It’s been all go for the last few weeks, as those in the know ponder how to bring you the best of times this Christmas and Hogmanay. In the capital, Edinburgh City Council is reportedly already looking to shindigs in 2010 and beyond, with early proposals to scrap the barriers and tickets for the Street Party, making it free.

Back in 2009, this year’s line-ups continue to grow. The Noisettes have been announced as the support act for headliners, Madness. Mylo will headline the West End DJ Stage, while Gary Lightbody and Tom Simpson from Snow Patrol and Belle and Sebastian’s Richard Colburn DJ at the main street party. More acts are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Pre-Hogmanay festivities are also expanding this year, with the Homecoming Art Car Parade (28 Nov), adding to the usual Edinburgh Wheel and German Market jamboree. Other highlights include the Great Scottish Santa Run and The Royal Blind Children’s Lantern Parade – alongside acrobatic displays and life-size animatronics polar bears. The celebrations before Hogmanay will include Off Kilter, a new dance show at the Festival Theatre, featuring Mark Morris’s dance group, flying in from Brooklyn on Christmas day to prepare.
Elsewhere, in a bid to showcase our Scottish wares beyond our borders, a huge projection of Edinburgh Castle and iconic images of the capital are to be beamed around English locations around Christmas time.

In Glasgow, things are equally gregarious, with tickets for the Glasgow Christmas lights switch-on selling out in record time. Those who haven’t managed to get tickets should find themselves prime positioning around the city on Sun 15 Nov, for the annual pre-Christmas lights and fireworks display. Tickets for the Big Stage in George Square for Hogmanay will be released from 7 Nov, so get in line.

For a full line-up of Christmas and Hogmanay information, as well as the very best for Christmas shopping, check out our indispensable Christmas Guide. See www.edinburghshogmanay.com and www.winterfestglasgow.com for more.