s Christmas So We’ll Stop A song I’ve loved and listened to every Christmas (and occasionally random days in

Darlene Love – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) When I first heard the introduction to this song, I thought it was pretty much the most exciting thing I had ever heard and THEN I found out the singer was the Mum from Lethal Weapon and my mind. was. blown. Anything produced by Phil Spector seems to have a perfect balance of jubilation and heartbreak which perfectly encapsulates my family get together on Christmas Day.

[Mark Thorne, Thorne Records]

It has that massive Phil Spector production and never fails to make us feel happy.

[Jack Le Feuvre, Le Freak Records]

William Shatner – Shatner Claus

Kicking off with an interpreta tion of Jingle Bells featuring Henry Rollins, you are sent hurtling towards Christmas on the back of Shatner’s sleigh (this even returns for a punk-rock version towards the end of the album, so hold on tight!). Absolutely full of joy, wonder and menace – all you really need at Christmas time!

[Aimee Douglas, Assai Records]

Slade – Merry Xmas Everybody

from

We catch up with the staff from some of our favourite independent record shops to find out what they’ll be listening to this Christmas

Interview: Tallah Brash

It seems like every band

the 70s that had guitars has been reclaimed as “cool” except Slade. Thing is they had the best tunes. Better than Faces, T. Rex and all the rest. This was just another great song that just happens to be about Christmas. Plus you’ve got to love Noddy Holder screaming ‘It’s Chriiiiiiiiistmas!!!!!’ [Paul Bright, Strip Joint Records]

Originally arranged by Altered Crates, it has since been remastered by Gazaway himself and remains one of my favourite hip-hop records ever, regardless of the time of year – genius! Also, a special shout-out for Ain’t no Chimneys in the Projects by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings. [Becca Ferrier-Baker, Orange Moon Records]

percussionist Jerry Granelli. This is a timeless Christmas classic that evokes the nostalgic beauty and joy of the season. [Mike & Fi Bryant, Good Vibes Neighbourhood Store]

Duke Pearson – Merry Ole Soul (Blue Note Records 1969)

For our ultimate cool Christmas soundtrack here in the shop we like to take the Sleigh Ride with jazz legends Duke Pearson, Bob Cranshaw, Mickey Roker and Airto Moreira on this beautifully recorded 1969 seasonal session from Blue Note Records. You can find it recently reissued on vinyl and sounding sublime as ever... Happy Christmas Duke! [George Macdonald, Underground Solu’shn]

Altered Crates – A Freddie Christmas Album

This is a mash-up album of Amerigo Gazaway beats and Freddie Gibbs vocals.

Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas Released in 1965 to coincide with a festive special of Charlie Brown that was never actually aired, the American jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi created an incredible, wintery jazz classic featuring bassist Fred Marshall and

Lost Christmas: A Festive Memphis Industries Selection Box

This is a fun record that brings together a collection of artists who would be unlikely to ever work together otherwise – something very much in the festive spirit. The album is a weird and wonderful adven ture that keeps you on your toes! [Gary Phizacklea, Assai Records]

Find full details of all these record shops, and more, in our guide to independent shopping from page 24 onwards

To listen to a playlist on Spotify featuring tracks from (most) of the above selections, search for our ‘Sounds Like Christmas’ playlist or scan the below code

Hogmanay & Beyond

Hogmanay, according to Wikipedia, is ‘synonymous with the celebration of the New Year in the Scottish manner’. To further investigate said Scottish manner, we’ve delved into the nation’s weird and wonderful Viking-affiliated midwinter traditions, as well as giving you a rundown of ways to ring in 2023.

The Whole Hog

Take a journey through Scotland’s many weird and wonderful midwinter traditions

Words: Laurie Presswood

When you’ve spent every winter of your sorry life in Scotland, it’s easy to forget that some of the customs we take for granted might seem strange to outsiders – Auld Lang Syne may have spread like a weird circular rash, but throwing ourselves into the North Sea on 1 January en masse might still raise an eyebrow or two (granted, fewer than pre-wild swimming fad). It also might be consid ered rude, concerning even, to burst into someone’s house at quarter past midnight clutching a lump of coal and a bottle of whisky (half-drunk, bottle and guest).

Different areas have been exposed to different influenc es over time but there are certain core tenets all our traditions share. For example, midwinter in Scotland is cold and dark, so 90 per cent of these events involve a terrifying amount of fire (Burghead’s Burning of the Clavie, the Comrie Flambeux,

and the Stonehaven Fireballs to name but a few). Portobello’s Christmas tree beach bonfire makes perfect sense (you’re shivering, we have kindling, let’s get cooking), as does the annual Bi ar bonfire (bi er than what? Bi er than the Portobello bonfire).

In north-western Fife sits the town of Newburgh, home to one of the last remaining Caledonian Oddfellows Lodges. The Newburgh Caledonian Lodge of Oddfellows (NCLO) was formed in the early 1800s as a ‘friendly society’ – they raise money for local causes, usually charities specialising in support for the elderly. Every 31 December, the Oddfellows gather in Newburgh High Street, dressed up in the most frightening costumes imagina ble, and are led in a proces sion (torchlit, of course) by the youngest oddfellow, who rides backwards on

horseback, wearing a white double-sided mask.

Orkney’s midwinter celebra tions are notable for their absence of fire, among other things. The ba’ is a game of ‘mob football’ played twice a year (on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) in Kirkwall, starting with a large scrum, after which the Uppies (those born North of the Balfour Hospital) have to get the ba’ over the wall (actually a house on Junction Road), and the doonies (from south of the hospital) have to get it in the basin (the pier). There are officially no rules other than that the ball must be manhan dled, so play works on a

gentleman’s agreement of sorts, much like British politics. Similarly to British politics, once one person decides to disregard this agreement, things start to unravel rapidly – in recent memory one player got the ba’ to his car and simply drove to the finish line.

Our furthest flung reaches tend to have the most distinctly Norse flavour (swaddled as they are in a shroud of North Sea), so it’s here, in Shetland, where the midwinter traditions look the most like Avengers cosplay. Up Helly Aa takes place at the end of January across Shetland, but the main festival

takes place on the last Tuesday of the month in Lerwick, where squads from across the capital spend the day travelling around schools and hospitals, dressed up as characters from Norse sagas. In the evening the firelit procession takes place, which ends in the dramatic burning of a model Viking galley (which they have spent the preceding four months building).

