Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns
Back after a six-year break, Edinburgh Zoo will be lit up by over 600 Chinese lanterns in this interactive aquatic-themed walking trail. Explore marine myths and legends along the way, walk through the inside of a huge whale, and warm up with mulled wine and toasted marshmallows.
Edinburgh Zoo, until Sunday 22 February.

Lost Shore: Christmas Movies
No matter the weather, the surf doesn’t stop at Europe’s biggest wavepool. If that seems too much of a shivery bite, they’ve a programme of classic Christmas movies, including How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Scrooged and, of course, the greatest Christmas film ever made: The Muppet Christmas Carol. Fight me.
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Newbridge, Edinburgh, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14, Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 December.

Wee Nutcracker
It’s a cracker of an idea. Coming in at just 45 minutes, this specially adapted (and fairly priced) version of The Nutcracker is perfect for a wee one’s first exposure to ballet. All the magic remains, there’s a live pianist on stage and the dancing is, naturally, sublime.
Tramway, Glasgow, Friday 12– Wednesday 24 December.

Hoolie In The Hydro
Gary Innes’ passion project is an annual highlight for lovers of traditional music. This year celebrates The Big Yin (because yes, Billy Connolly was a folkie first). A star-studded cast including Martin Compston and Elaine C Smith provide the chat, with the likes of Innes’ own Mànran and Elephant Sessions on the tunes.
OVO Hydro, Glasgow, Saturday 13 December.

Viennese New Year
Cure that hangover with a selection of timeless Viennese waltzes and polkas. This Scottish Chamber Orchestra concert is all about the family Strauss, bringing to life the darkly glamorous manners and frothy fripperies of a long-gone court. Soprano Rachel Redmond guests, while Andrew Manze conducts.
Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Thursday 1 January; plus other Scottish tour dates.

Vitamin C: Music Is The Answer
Straight after the Torchlight Procession, Vic Galloway and Andy Wake take over the Assembly Rooms to kick-off Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations. They’ll host a DJ set from Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite as well as live music from indie-rockers Waverley as the city prepares to let its collective hair down.
Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, Monday 29 December.

Lauriston Castle At Christmas
The Lauriston team have pulled out all the stops this yule, with a gorgeous wee programme of Christmas craftiness. Fold paper poinsettias, decorate with hand-painted winter foliage, make colourful cranberry wreaths or turn your hand to crafting a peg-doll fairy for the top of the tree. Wholesome fun.
Lauriston Castle And Gardens, Edinburgh, dates vary.

The Irn-Bru Carnival
With over 75 different rides and attractions, The Irn-Bru Carnival holds a special place in Glaswegian hearts. There’s a softplay area for youngsters as well as plenty of family-friendly rides, while thrill-seekers can enjoy that funny feeling at the base of their tummy on attractions like the Miami Superbob and Extreme Ice Blast.
SEC, Glasgow, Friday 19 December–Sunday 11 January.

Beauty And The Beast
For many families, the Citz panto will be their first experience of gathering in the shiny new space since its huge renovation. In other words, this one’s a milestone for both the theatre and the local community. Luckily there’ll be plenty of magic, music, mystery and mischief as Beauty learns to love her Beast.
Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Tuesday 2–Wednesday 31 December.

Beyond Van Gogh & Beyond Monet
Try a complete change of vibe and immerse yourself in the colours and light of Monet and Van Gogh. Iconic paintings blend with cutting-edge technology, allowing you to step inside their work to see it from a new perspective on a huge scale.
Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, Saturday 29 November–Friday 2 January.

Massaoke: Christmas Live
Picture the scene: huge crowd, brilliant band, lyrics on the screen. Live-band singalong Massaoke nights are a total blast and this one’s Christmas-flavoured. Expect your Pogues, your Whams, your Slades and of course your Chris Reas to all make an appearance. Bring lozenges and leave any cynicism at the door.
Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Saturday 13 December.

Concerts By Candlelight
Scottish Ensemble’s fascinating journey from early music collective to contemporary creative commissioners always makes for interesting listening. Concerts By Candlelight explore paths and connections: you’ll hear JS Bach next to Caroline Shaw, as well as new work by Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, in beautiful settings.
Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, Tuesday 9 December; Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Glasgow, Wednesday 10 December; plus other Scottish tour dates.