Ten Things To Do This Week 17/11/14 – 23/11/14

By Contributor -

Edinburgh's Big Wheel. Photo by Robert Ramsay, copyright Underbelly

1. Be Enchanted!
From November 19-23, a spectacular light and sound show will transform Crathes Castle into a magic palace. The Enchanted Castle also features a beautifully illuminated trail (complete with a few surprises!) through the walled garden and surrounding woodland.

2. Cheer On Scotland
The Emirates Arena in Glasgow will welcome the best badminton players in the world from November 19-23, when the Scottish Open Badminton Grand Prix takes place.

3. Jazz It Up!
From the music of the 1920’s to the music of the 2010’s, Dundee Jazz Festival (November 19-23) offers a huge range of high quality concerts across all jazz styles – with a special focus on female singers, including the very classy Zara McFarlane.

4. Blitz Your Christmas Shopping List
The Country Living Christmas Fair is back at SECC, Glasgow from November 20- 23. Over 300 exhibitors will be selling unique gifts, inspired ideas and decorations to bring that magical Christmas sparkle to every home, and there will also be gift wrapping, confectionary-making and cheeseboard-creating workshops, as well as cookery demonstrations.

5. Celebrate Winter in The West
Join in the winter fun at Oban Winter Festival, which takes place in around the west coast town from November 21-30, and includes a reindeer parade, ceilidhs, switching on the Christmas lights, Haggisfest Scotland, a Victorian marketplace and an appearance by a very special visitor!

6. Laugh!
He’s Scottish, he’s very funny and he’s appearing at the Eden Court in Inverness on November 21 (and also in Aberdeen on November 22 and Thurso on November 23). The smash-hit new show by award-winning comedian Daniel Sloss is currently touring Scotland – if you enjoy a good laugh, this is for you!

7. Get All Christmassy!
Edinburgh’s Christmas Celebrations begin on November 21, when a range of special attractions (including my personal favourite, the ice rink) open at East Princes Street Gardens, The Mound Precinct and St Andrews Square. However, the official opening event is Light Night on George Street on November 23, when 60 school and community groups will perform Christmas songs and carols on stages up and down George Street.

8. Go On The Fiddle!
From November 21-23, the sound of traditional fiddle music life will lift the rafters at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall and Summerhall. The Scots Fiddle Festival features concerts, recitals, workshops, talks, ceilidhs, free events & lots more – including opportunities to try playing the fiddle for the first time.

9. Do Even More Christmas Shopping!
On November 22/23, Castle Fraser by Inverurie will host the Exclusively Highlands Craft and Food Fair, when each room in the castle will showcase a variety of food, crafts and gifts from across the north of Scotland.

10. Enjoy A Taste of Fife
St Andrews Food and Drink Festival, from November 22-30, celebrates Fife’s wonderful produce, natural larder and renowned chefs, with demonstrations, tastings, special menus and events featuring a wide range of local delicacies.

For lots more ideas about places to go and things to do, click here.