Up Helly Aa is possibly our most dramatic tradition (although it’s a packed field), but this year it’s notable for something else: for the first time, constraints against female participation in the Lerwick procession were

removed. That might be shocking, but so many of these exciting and distinctive midwinter traditions are men-only. Orkney ran two women’s ba’s in 1945, high on the Rosie the Riveter adrena line. It was immediately banned again the following year due to disgust at such un-ladylike activity. It never returned. Even our local friendly society in Newburgh has historically only permitted male members – although they are actively seeking new recruits at the moment, so perhaps the time has come for a wider member ship. While we wait, perhaps we should establish our own tradition – Hogmanay bra bonfire, anyone?

Up Helly Aa

Photo: Ella Peebles Hogmanay & Beyond

Yule Have A Great Time

From iconic festive traditions to luxurious Christmas treats, Edinburgh has something for everyone this festive season

Words: The Skinny

Christmas Classics

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a trip to Scotland’s capital and its iconic festive venues. There’s the Christmas Market at Princes Street Gardens with food, crafts and gifts from across Europe, while the Big Wheel o ers unique views across the city. George Street is home to a magni cent Alpine ice rink, and every year, the Norwegian county of Hordaland donates a Christmas tree to the city – nd it on The Mound. If the kids want to meet Santa, Edinburgh Zoo has you covered. The zoo, celebrating its centenary on Corstorphine Hill next year, hosts a festive grotto throughout December.

Something Special

For a Christmas treat, head to Leith for Fingal – Scotland’s only luxury oating hotel, recently crowned one of the UK’s best ve-star hotels. Berthed near the Royal Yacht Britannia, it’s packed with art deco details and luxurious touches, with a spectacular ve-course afternoon tea. In the New Town, take your pick from a pair of legendary hotels – the Balmoral at the east end of Princes Street, and the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian to the west. Christmas venues don’t come much more spectacular than The Dome. The 19th century New Town building, built on the site of the old Physicians’ Hall, goes all out. The Georgian columns are wrapped in fairy lights, an enormous Christmas tree stands in the foyer, and the entire space is decked out in lights and decorations. It’s ideal for a festive cocktail, afternoon tea, or a very special Christmas lunch.

Holiday Snaps

Edinburgh’s incredible architecture takes on a new dimension at Christmas, and a walk around town with your camera is a great, free way to soak up the festive atmosphere. Castle of Light returns to light up Edinburgh Castle while over in

Inverleith, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Christmas light show features more than a million lights, each twinkling away across the gardens. For a magical evening stroll, walk from Victoria Street up to Edinburgh University’s buildings at Bristo Square – the light-covered Teviot House makes for a particularly impressive festive photo.

Discover more places to go and things to do in Edinburgh this Christmas at edinburgh.org/storyneverends/edinburghsparkles/

Photo: Forever Edinburgh

Christmas

(657-659 Pollokshaws Rd) in the Southside, while the Ashton Lane Hogmanay Street Party brings a ceilidh, street performers, DJs, food stalls and more to the West End. If you find yourself in Dundee for NYE, Duck Slattery’s Hogmanay Hootenanny, where dancing on benches seems to be strongly encouraged, is a good starting point. But check out venues like Kings, Church, Conroy’s Basement and The Hunter S. Thompson nearer the time for announcements.

The bi est celebrations in Scotland, of course, are found in the capital. For a more traditional Scottish knees-up, head to one of many ceilidhs on offer in the City Centre. Try the Hogmanay Ceilidh at Stramash (207 Cowgate) for an early evening taste from 6.30-8.30pm, or make a night of it with the Hogmanay Hoolie at Ghillie Dhu (2 Rutland Pl) or The Hogmanay Snow Ball Ceilidh in the opulent ballrooms of Assembly Rooms (54 George St).

On Princes Street itself, you’ll find Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, predicted to attract around 30,000 people from all over the world. The party will transform the city’s main thoroughfare into a huge outdoor arena with massive screens, DJs, outdoor bars, street food and an enormous fireworks display from the castle to help see in the bells at midnight with a bang, while in Princes Street Gardens

West, the display can be enjoyed after you’ve danced to the hits of legendary synthpop duo The Pet Shop Boys. To keep the party going after the street party winds down, some of our clubbing highlights include Soul Jam at Sneaky Pete’s (73 Cowgate), Samedia Shebeen at La Belle Angele (11 Hastie’s Cl), Fly Club at The Caves (8-10 Niddry St) and The Soul Foundation at Summerhall (1 Summerhall Pl).

If all of that doesn’t have you in a sobbing heap by the time

you wake up on the 1st, or even if it does, you can keep the party going. In Edinburgh, the inaugural New Year’s Day Final Fling takes over Princes Street Gardens West, celebrating up-and-coming Scottish talent with Edinburgh’s own Hamish Hawk set to play. Later, head to The Liquid Room (9c Victoria St) for the Taste New Year’s Day Party, while in Glasgow head to XXL Glasgow with Reinier Zonneveld and more for a full complex takeover of SWG3 (100 Eastvale Pl).

Edinburgh Hogmanay

Photo: Chris Flexen

Hogmanay & Beyond

Listings

Listings

Looking for something to do? Well you’re in the right place! Find listings below for the Christmas period across Music, Clubs, Theatre and Children's Events in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.

Glasgow Music

Fri 25 Nov

PARLIAMO

ORAN MOR, 19:00–22:00

Alt indie from Scotland.

CENTRILIA

KING TUT’S, 20:30–22:00

Metal from Glasgow.

GASHI

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Rap from the US.

DANNY VAUGHN

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Rock from the US.

RUVELLAS BROADCAST, 19:30–22:00

Rock from Dundee.

ALGARA STEREO, 19:00–22:00 Anarcho-punk from Spain.

WREST ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00 Indie from Edinburgh.

MARTYN JOSEPH CCA: CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART, 19:30–22:00 Folk from Wales.

TARA CLERKIN TRIO THE GLAD CAFE, 19:30–22:30

Instrumental from Bristol.

BLUSH CLUB

THE RUM SHACK, 19:30–22:00

Post-punk from Glasgow.

FRANKIE MORROW (RACECAR + SAMUEL NICHOLSON)

THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00

Indie rock from Scotland.

MICKEY 9S

ROOM 2, 19:00–22:00 Dance punk from Glasgow.

Sat 26 Nov

HUMOUR

NICE ‘N’ SLEAZY, 19:00–22:00

Post-punk from Edinburgh.

AIRBOURNE

QUEEN MARGARET UNION, 19:00–22:00

Hard rock from Australia.

MARCUS MUMFORD SWG3, 19:00–22:00

Folk from the UK.

