Whether out on the town to party or snuggled up indoors with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine, here are our top picks for making the most of your down time.
GOING OUT?
CINEMA
Office Christmas Party
Get into the festive spirit with the ultimate Christmas party. Jennifer Aniston is an uptight CEO who tries to shut down the business of her brother. His way of saving the day is a boozy knees-up.
MUSIC
Gary Beck
The Glasgow-born producer, DJ and techno figure will be at the Ironworks in Inverness today. Hans Bouffmyhre, Marc and Clyde Rouge will also be there to entertain.
THEATRE
Christmas Gothic
Remember the past and take a step into a dark and spectral world to hear haunting tales of the festive season. Dyad Productions resurrect a Victorian tradition on Sunday at Eden Court in Inverness.
ART
Printland
The exhibition at Peacock Visual Arts in Aberdeen runs until January 14 and is an opportunity to pick up a limited-edition piece of artwork for a Christmas gift. Prints in the exhibition and sale are by local and national artists, in a wide range of styles, and the prints are made in Aberdeen.
NIGHTLIFE
Nicky Aiken and the Temple Sons
Pop into UnderDog on Castlegate in Aberdeen on Saturday to see the Aberdonian group. Listen to their latest tunes from 7pm.
STAYING IN?
TV
The Strictly Come Dancing Final
Tune into BBC One at 6.40pm on Saturday for the glittering final. Join Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as three couples battle to become the champions.
DVD
Swallows and Amazons
Arthur Ransome’s classic novel comes alive. While on holiday, the four Walker siblings set sail on a boat named Swallow. They discover an island and begin a great adventure with the Blackett sisters and their boat, the Amazon.
MUSIC
Seasick Steve
Keepin’ The Horse Between Me And The Ground is the eighth studio album from Steve. The mix of blues, rock and folk music is the ideal soundtrack to a chilled afternoon wrapping presents and putting up the tree. A great gift for a country and blues fan, you can download the album on iTunes.
PODCAST
Merry Podcast
Completely surround yourself in everything festive with an hour of entertainment. Explore everything about Christmas with news and trivia from Kringle Radio.
BOOK
Cook For Syria Recipe Book
Released tomorrow, this book is filled with traditional recipes donated by Syrian families, passed down from generations. Part of a nationwide fundraising initiative, the money raised will go towards helping those affected by the conflict in Syria.
COMING SOON
NORTH HOP AVIEMORE
Held in the Osprey Arena of the Macdonald Aviemore Resort, the festival on February 25 will combine a beer hall, cocktail lounge and live music.
CLAUDE BOURBON
Known for his amazing guitar performances, Bourbon has crafted together techniques and musical genres. On March 27 he will be at Ardross Community Hall.
EDDI READER
Eddi blends together traditional and contemporary to create her own sound. See her on April 15 at Strathpeffer Pavilion.