The Low Christmas Concert
Malcolm Middleton doesn’t have the monopoly on miserablist Christmas anthems, you know. This lot have been at it since 1999, and are back on the gloomy festive trail to promote new menace-laden single, ‘Santa is Coming Over’. Help, mummy!
Oran Mor, Glasgow, Mon 17 Nov.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Disappear through the wardrobe with the Lyceum, for what looks likely to be the most lavish, large-scale bit of snow-themed theatre this year. Our advice is not to talk to any topless, hairy gentlemen you might encounter hiding in there. See page ??
Lyceum, Edinburgh, from Fri 28 Nov.

The Snow Queen
The Arches reinterpret another Hans Christian Andersen story into a magical wee treat for the very youngest audiences.
Arches, Glasgow, from Wed 3 Dec.

White Christmas
A big cosy slab of Christmas cake with Bing and chums engaged in some sorta shonky plot about a Forces reunion. Ignore the likely drizzle outside and sing along. Ah, you know you want to. May your days be merry and briiiiight …
General release from Fri 12 Dec.

Santa Dash / Santa Stroll
It’s Christmas time. There’s no need to be afraid. Particularly not of dressing up like an eccentric old gentleman and taking to the streets to raise money for good causes – the beard will hide your face.
Edinburgh & Glasgow city centres, Sun 14 Dec.

The Bicycle Thieves
Relaunching a classic movie has become a festive tradition over recent years, and this beautiful, dignified 1948 Italian film is the perfect antidote to an over-sweetened Christmas. Thoroughly, thoroughly recommended.
General release, from Fri 19 Dec.

Carols by Candlelight
Special guests the St Petersburg Baroque Brass Quintet (all the way from Russia, one presumes), lead assorted choirs and soloists through traditional carols. As the title suggests, expect particularly festive lighting.
Queens Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 20 Dec.

RSNO Christmas Carol Concert
God rest ye grumpy sho-hoppers, may nothing you dismay. The RSNO Chorus sings to brighten up your day … it’s difficult to make the rest of this scan, but it’s a lovely idea nonetheless: a free carol concert in George Square to cheer you up on one of the nastiest, busiest shopping days of the year. Aahhh.
The Big Stage in George Square, Glasgow, Sat 20 Dec.

Joe Strummer Tribute Night
Not Christmassy as such, but it’s King Tuts’ own wintry institution in recent years. Various local luminaries line up to pay tribute to the much missed Clash frontman, with all proceeds going to Strummerville, a charity which tries to help vulnerable children through music.
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, Mon 22 Dec.

Concert in the Gardens
Glasvegas round off their annus mirabilis in rousing, leather-clad style as they headline the country’s biggest Hogmanay bash. If you prod them, they’ll probably give you a few tracks from their new Christmas album, too.
Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Wed 31 Dec.

Hot Chip Hogmanay
You know how we like to ring in the New Year? In the company of men who make inexplicably catchy electronica while dressed up like physics teachers. That’s why we’re very glad that Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard is going to be all over the Cab for Hogmanay.
Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Wed 31 Dec.

Hogmanay Optimo
Twitch and Wilkes take over the massive, grand halls of the Fruitmarket all over again for another full-strength Espacio party. Hogmanay in Glasgow at its very finest.
Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, Wed 31 Dec.