THE WOLFE TONES BARROWLANDS, 19:00–22:00

Trad from Ireland.

ALESIA + UNDETERMINED + THE RAMPANTS + THE SQUINTS ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00

Eclectic lineup. RIANY MILLER (KUTE) THE OLD HAIRDRESS ERS, 20:00–22:00 Grime from Preston.

BOTTLE ROCKETS (ISABELLA STRANGE + LACUNA)

THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00

Indie from Scotland.

THE STEVE PILGRIM BAND (THE SOLID BOND) ROOM 2, 19:00–22:00

Singer-songwriter from Liverpool.

Sun 27 Nov

INME + RAGING SPEEDHORN CATHOUSE, 19:00–22:00

Rock/heavy metal from the UK.

OZRIC TENTACLES (GONG)

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Psych rock from the UK.

MADISON CUNNUNGHAM BROADCAST, 19:30–22:00

Folk rock from the US.

FLORENCE + THE MACHINE

THE OVO HYDRO, 18:30–22:00 Alt rock from London.

Mon 28 Nov

FIRST AID KIT

O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Folk pop from Sweden.

KRS ONE SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Hip-hop from the US. FACES OF DEATH CATHOUSE, 18:00–22:00

Thrash metal from Australia. NADA SURF ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00

Alt rock from New York.

Tue 29 Nov

FIRST AID KIT

O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00 Folk pop from Sweden. HOLLY HUMBERSTONE SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Indie pop from the UK. STEREOLAB SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Avant pop from London. KISHI BASHI STEREO, 19:00–22:00 Indie rock from Seattle. BADFLOWER ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00 Rock from California.

ROD STEWART

THE OVO HYDRO, 18:30–22:00 Rock from the UK.

Wed 30 Nov

SHINEDOWN

O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00 Rock from Florida.

Thu 01 Dec

THE PROCLAIMERS

O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Pop from Scotland.

HEARTLESS BASTARDS

MONO, 20:00–22:00 Rock from Ohio.

HALOCENE

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00 Rock from the US.

ABBIE OZARD

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00 Indie pop from the UK.

ZOLA BLOOD STEREO, 19:00–22:00 Indie pop from London.

ELECTRIC SIX ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00

Rock from Detroit.

ANNA MIEKE THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00 Folk from Ireland.

Fri 02 Dec

NINE BELOW ZERO ORAN MOR, 19:00–22:00

Blues from the UK.

THE PROCLAIMERS

O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Pop from Scotland.

BAY STRANGE

SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Punk from Glasgow. DJ POOLBOI SWG3, 19:00–22:00

Lo-fi house from Texas.

HUGH CORNWELL & BAND

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Rock from the UK.

SKIPINNISH BARROWLANDS, 19:00–22:00

Trad from Scotland.

GOLD PANDA STEREO, 19:00–22:00

Electronica from the UK.

GOZER (FOREVER MACHINE + VOID OF LIGHT)

THE FLYING DUCK, 19:00–22:00

Post-metal from Sheffield.

SENTINEL # 3 (PC WORLD + LADY NEPTUNE + MEMORABILIA + LIZZIE URQUHART)

THE OLD HAIRDRESS ERS, 20:00–22:00 Eclectic lineup. PAUL HEATON + JACQUI ABBOTT THE OVO HYDRO, 19:00–22:00 Singer-songwriter from the UK.

LEAD SISTER THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00 Folk punk from Glasgow.

Sat 03 Dec

PLACEBO (CRUEL HEARTS CLUB) O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Rock from London. BLANCMANGE QUEEN MARGARET UNION, 19:00–22:00 Synth pop from London. DANIEL AVERY SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Techno from Bournemouth.

DANCING ON TABLES

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Pop rock from Dunfermline. SHREDD ALBUM LAUNCH

STEREO, 19:00–22:00 Garage rock from Glasgow.

ERIC CHENAUX (AILIE ORMSTON + JOSH THORPE)

THE OLD HAIRDRESS ERS, 20:00–22:00 Avant folk from Canada.

ROD STEWART

THE OVO HYDRO, 18:30–22:00 Rock from the UK.

Sun 04 Dec

DUCKWRTH SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Rap from LA.

MYKKI BLANCO

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Rap from California. THE GAME BARROWLANDS, 19:00–22:00 Rap from California. DALE BARCLAY BRAIN TUMOUR RESEARCH FUNDRAISER (THE LEATHER CORRIDOR, NATALIE PRYCE, LAURA ST. JUDE, BOAB)

STEREO, 19:00–22:00

Eclectic lineup. THE VACANT LOTS THE FLYING DUCK, 19:00–22:00

Post-punk from Brooklyn. JOHNNY MAC & THE FAITHFUL ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00

Folk from Glasgow. MOKUSLA (DHRAMA + BUTTERMYLK)

THE OLD HAIRDRESS ERS, 19:30–22:00 Synth folk from Glasgow. THE CURE THE OVO HYDRO, 19:00–22:00 Rock from the UK.

Mon 05 Dec

THE SNUTS KING TUT’S, 19:30–22:00 Indie from Scotland.

PIERCE THE VEIL SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Rock from the US.

THE SCRATCH SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Acoustic from Dublin. MOONSPELL (ESOTERICA) CATHOUSE, 19:00–22:00 Goth metal from Portugal. CMAT

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Pop from Dublin.

Tue 06 Dec

THE SNUTS KING TUT’S, 19:30–22:00

Indie from Scotland.

LUKE LA VOLPE SWG3, 19:00–22:00

Folk from West Lothian.

JOHN MOODS BROADCAST, 19:00–22:00

Art pop from Berlin.

ALTERBRIDGE

THE OVO HYDRO, 19:00–22:00 Rock from the US.

KELLEY SWINDALL (ROBYN RED + LIV DAWN)

THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00

Country folk from New York.

Wed 07 Dec

THE LONGEST JOHNS ORAN MOR, 19:00–22:00

Folk from Bristol.

RIMZEE KING TUT’S, 20:00–22:00

Rap from London.

THE HU SWG3, 19:00–22:00

Heavy metal from Mongolia.

BEING AS AN OCEAN (HAIL THE SUN + SAVAGE HANDS + ACRES)

CATHOUSE, 19:00–22:00

Post-hardcore from California.

DYLAN JOHN THOMAS BARROWLANDS, 19:00–22:00

Singer-songwriter from Scotland.

GIRLS IN SYNTHESIS

THE FLYING DUCK, 19:00–22:00

Post-punk from London.

