The Cannae Miss List: Dec 23 – Jan 5

By Katrina Patrick -

Award-winning magic from Florian Sainvet

Our What’s On guide to the most vibrant, most unusual and most unmissable events in Scotland this weekend and in the coming week

Dick McWhittington

Perth’s traditional family panto is back with the classic Dick McWhittington by Alan McHugh. Catch it at Horcross Arts until December 26. Tickets here.

The Ba’

This historic street game is a sight to behold. Watch as Kirkwall‘s centre is overrun by the “Uppies” and “Doonies” pushing to win on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Rock The Halls

Expect all your Christmas favourites onstage at Dundee’s Whitehall Theatre, backed by a 10-piece band, singers and dancers. Catch it on December 23 – book quick here!

Stonehaven Fireballs

Burn off the bad spirits with the Fireball Festival in Stonehaven on December 31, where balls of fire are swung through the town and into the harbour to usher in spirits of the New Year. More info here.

Nippy Dipper

Have you heard of the Loony Dook? Well this is Aberdeen’s answer to it – the Nippy Dipper! Burn of the Christmas calories with a bracing dip in the chilly North Sea on Boxing Day morning – all for charity.

Festive Magic

The Edinburgh International Magic Festival dons a festive hat for the season between Dec 27 and 30. This Christmas Special is entitled “A Collection Of Wonders” so head down to be truly mesmerised.

Weans In The Wood

Stirling’s Scottish take on Babes in the Wood is at the Macrobert Arts Centre until December 31, complete with forest hooligan Little Red Riding Hood!

Play In A Day

On Friday, Dec 30, you can join members of the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh in dance, drama, costume-making and music before performing together a traditional folk drama in front of a live audience.

Street Of Light

There’s still time to catch Edinburgh’s Street of Light along the west end of George Street until Christmas Eve. It’s a free event, but do book in advance to get your time slot.

Storm Barbara is forecasted to hit Scotland this week, so be careful out there, and check ahead for road closures if you’re travelling far.

Have a very merry Christmas, a happy Hogmanay and a healthy New Year!

: CY88N4 Kirkwall New Year Ba game

: STONEHAVEN, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 1: Hogmanay fireball swingers illuminate the streets of Stonehaven carrying on the tradition of welcoming the new year January 1, 2004, Stonehaven, Scotland. Revellers celebrate Hogmanay, the Scottish celebration of new year’s eve, in the small highland coastal town by swinging baskets of fire above their heads. At the end of the procession the flaming baskets are thrown into the sea. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)