1 Hogmanay: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Taking place over three days, the capital’s world-famous New Year festivities include a torchlight procession through the Old Town, two live performances from Paolo Nutini (the Night Afore Concert and the Concert in the Gardens), and the Street Party headlined by the Charlatans. On New Year’s Day, there’s mini arts festival Scot:Lands and the world-famous Loony Dook in the Forth, to help blow away the cobwebs.
See feature in this section. Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 30 Dec–Sun 1 Jan.
2 Kids: George’s Marvellous Medicine
The Dundee Rep Ensemble bring Roald Dahl’s classic tale to the stage. Young George has decided that his mean old grandmother should be taught a lesson, and so he cooks up a special potion. When things take an unexpected turn, they both get more than they bargained for.
See review in this section. Dundee Rep, Tue 6–Sat 31 Dec (not 12, 19, 25).
3 Hogmanay: Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony
A fiery New Year’s tradition, which sees revellers parade up Stonehaven’s High Street, swinging flaming balls which light up the night sky. The finale sees the balls hurled into the harbour, followed by a fireworks display.
See feature in this section. Various venues, Stonehaven, Sat 31 Dec.
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4 Musical theatre: Mamma Mia!
The much-loved musical based on the music of ABBA stops in Edinburgh as part of its UK tour. Set on a Greek island, Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past.
Edinburgh Playhouse, until Sat 7 Jan (not 11, 18, 25, 31 Dec; Sun 1 Jan).
5 Music: Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook
Folk star Phil Cunningham is joined by guests, including Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever and Ian Carr, for a night of festive music.
Perth Concert Hall, Sun 18 Dec; Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen, Mon 19 Dec; Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Tue 20 & Thu 22 Dec; City Halls, Glasgow, Wed 21 Dec.
6 Hogmanay: Red Hot Highland Fling
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Inverness’ annual free Hogmanay celebrations are famed for their fireworks and a large-scale ‘Auld Lang Syne’ singalong. Hosted by comedian Craig Hill, there’s music from the Elephant Sessions, Scooty and the Skyhooks, and Skerryvore.
Northern Meeting Park, Inverness, Sat 31 Dec.
7 Exhibition: DCA Thomson
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of The Broons and Oor Wullie, six artists have created playful responses to the extensive publishing archive of Dundee’s DC Thomson. Featuring new murals, prints, drawings, sculpture and videos.
Dundee Contemporary Arts, until Sun 19 Feb.
8 Music: The Glenn Miller Orchestra
The world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra run through their repertoire of swing and jazz, including classics such as ‘Pennsylvania 65000’ and ‘Tuxedo Junction’, under the direction of Ray McVay.
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Wed 28 Dec; Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Thu 29 Dec.
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9 Visual Art: Geneva Sills: Cones & Eggs
A showcase of photographic history and technique from Chicago-born artist Geneva Sills. This is the debut solo exhibition from the artist, who is aiming to renew and simplify appreciation for the materiality of photography and the female form.
CCA, Glasgow, until Sun 18 Dec.
10 Days out: Monkey Business
The National Museum of Scotland’s latest exhibition features a collection of over 60 taxidermied primates, including orangutans, gorillas and chimpanzees. Visitors can learn more about how primates communicate, how they adapt to their surroundings, and how they co-exist with humans today. The exhibition has something for all the family, from photography and film to hands-on interactive activities for the wee ones.
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, until Sun 23 Apr.
More reviews and listings at list.co.uk