NATHAN EVANS

ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00

Folk from Scotland.

TJ BORDEN (ROMY DANIELEWICZ + AMS)

THE OLD HAIRDRESS ERS, 19:30–22:00

Experimental from New York.

Thu 08 Dec

UNINIVTED KING TUT’S, 20:00–22:00

Indie rock from Glasgow.

TOMMY LEFROY

SWG3, 19:00–22:00

Pop rock from London.

DYLAN JOHN THOMAS BARROWLANDS, 19:00–22:00

Singer-songwriter from Scotland.

BURNT DOWNSHED (BRASSER)

THE FLYING DUCK, 19:00–22:00

Rock from Glasgow.

SOROCHE: MUSIC ON HEIGHTS AND CLIMATE

CCA: CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART, 19:00–22:00

Eclectic lineup.

THE VAMPS

THE OVO HYDRO, 19:00–22:00 Pop from the UK.

GLASGOW STREETSOUND PRESENTS (MOTOPIA + FLEW THE ARROW + IVY GUO + KILLER WHALE)

ROOM 2, 19:00–22:00 Eclectic lineup.

Fri 09 Dec

THE SKIDS ORAN MOR, 19:00–22:00 Rock from Scotland. KEHLANI (DESTIN CONRAD)

O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00 R’n’B from California. NICKY LIPP (MEGAN WYN)

KING TUT’S, 20:30–22:00 Indie from Scotland. LEFTFIELD SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Electronica from the UK. PG CIARLETTA SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Singer-songwriter from Scotland.

GLU

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Noise rock from Bordeaux. THE SAW DOCTORS BARROWLANDS, 19:00–22:00 Rock from Ireland. JILL LOREAN (ORDER OF THE TOAD + THE WORST FRIEND)

THE OLD HAIRDRESS ERS, 20:00–22:00 Indie from Scotland.

I LIKE TRAINS THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00 Post-rock from Leeds.

Sat 10 Dec

LIZZIE REID

ORAN MOR, 19:00–22:00 Indie folk from Scotland.

BALADO

KING TUT’S, 20:30–22:00

Rock from Glasgow. THE PLASTIC YOUTH SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Jangle pop from Glasgow. COCHISE THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00 Country rock from the UK. MR BEN & THE BENS BROADCAST, 19:00–22:00

Indie from Lancaster.

GUN BARROWLANDS, 19:00–22:00 Hard rock from Glasgow. DUTCH WINE STEREO, 19:00–22:00 Indie punk from Glasgow. ANNY LEIGH & LAITH ANDREWS

THE FLYING DUCK, 19:00–22:00 Singer-songwriters from Scotland.

THE BYSON FAMILY ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00

Folk from Glasgow.

ALICE BOMAN THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00

Alt indie from Sweden.

Sun 11 Dec

SCOUTING FOR GIRLS O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Pop from the UK. BILLY STRINGS SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Bluegrass from the US. JOHN RUSH BAND THE OLD HAIRDRESS ERS, 19:00–22:00 Folk pop from Scotland.

JOSEPHINE SILLARS (PHILOMENAH + CASUAL WORKER)

THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00

Protest pop from the Highlands.

Mon 12 Dec

SUPERSONIC STEREO, 19:00–22:00 Hip-hop from the UK.

Tue 13 Dec

BADBAD NOTGOOD QUEEN MARGARET UNION, 19:00–22:00 Electronica from Toronto.

PAOLO NUTINI

THE OVO HYDRO, 18:30–22:00

Soul pop from Scotland. ASTRID WILLIAMSON THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00

Pop rock from Scotland.

Wed 14 Dec

ANDY MCKEE

ORAN MOR, 19:00–22:00

Guitar from the US.

BAD WOLVES

CATHOUSE, 19:00–22:00

Heavy metal from California. TOM MEIGHAN

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Rock from the UK.

FAT WHITE GHANDI (ISABELLA STRANGE + DJ COMPUTER MOUSE + BERLIN ANATOMY )

THE OLD HAIRDRESS ERS, 19:30–22:00 Punk from the UK.

PAOLO NUTINI THE OVO HYDRO, 18:30–22:00

Soul pop from Scotland.

Thu 15 Dec

THE VIEW

O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00 Indie from Dundee.

SPEAR OF DESTINY KING TUT’S, 20:00–22:00 Rock from the UK.

THE VASELINES

CCA: CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART, 20:00–22:00 Alt rock from Scotland.

VOLBEAT

THE OVO HYDRO, 18:30–22:00 Rock from Denmark.

BEN MHÒR (FIDRA)

THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00 Alt folk from Glasgow.

Fri 16 Dec

THE VIEW (SHAMBOLICS + THE ROLY MO)

O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00 Indie from Dundee.

NITEWORKS

SWG3, 19:00–22:00 Electro-trad from the Isle of Skye.

LOVE MUSIC HATE RACISM (KIOKO) STEREO, 19:00–22:00 Eclectic lineup.

ALTERED IMAGES

ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00 New Wave from Scotland.

LOST MAP’S

CHRISTMAS HUMBUG!

THE OLD HAIRDRESS ERS, 20:00–22:00 Eclectic lineup.

ANDREW WASYLYK

CCA: CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART, 19:00–22:00

Composer from Scotland.

PAOLO NUTINI

THE OVO HYDRO, 18:30–22:00 Soul pop from Scotland.

KATEE KROSS

THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00 Singer-songwriter from Scotland.

Listings

MAHUKI CADRE

THE BLUE ARROW, 23:00–22:00

Jazz from Scotland.

Sat 17 Dec

CHINA CRISIS

ORAN MOR, 19:00–22:00

New Wave from Liverpool.

THE VIEW (RIANNE DOWNEY + SLIX)

O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Indie from Dundee.

TOMMY MCGUIRE

KING TUT’S, 20:30–22:00

Singer-songwriter from Scotland.

THE MARY WALLOPERS

THE GARAGE GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Folk from Ireland.

GLASVEGAS BARROWLANDS, 19:00–22:00

Indie rock from Glasgow.

LIGHTS OUT BY NINE (ROOT CAUSE)

THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00

Soul blues from Scotland.

Sun 18 Dec

THE VIEW

O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Indie from Dundee.

MOY BROADCAST, 19:00–22:00

Indie pop from Glasgow.

LOUIS BERRY STEREO, 19:00–22:00 Folk rock from Liverpool.

