After an ever more successful return year on year, Edinburgh’s Christmas (various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 21 Nov–Sun 4 Jan) is now bigger than ever, with fairs, markets, ice rinks, and theatre shows focused on St Andrew Square and the surrounding area. Something similar – although not on quite as large a scale – will be happening in Glasgow too, with Glasgow Loves Christmas. Highlights include a switch-on of the Christmas Lights (Sun 16 Nov), skating at Glasgow on Ice (Thu 27 Nov--Wed 31 Dec) and the annual Santa Dash (Sun 7 Dec). The capital will be having its own Christmas light event with Edinburgh’s Christmas Light Night (George Street, Edinburgh, Sun 23 Nov).

For something a bit more out of the ordinary, head along to the seasonal edition of the Glasgow Comic and Toy Fair (Renfield St Stephen’s Church, Glasgow, Sat 6 Dec) for more than 30 tables of sellers and a chance to meet Super Santa, or A Royal Christmas (Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Sat 6 Dec–Tue 6 Jan) for a taste of how Christmas was presented by the royals in the 1930s.

Wassailing and Carolling (Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, Sat 6 Dec) will combine historical education with song, while Scotland Street Santa School (Scotland Street School Museum, Glasgow, Sat 6--Sun 21 Dec, Sat & Sun only) invites kids to learn St Nick’s skills in case of a Christmas emergency. Edinburgh will host a Christmas Run, Walk and Toddle (Inverleith Park, Edinburgh, Sun 7 Dec) and a bunch of fairs in both cities will include the large-scale Country Living Christmas Fair (SECC, Glasgow, Thu 20–Sun 23 Nov).