1. Glasgow Christmas Market
St Enoch Square, Glasgow, until December 22

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a visit to the traditional markets for a gastronomic treat, a warming glass of festive cheer and a festive gift with a twist. This year, the hugely-popular markets return to both George Square and St Enoch Square offering a wide selection of presents and street food. A buzzing Bavarian bar will add to the festive atmosphere, offering up a selection of beverages for all to enjoy. The centerpiece of the George Square festivities is a traditional carousel, the iconic big wheel and a host of family-focused street entertainment.

Free to attend. The George Square market will run from November 25 to December 29.

2. Cabaret
Edinburgh Playhouse, until Saturday

The Herald:

Former Pop Idol winner Will Young reprises his award-winning performance as the enigmatic Emcee, with Louise Redknapp making her stage debut as Sally Bowles in Rufus Norris’ acclaimed production of Kander and Ebb’s musical masterpiece. Featuring show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre - including “Money Makes The World Go Round,” “Two Ladies,” and “Maybe This Time,” the production turns Weimar Berlin of 1931 into a sassy, sizzling haven of decadence, and at its dark heart is the legendary and notorious Emcee, who performs nightly at the infamous Kit Kat Klub.

Tickets cost between £17.90 and £63.90, plus booking fee. Head to atgtickets.com to book.

3. Festival!
Various venues, Aberdeen, until Sunday

The Herald:

This four-day mini-festival has been masterminded by three of Edinburgh’s flagship festivals and aims to bring the spirit of all world-class events to the Granite City. The event will deliver a packed programme of screenings, performances and workshops. From award-winning films, to the complex science of cheesemaking and beer, to a full programme of jazz concerts, Festival! is designed to celebrate 70 years of Edinburgh being the world’s original and leading festival city.

Tickets prices vary. To see the full programme and to book tickets, head to festival2017.co.uk.

4. A Christmas Carol
King’s Theatre, Glasgow, until Saturday

The Glasgow Light Opera Club presents this production of the much-loved Charles Dickens classic, telling the tale of Ebenzer Scrooge, a prosperous curmudgeon and with an infuriated Bah! Humbug! who does not care for Christmas tidings and charitable giving. But he’s soon forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his past, present and future. With Alan Menken’s memorable songs - including “God Bless Us Everyone” - this show is perfect for those looking for a way to kick of the festive season.

Tickets cost between £15.90 and £22.90, plus booking fee. Head to atgtickets.com.

5. Jim White
Òran Mór, Glasgow, Sunday

The Herald:

The southern American singer-songwriter and guitarist has become something of a cult phenomenon in recent years. His incredible story has seen him go from taxi driver in New York to global rockstar and go-to literary commentator, via careers as a comedian, European fashion model, boxer and preacher. Now, his sixth solo studio album, the bizarrely-titled Waffles, Triangles & Jesus, is a mind-bending joy ride of sonic influences featuring a bevy of his hometown Athens’ roots musicians, plus west coast indie darlings Dead Rock West, and rock and roll maverick Holly Golightly.

Tickets are £20.50, with booking fee, and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

6. Dundee Jazz Festival
Various venues, Dundee, until Sunday

Dundee’s annual jazz celebration ranges across jazz and blues styles and related musics with a focus on what’s new and exciting in 2017. This year, the festival is the biggest ever. From lively swing to cutting edge modern jazz, from jazz standards to the freshest UK hip-hop, from acoustic blues to electric blues-rock, from special concerts celebrating the centenary of jazz to the freshest music out of New York, audiences can find it all as organisers present over 25 top quality acts over the five days.

7. Edinburgh’s Christmas
Various venues, Edinburgh, from tomorrow

The Herald:

Picture Credit: Iain Cameron

Edinburgh’s Christmas is a spectacular, six-week season of festive entertainment in the heart of the capital, running until January 7, 2018. With shows, rides and attractions, markets and plenty of free events, this year will see a breathtaking Arctic installation in George Street and a giant advent calendar. The festival is a fantastic Christmas celebration and great fun for the whole family.

Head to edinburghschristmas.com to see the jam-packed programme of events.

8. John Bishop: Winging It
SSE Hydro, Glasgow, tomorrow and Saturday

Comedy superstar John Bishop is back with this highly-anticipated return to stand-up comedy three years since his last live show, Supersonic. Winging It will see the funnyman back on stage for his fifth UK tour, performing in his own inimitable style, as he relives his journey into the world of comedy relatively late in life, hence the name of the tour. Supersonic was watched by more than 500,000 people and received huge critical acclaim with this show set to be even bigger.

Tickets cost between £28.40 and £44.85, plus booking fee. Head to ticketmaster.co.uk to book.

9. Funbox: Santa’s Funtastic Factory
Whitehall Theatre, Dundee, Saturday to Monday

The Herald:

Picture Credit: John Young

This brand new show from the performers and writers of The Singing Kettle is for kids of all ages and maintains the balance of traditional singalong songs and new compositions - but with a distinctly Scottish flavour. Invited by Santa to help finish the lists for all the boys and girls before Christmas Day, three friends seek keys to find and a Funbox to unlock, but Santa’s Marvellous Machine is malfunctioning, creating Christmas chaos, meaning only one thing: it’s up to the Funbox gang to save the day.

Tickets are priced between £12 and £15.50, plus booking fee. Head to dundeebox.co.uk to book.

10. Scots Fiddle Festival
Various venues, Edinburgh tomorrow to Sunday

Established in 1996 with the aim of promoting and sustaining traditional fiddle music, 21 years on, the number of events at the festival has tripled. It brings people together from all over the world and continues to inspire thousands to take part in traditional music, either as players, learners, listeners or dancers.

Ticket prices vary. See the full programme and book tickets at scotsfiddlefestival.com.

DON'T MISS...

BABA
130 George Street, Edinburgh

The Herald:

From the award-winning team behind Ox and Finch, this new Levantine-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar joins Edinburgh’s thriving restaurant scene this week. Plating up a menu of bold mezze cooking, the team is showcasing its specially-commissioned charcoal grill where carefully-sourced Scottish ingredients are spiced and grilled over coals, side by side with whole cauliflowers, pittas and harissa pumpkin. Signature eastern Mediterranean cocktails and wines carefully-selected from Cyprus, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece are also not to be missed.

For more information, visit baba.restaurant.