PAOLO NUTINI

THE OVO HYDRO, 18:30–22:00

Soul pop from Scotland. THE SUPERNATURALS

THE HUG AND PINT, 19:30–22:00 Indie rock from Glasgow.

Mon 19 Dec

JUBILEE

ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00

Country pop from Lanark shire.

BLUE

THE OVO HYDRO, 18:30–22:00

Pop from the UK.

Tue 20 Dec

JOEY BADA$$

O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW, 19:00–22:00

Rap from New York.

THE WANDERING HEARTS

ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00

Folk Americana from the UK.

PAOLO NUTINI THE OVO HYDRO, 18:30–22:00

Soul pop from Scotland.

Wed 21 Dec

EASY DAYS

KING TUT’S, 19:00–22:00

Indie pop from Glasgow.

JACK BROTHERHOOD BROADCAST, 19:00–22:00

Indie from Glasgow.

VOODOOS

ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00

Indie from Glasgow.

Thu 22 Dec

MOGWAI

BARROWLANDS, 19:00–22:00

Post-rock from Scotland.

SCHEME ST LUKE’S, 19:00–22:00

Punk from Glasgow.

Fri 23 Dec

THE BIG DAY KING TUT’S, 20:30–22:00

Alt pop from Glasgow. MOGWAI BARROWLANDS, 19:00–22:00 Post-rock from Scotland. BRAW ROOM 2, 19:00–22:00 Folk pop from Glasgow.

Wed 28 Dec

CHRIS ANDREUCCI KING TUT’S, 20:30–22:00

Country from Scotland.

Edinburgh Music

Fri 25 Nov

THE SWEET

THE QUEEN’S HALL, 19:30–22:00

Classic rock from England. THE APPLEBEGGARS THE CAVES, 19:30–22:00

Pop rock from the UK. JAMES BAY USHER HALL, 19:00–22:00

Singer-songwriter from the UK.

RUTS DC

THE LIQUID ROOM, 19:00–22:00

Post-rock from the UK.

CALUM BOWIE

LA BELLE ANGELE, 19:00–22:00

Acoustic from Scotland.

Sat 26 Nov

MARCUS MUMFORD

THE CAVES, 14:00–22:00

Folk from the UK.

RUVELLAS (CLOUD HOUSE + CLOUD 9INE + TANDALE)

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00 Rock from Dundee.

STINA MARIE CLAIRE SUMMERHALL, 19:30–22:00

Bedroom pop from Scotland. SIOBHAN MILLER (GNOSS + SIAN) SUMMERHALL, 19:30–22:00 Folk from Scotland.

Sun 27 Nov

SIXTIES GOLD (THE TREMELOES + CHESNEY HAWKES + GARY PUCKETT)

THE QUEEN’S HALL, 19:30–22:00 Pop from the USA and UK. STORM THE PALACE WEE RED BAR, 19:00–22:00 Folk pop from Edinburgh. KYOSHI STATION (GEFAHRGEIST)

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00 Indie rock from Edinburgh.

Mon 28 Nov

FELIX RABIN BANNERMANS, 19:30–22:00 Jazz rock from France. FONTAINES D.C. (WUNDERHORSE) O2 ACADEMY EDIN BURGH, 19:00–22:00 Post-punk from Ireland. FROST*

THE QUEEN’S HALL, 19:00–22:00

Prog rock from England. STEREOLAB

THE LIQUID ROOM, 19:00–22:00

Avant pop from London. BONNIE KEMPLAY SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00 Bedroom pop from Edinburgh.

Tue 29 Nov

NATION OF LANGUAGE

THE CAVES, 19:00–22:00

Indie pop from New York.

BRAD STANK

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00

Jazz pop from Liverpool.

Wed 30 Nov

THE GAME

O2 ACADEMY EDIN BURGH, 19:00–22:00 Rap from California.

DAVE ARCARI

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00 Alt blues from Loch Lomond.

Thu 01 Dec

VELVET INSANE

BANNERMANS, 19:00–22:00

Glam rock from Sweden.

THE RILLS

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00

Indie from Lincoln.

HUGH CORNWELL

LA BELLE ANGELE, 19:00–22:00

Punk rock from the UK.

Fri 02 Dec

HOODOO BONES (STEEPWATER

CANYON + MOJO SOUP) BANNERMANS, 19:00–22:00

Rock from Edinburgh. JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR

THE QUEEN’S HALL, 19:30–22:00 Blues rock from England.

GOTH GF (PINLIGHT) WEE RED BAR, 19:00–22:00

Singer-songwriters from the UK.

BLANCMANGE

THE LIQUID ROOM, 19:00–22:00

Synth pop from London. THE QUILTER ( ZOE GRAHAM)

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00

Indie pop from Glasgow.

ERIC CHENAUX

SUMMERHALL, 19:30–22:00

Avant folk from Canada.

Sat 03 Dec

BREABACH

THE QUEEN’S HALL, 19:00–22:00

Folk from Scotland.

WREST

THE LIQUID ROOM, 19:00–22:00 Indie from Edinburgh. HUMOUR (CASUAL DRAG) SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00 Post-punk from Edinburgh.

MODERN STUDIES

SUMMERHALL, 19:30–22:00

Chamber pop from Scotland. COCKNEY REJECTS

LA BELLE ANGELE, 19:00–22:00 Punk from London.

Sun 04 Dec

THE FAUVES (THE LENGTHMEN) BANNERMANS, 19:00–22:00 Rock from Australia.

EYES OF OTHERS

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00 Indie dub from Edinburgh. CLIPPING

LA BELLE ANGELE, 19:00–22:00 Hip-hop fom LA.

Mon 05 Dec

ANNY LEIGH & LAITH ANDREWS

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00

Singer-songwriters from Scotland.

Tue 06 Dec

MOTHER VULTURE BANNERMANS, 19:30–22:00

Blues punk from Bristol. FRENCHY & THE PUNK WEE RED BAR, 19:00–22:00 Post-punk from Europe/ the US.

THE SCRATCH SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00 Acoustic from Dublin.

Wed 07 Dec

AMPLIFI (QUEEN OF HARPS + STEPHANIE LAMPREA + SAGNICK MUKHERJEE)

THE QUEEN’S HALL, 20:00–22:00

Folk pop from England. SKINNY LISTER

THE CAVES, 19:00–22:00 Folk rock from London.

JOHN MOODS

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00 Art pop from Berlin.

Thu 08 Dec

THEIGNS & THRALLS (THE GALLOWGATE MURDERS ) BANNERMANS, 19:00–22:00

Metal from the UK.

THE NATIVE SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00 Indie from Plymouth.

