Ten Things To Do This Week 8 Dec – 14 Dec 2014

By Ashleigh Gibbs -

Hot Dub Time Machine is part of Edinburgh's Christmas line-up

1. Get Lost In A Fairy Tale

It’s the tale that’s as old as time – Beauty & The Beast is now showing at Aberdeen Performing Arts until January 4th. This lavish production stars Elaine C Smith, Alan McHugh and Jordan Young in a Christmas show filled with spectacular pantomime magic and unforgettable characters. Oh yes it does!

2. Follow In The Footsteps Of An Explorer

Retrace the footsteps of nineteenth-century explorer and Father of Conservation, John Muir, with the Royal Geographic Society’s newly-launched self-guided walk in and around Dunbar. The 2.5 mile route explores how Dunbar shaped John Muir’s early life and inspired his later achievements and features Muir’s childhood homes, the castle where he played as a child, and the spectacular East Lothian coastline.

3. Have Brunch With Santa Claus

On December 8, why not takes the kids to a special Christmas brunch party at Scone Palace’s Old Kitchen? Santa will be paying a special visit with a sack full of presents. Children will also enjoy a party box filled with sandwiches, crisps, juice and cake.

4. Experience A Funk Filled Adventure

From Wednesday, 10 December, the world’s first time-travelling dance party returns to the Paradiso Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square, Edinburgh with an funk-filled journey through music history. From December 10-17, Hot Dub will channel dance-floor energy into time travel with a song from every year from 1954 to 2014 – get ready for the Moonwalk, Mash Potato, and Macarena! For booking information and prices click here.

5. Fall In Love With Sleeping Beauty

Another firm festive favourite, Sleeping Beauty is Perth’s traditional Christmas panto this year. From December 11-26, join the Fairy Godmother, Prince Charming and a very beautiful princess at the Perth Concert Hall for an evening of fabulous panto fun.

6. Walk In A Winter Wonderland

From December 12-14, Whin Park in Inverness will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland. This year’s show features a host of cartoon characters and spectacular illuminations.

7. Enjoy A Glass Of Fizz… Or Two!

On December 12, Lothian Wine School will host an evening of fizzy festive decadence which should certainly get you in the mood for the party season! As well as a two-hour tasting session of the world’s very best sparkling wines, you can also learn about how sparkling wines are made and pick up tips on where to get the best Christmas deals.

8. Revisit A Classic

Scottish Ballet’s dream-making prodcution of The Nutcracker premieres at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre on December 13 and runs until January 3. Be sure to pick up a copy of our December Scots Magazine for a full feature with leading cast members Sophie Martin and Chris Harrison. You can also click here to see our behind the scenes gallery.

9. Treat Yourself!

The Treat Christmas Craft + Coffee Crawl on Saturday, December 13 offers an opportunity to stroll around the picturesque town of St. Andrews discovering the hand-made work of ten Scottish designers. Start your trail at St Andrews Museum before moving onto the buzzy interiors of The Zest, the Vic and, finally, the newly re-opened Byrne Theatre.

10. Go Ethical

Still looking for that unique Christmas gift? From December 13-21, the Edinburgh Ethical Christmas Fair may be able to provide a little inspiration. Enjoy hot food and mulled cider while browsing for ethical and sustainable gifts, decorations and jewellery, with lots of sampling for those who like a tasting session!

For lots more ideas about things to do and places to go, pick up a copy of this month’s Scot’s Magazine. On sale in newsagents and supermarkets now or subscribe by clicking here.