When you want to do more than just catch-up at your Christmas catch-ups, wrap up warm and go exploring (preferably with a cup of hot booze in hand). Edinburgh’s Christmas is always a good starting point for cosy snacks and drinks (until Saturday 4 January). Look out for the Mulled Winter Warmer, a Monkey Shoulder x Innis And Gunn collab that’s sure to put the pep in your step.  

George Street has an all-new Polar Ice Bar (Monday 25 November–Saturday 4 January). The chairs, tables and even the glasses are sculpted from ice, but fear not: the ticket includes jacket and glove hire. It’s set slots so book in advance. For Boxing Day revels, how about a ceilidh? Bonnie & Wild’s White Heather Club falls conveniently on the 26th this year, or for a pre-shoogle try Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, who host Teannaich at Assembly Roxy (Friday 20 December). For something a little more refined, The Festive Storytellers’ Afternoon Tea at The Sheraton has a classy menu inspired by Edinburgh’s UNESCO City Of Literature status (Wednesday 27 November–Saturday 4 January). 

Glasgow has a double Christmas market to explore (St Enoch Square, until Sunday 29 December; George Square, Saturday 23 November–Sunday 5 January). When you want to warm up, Vega is just a hop, skip and jump away for food, drinks and bowling: don’t miss the disco lift for the world’s shortest dance-off. The Science Museum Christmas Lates (Wednesday 18 December) is also a great shout, with maths-based decoration making, mulled wine and epic carol singing sessions proving science is totally fun.

If you want to find your inner Dutch master but need a bit of Dutch courage first, Boozy Brushes is the ideal way to get into the Christmas spirit (Saturday 7, Saturday 14 & Saturday 21 December). Their drag queen-tutored parties come with equipment and a bar. Talking of, if Christmas isn’t Christmas without a little bit of day-drinking, you’ll want to bookmark The Corset Club: their Xmas Brunch parties include pancakes, fizz and entertainment (Sunday 15 & Sunday 29 December).