PROJEKT SMOK

THE MASH HOUSE, 19:00–23:00

Neo-trad from Scotland.

Fri 09 Dec

DALAS (CHANGO MONKS + SPAT)

BANNERMANS, 19:00–22:00

Rock from Canada.

ELEPHANT SESSIONS

THE QUEEN’S HALL, 19:00–22:00

Folk from Scotland.

QUIET THE ART

WEE RED BAR, 19:00–22:00 Post-rock from the UK.

SKERRYVORE

THE LIQUID ROOM, 19:00–22:00

Celtic rock from Scotland.

SWEATY PALMS (MARANTA)

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00

Post-punk from Glasgow. BROKEN RECORDS + TINDERBOX ORCHESTRA

SUMMERHALL, 19:30–22:00

Eclectic lineup.

Sat 10 Dec

CALLUM EASTER

THE QUEEN’S HALL, 19:00–22:00

Rock ‘n’ roll from Edinburgh.

TREBLE HELIX (HAZY SUNDAYS)

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00

Psychedelic from Edinburgh.

Sun 11 Dec

AYNSLEY LISTER

THE CAVES, 19:00–22:00

Blues rock from Leicester.

THE MARY WALLOPERS

THE LIQUID ROOM, 19:00–22:00

Folk from Ireland.

MR BEN & THE BENS SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00

Indie from Lancaster.

TALISK

SUMMERHALL, 19:30–22:00

Trad folk from Scotland.

Mon 12 Dec

THE LA MAYBE (THE REINFORCEMENTS + THIRTEEN) BANNERMANS, 19:00–22:00

Alt rock from California VESSELIN STANEV THE QUEEN’S HALL, 19:30–22:00

Piano from Bulgaria.

CRAWLERS

THE LIQUID ROOM, 19:00–22:00

Alt rock from Liverpool.

LOGAN’S CLOSE (ALICE FAYE) SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00

Indie from Edinburgh.

Tue 13 Dec

LOGAN’S CLOSE (JAMES GILHOOLY ) SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00

Indie from Edinburgh.

Wed 14 Dec

HARDWICKE CIRCUS BANNERMANS, 19:00–22:00

Rock from Carlisle. FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM (WITCH OF THE VALE + TWOSTED NERVE + DJ FRANKIE D)

O2 ACADEMY EDIN BURGH, 19:00–22:00

Goth rock from Stevenage.

STEVE MASON THE CAVES, 19:00–22:00

Singer-songwriter from Scotland.

GRAVEDANCER

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00

Country from Arkansas.

Thu 15 Dec

NO WINDOWS

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00

Dream pop from Edinburgh.

Fri 16 Dec

SIN DOGS

BANNERMANS, 19:30–22:00

Heavy rock from Glasgow.

ABOLISH GOLF

WEE RED BAR, 19:00–22:00

Eclectic lineup.

DICTATOR

THE MASH HOUSE, 19:00–23:00

Indie pop from West Lothian.

Sat 17 Dec

RICHARD HAWLEY

THE QUEEN’S HALL, 19:00–22:00

Alt rock from England.

SUPER MOONS (MIKE MCKENZIE)

THE MASH HOUSE, 19:00–23:00 Indie from Scotland.

Tue 20 Dec

OCEAN COLOUR SCENE

USHER HALL, 19:00–22:00 Rock from the UK.

Wed 21 Dec

MOGWAI

USHER HALL, 19:00–22:00 Post-rock from Scotland.

Thu 22 Dec

HÜSH

SNEAKY PETE’S, 19:00–22:00 Alt rock from Edinburgh.

Fri 23 Dec

MIDNIGHT

AMBULANCE

THE CAVES, 19:00–22:00 Alt rock from Edinburgh.

Fri 30 Dec

BAD MANNERS

LA BELLE ANGELE, 19:00–22:00 Ska from the UK.

Dundee Music

Fri 25 Nov

THE ROLY MO THE HUNTER S. THOMP SON, 19:00–22:00 Indie rock from Glasgow.

Wed 07 Dec

BLUE ROSE CODE BEAT GENERATOR LIVE!, 19:30–22:00 Alt folk from Edinburgh.

Fri 09 Dec

SHAM 69

BEAT GENERATOR LIVE!, 20:00–22:00 Punk rock from the UK.

Sat 10 Dec

SOLAR SONS (CATALYSIS + INDCIA + HYPERSTASIS) CHURCH, 19:00–22:00 Eclectic lineup.

Glasgow Clubs

Fri 25 Nov

STEREO PRESENTS: MINOR SCIENCE ( YUSHH + DJ PEANUT) STEREO, 23:00–03:00 Bass and experimental electronics.

POLYTUNNEL

(DJ PLANKTON)

THE FLYING DUCK, 23:00–03:00 Electronica.

Sat 26 Nov

STEREO BDAY: 15 AGAIN STEREO, 19:00–03:00 Stereo 15th birthday CARTEL PRESENTS: OVERKILL

THE FLYING DUCK, 23:00–03:00 Techno.

Thu 01 Dec

PICKLEHEADS XOXO (EMISHKA + JAYJAY + OCEAN + PLANTAINCHIPPS) STEREO, 23:00–03:00 House and afrobeats.

Fri 02 Dec

SHLOMO

SWG3, 23:00–03:00 Techno and rave. TURBINES (OXHY + MM + 500 + HERE AND NOT YET) STEREO, 23:00–03:00 Experimental, hard drum and bass.

BASS INJECTION

THE FLYING DUCK, 23:00–03:00 Drum and bass. DEKMANTEL LA CHEETAH CLUB, 22:00–03:00 House and techno. DEKMANTEL ROOM 2, 22:00–03:00 House and techno.

Sat 03 Dec

ANGY KORE + GABRIEL PADREVITA SWG3, 23:00–03:00 Techno. FUSE X SOILSE: NIKKI NAIR (DOUBT + VAJ. POWER + EFFUA) STEREO, 23:00–03:00 Bass, breaks and jungle.

DEKMANTEL

LA CHEETAH CLUB, 22:00–03:00 House and techno.

VOCAL OR VERSION: REAGGAE DANCE WITH GUTO PRYCE (SUPER FURRY ANIMALS)

THE RUM SHACK, 20:00–03:00 Reggae and dance.

DEKMANTEL ROOM 2, 22:00–03:00 House and techno.

Sun 04 Dec

ANOTHER DIMENSION

GLASGOW: BEAT THE SUNDAY BLUES (RAXON + KAIROGEN + IRIS PERTEGAZ) LA CHEETAH CLUB, 23:00–03:00 House and techno.

Thu 08 Dec

BLOODSPORT: TECHNOPAGAN & DR DRAKKEN

THE BERKELEY SUITE, 23:00–03:00

Techno and house.

Fri 09 Dec

BEN NICKY (SICKMODE + KUTSKI + DAVID RUST + TYLER JACK) SWG3, 21:00–03:00 Techno and house. SWIFTOGEDDON SWG3, 23:00–03:00 Pop and dance.

THE YELLOW DOOR: ONE LAST DANCE THE BERKELEY SUITE, 23:00–03:00 Techno and house.

Sat 10 Dec

PRTY: RAVE ALERT SWG3, 22:30–03:00 Techno and rave.

STEREO PRESENTS: SAMURAI BREAKS & DJ SOYBOI (H3L3NA + VAJ.POWER) STEREO, 23:00–03:00 Jungle, footwork and rave.

QUEER HISTORY OF DANCE MUSIC

CCA: CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART, 21:00–03:00 Jazz and dance.

LOOSEN UP: FERGUS CLARK + CHARLIE MCCANN + DAVID BARBAROSSA

THE RUM SHACK, 21:00–03:00 Afro and disco.

Sun 11 Dec

OPAL NIGHTS

THE FLYING DUCK, 23:00–03:00 Dance.

Wed 14 Dec

EUTONY

LA CHEETAH CLUB, 23:00–03:00 Industrial techno and dance.

Fri 16 Dec

VTSS SWG3, 22:00–03:00 Techno and house.

Listings

MAXIMUM KONTROL

THE FLYING DUCK, 23:00–03:00 Techno.

RIVER RAPID RECORDS (ECLAIR FIFI + AFRODEUTSCHE)

SUB CLUB, 23:00–03:00

House, hip-hop and rave.

Sat 17 Dec

HEADSET: GAY GARAGE (WHEELMAN + XIVRO + SKILLIS + VAJ.POWER)

STEREO, 23:00–04:00 Garage and breaks. GROOVE.FM

THE FLYING DUCK, 23:00–03:00 House.

DIVINE!

CCA: CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART, 21:00–03:00

Old school vinyl dance. ANNA & HOLLY’S DANCE PARTY

THE RUM SHACK, 21:00–03:00 Rock’n’roll and soul.

Sun 18 Dec

CODE PRESENTS

TOMMY FOUR SEVEN

LA CHEETAH CLUB, 23:00–03:00

Techno and house.

Wed 21 Dec

POWERPOT PRESENTS: NARCISS (H3L3NA + MISS CABBAGE + VNC.PTK)

LA CHEETAH CLUB, 23:00–03:00 Trance and techno.

Fri 23 Dec

HANNAH LAING SWG3, 23:00–03:00 House and techno.

FANTASY SNACK PARTY

STEREO, 23:00–03:00 Bass and club.

Tue 27 Dec

ANIMAL FARM 18TH

BIRTHDAY: KOBOSIL

SUB CLUB, 23:00–03:00

Techno and house.

Wed 28 Dec

A.D.S.R VII

LA CHEETAH CLUB, 23:00–03:00

Breakbeat and techno.

STREETRAVE

SUB CLUB, 23:00–03:00 Dance.

Fri 30 Dec

FRAZI.ER: CONCEPT AFTER PARTY SWG3, 23:00–03:00 House and techno.

Sat 31 Dec

REZERECTION NEW YEARS EVE PARTY SWG3, 20:00–03:00 Dance and rave.

NEW YEAR’S EVE: MELLA DEE SWG3, 21:00–03:00 House and techno.

HEALTHY X EVENT RESEARCH PROGRAMME X STEREO: FIRST FOOTING [HOGMANAY ] STEREO, 22:00–04:00 Hogmanay party.

PLANT BASS’D THE FLYING DUCK, 22:00–04:00

Techno and electro. GLITCH41 NYE PARTY THE RUM SHACK, 19:30–03:00 Hip-hop, grime and jungle.

Sun 01 Jan

XXL GLASGOW: REINIER ZONNEVELD SWG3, 21:00–03:00 House and rave.

Edinburgh Clubs

Fri 25 Nov

CALL ME MAYBE

LA BELLE ANGELE, 23:00–03:00 2010s pop. INTOXICATED

THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00 Drum ‘n’ bass.

Sat 26 Nov

WEE DUB CLUB: MUNGO’S HI FI + SOLO BANTON LA BELLE ANGELE, 23:00–03:00 Dub. PULSE

THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00 Techno.

BOUND IN SOUND THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00

Electro, house and techno.

Mon 28 Nov

ORIGIN PRESENTS (SERUM FT MC INJA)

LA BELLE ANGELE, 23:00–03:00 Techno and house.

Thu 01 Dec

GRAFFITI PARTY

THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00 Party.

Fri 02 Dec

SO FETCH

LA BELLE ANGELE, 23:00–03:00 Pop. PARABELLUM (K.ARMA + VMBRA + TENBIT) THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00 Techno and hardcore.

OVERGROUND

THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00 Turbo rave.

Sat 03 Dec

BIG LANES (BETAMAX)

WEE RED BAR, 23:00–03:00 Post-punk disco. EHFM: ANU SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–03:00 House from London. WE ARE STILL YOUNG LA BELLE ANGELE, 23:00–03:00 Emo.

SAMEDIA SHEBEEN THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00 Tropical.

Mon 05 Dec

STAND B SIDE + ARCHIVES: INTERPLANETARY CRIMINAL

SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–03:00 UK garage from Manchester.

Thu 08 Dec

GEORGE IV & MANGO LOUNGE: POCKET SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–03:00 UK garage from London.

Fri 09 Dec

HOUSE OF TRIX

WEE RED BAR, 19:00–22:00 House and acid.

AMAPIANO X AFROBEATS PARTY

LA BELLE ANGELE, 23:00–03:00 Afrobeats.

NOOK THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00 Experimental dubstep.

Sat 10 Dec

HAND -MADE WITH LOVE

SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–03:00 Disco. REGGAETON PARTY LA BELLE ANGELE, 23:00–03:00 Reggaeton.

CLUB NACHT (PENTLAND PARK + KIERAN APTER) THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00 Genre blasters. DILF

THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00 Festive fling.

Thu 15 Dec

MARGINS

SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–03:00 House and dance.

Fri 16 Dec

ATHENS OF THE NORTH SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–03:00 Funk and soul. 249’S QUEER PARTY FOR ALL SUMMERHALL, 21:00–03:00 House and disco. CIRCLE (ONA:V) THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00 Techno and electro. PRTCL808 (DARREN AFTER) THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–03:00 Tech house.

Sat 17 Dec

HEAL YOURSELF & MOVE

SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–05:00 House. DECADE LA BELLE ANGELE, 23:00–05:00 Pop punk.

Mon 19 Dec

CHAOS IN THE COSMOS

SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–05:00 Italo disco.

Thu 22 Dec

DR. NOS WEE RED BAR, 23:00–03:00 Ska and reggae.

LA LA: ALL NIGHT LONG SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–05:00 House and techno.

Fri 23 Dec

MEANWHILE

SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–05:00 House.

TONTO TECHNO (CHARLIE SPARKS) LA BELLE ANGELE, 23:00–05:00 Tonto techno.

PARABELLUM

THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–05:00 Techno and hardcore. FIRST EDITION THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–05:00 Techno.

Sun 25 Dec

HEADSET 8TH BIRTHDAY X CHRISTMAS DAY (FEENA + LWS + NEIL LANDSTRU,, + SKILLIS + STEPHEN BROWN) THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–05:00 Techno and garage.

Mon 26 Dec

TAIS TOI: KANDER SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–05:00 Techno from Manchester.

CLUB NACHT (OPTIMO)

THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–05:00 Genre blasters.

Fri 30 Dec

TELFORT’S GOOD PLACE

SNEAKY PETE’S, 23:00–05:00 House.

TONTO TECHNO THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–05:00 Tonto techno.

AUDIO WARFARE

THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–05:00 Techno.

Sat 31 Dec

HOGMANAY

SUMMERHALL, 21:00–03:00 Dance and disco.

BFLF HOGMINI

LA BELLE ANGELE, 14:00–16:00 Rave and techno.

SAMEDIA SHEBEEN HOGMANAY TROPICAL SOUNDCLASH (LOS CHICHANOS (LIVE))

LA BELLE ANGELE, 23:00–05:00 Tropical.

PULSE (ALARICO ZUCCHI)

THE MASH HOUSE, 23:00–05:00 Techno.

Dundee Clubs

Fri 02 Dec

FLOOR ABOVE PRESENTS: YTP FT MEZER THE ARCHITECT + M4RY JAN3

KINGS, 23:00–03:00 Electro and techno.

Sat 03 Dec

DISTORTED

EUPHORIA & MOAR. WINTER BIRTHDAY CHURCH, 22:30–03:00 Trance and dance.

ACID BONER KINGS, 23:00–03:00 Acid and techno.

Sat 10 Dec

DICKY TRISCO ALL NIGHT LONG KINGS, 23:00–03:00 Disco.

Glasgow Theatre

Oran Mor

ORAN MOR

CHRISTMAS PANTO: RAB HOOD & THE SHERIFF OF SHETTLESTON

1-31 DEC, TIMES VARY

A chaotic, pantomime version of Robin Hood arrives in town.

The King’s Theatre

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

1-31 DEC, TIMES VARY

Be a guest at this lavish pantomime.

Theatre Royal

THE COMMITMENTS

5-10 DEC, TIMES VARY

Musical packed full of soul classics.

SCOTTISH BALLET’S

THE SNOW QUEEN 15 DEC-6 JAN 23, TIMES VARY

A lavish production of the winter classic with music from Rimsky-Korsakov.

NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL PRESENTED BY THE PANTHEON CLUB

1-3 DEC, TIMES VARY

A primary school stages a chaotic Nativity play in this goodnatured musical.

Tramway

CITIZENS THEATRE PRESENTS RED RIDING HOOD 9-23 DEC, TIMES VARY

A festive spin on the the girl who defeats the wolf.

Tron Theatre

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ 1 DEC-8 JAN 23, TIMES VARY

A witty, modern take on the transformatory classic.

Edinburgh Theatre

Assembly Roxy

THE GHOST OF A SMILE

10-11 DEC, TIMES VARY

Two Charles Dickens ghost stories given a comic, and festive, twist.

Festival Theatre

SCOTTISH BALLET’S THE SNOW QUEEN 25 NOV-10 DEC TIMES VARY

A lavish production of the winter classic with music from Rimsky-Korsakov.

THE PANTO: SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS 17 DEC-22 JAN 23, TIMES VARY

A lavish panto classic.

Royal Lyceum Theatre

AN EDINBURGH

CHRISTMAS CAROL 1-31 DEC, TIMES VARY

Discovering the Scottish roots of this festive classic.

The Edinburgh Playhouse

THE COMMITMENTS

28 NOV-3 DEC TIMES VARY

Musical packed full of soul classics.

MY FAIR LADY 14 DEC-7 JAN 23, TIMES VARY

Time for a loverly production of the classic Pygmalion musical.

The Studio

THE GIFT 17 DEC-4 JAN 23, TIMES VARY

Family friendly fun about the unexpected joys of giving and receiving.

Traverse Theatre

ONCE UPON A SNOWSTORM 9-23 DEC, TIMES VARY

A gentle family winter tale based on the picture book by Richard Johnson.

Dundee Theatre

Dundee Rep

CINDERELLA 1-31 DEC, TIMES VARY

A festive musical retelling of the classic fairytale.

Glasgow Kids SEC

IRN BRU CARNIVAL

23 DEC-15 JAN 23, TIMES VARY

A funfair-filled, extravagant day out for the family.

Tramway

SPROG ROCK WINTER GIG

10-18 DEC, TIMES VARY

A festive, all-singing, all-dancing gig for the wee ones.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

ELFINGROVE

24 NOV-24 DEC, TIMES VARY

A winter wonderland complete with skating, a magical snow wheel, and food trucks.

Edinburgh Kids Royal Botanic Gardens

CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS

25 NOV-30 DEC, TIMES VARY

Illuminated trails and dazzling installations show the picturesque Botanics in a whole new light.

Princes Street Gardens

SANTA LAND

25 NOV-3 JAN 23, TIMES VARY

An annual children’s pop-up complete with rides, Santa's grotto and a Christmas Tree Maze.

The Queen’s Hall

CHILDREN’S MESSIAH 16 DEC, 16:00

An interactive, kiddy-friendly version of some of Handel’s greatest works.

How to Make a Snowflake

Kirigami is a variation of origami which allows you to make cuts in the paper. For this snowflake, all you need is a square sheet of paper (The Skinny makes for excellent decorations) and a pair of scissors.