This year, there’s a fantastic array of entertainment heading north, with everything from mystery whodunnits to one-day festivals and concerts starring household names taking place.
But which ones will you choose to splash your cash on?
Here’s a flavour of some of the main events coming this way you may want to buy tickets for…
For many, one must-see show is the world-famous murder-mystery play The Mousetrap.
A classic from the queen of crime drama, Agatha Christie, it has been running for almost 70 years in London’s West End, but will travel the length and breadth of the country this year.
Coming to Eden Court in Inverness from April 14-18, it stars a host of household names including TV star Susan Penhaligon as Mrs Boyle; Martin Allanson (Detective Sgt. Trotter) and Laura Costello as Miss Casewell.
But before then there’s much to be enjoyed, such as Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock – Ghost Train which pulls into Eden Court on January 24.
Starring Steve and a talented cast of singers, dancers and musicians, this show is often laugh-out-loud funny but makes you want to dance at the same time.
Featuring more than 30 classic rock anthems, it’s perfect for chasing away the January blues.
Scottish Ballet present The Snow Queen from January 29 to February 1.
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, this glittering new production will be set to the music of Rimsky-Korsakov, performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra and choreographed by the talented Mr Christopher Hampson.
Another must-see show is the musical Oor Wullie, a show all about Scotland’s best-loved wee laddie.
Presented by Dundee Rep Ensemble and Selladoor Productions, in association with Noisemaker, this is a show that can be enjoyed by all generations when it comes to Inverness from February 10-15.
One production guaranteed to be “dead good” is the appropriately named drama Dead Good, which is in Inverness on February 12.
Funny and moving in equal measures, it’s presented by full mask theatre company, Vamos Theatre and is a witty, wordless show about two old men, Bob and Bernard, who are both dying, but determined not to meet their maker without a fight.
Armed with a bottle of Bolly and the keys to a Bentley, they hit the road to undertake one last adventure.
Following on from this is an adaptation of Frankenstein, told from the viewpoint of the author, Mary Shelley .
It’s at the theatre from February 18-22.
Tickets for it, and all Eden Court shows, can be bought via the box office on 01463 234234.
Musically, there’s plenty to look forward to this year too…
Hayseed Dixie, a band that plays countrified versions of classic rock songs and who always put on a great show, take to the stage of The Ironworks, Inverness, on Friday March 20.
Tickets are on sale now at the box office or via www.ironworks venue.com
McFly will play a one-off summer show in a big-top tent in Bught Park, Inverness, on Sunday July 5.
Scottish favourites Tide Lines, who played a sell-out show at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom at the end of last year, undertake a Scottish tour which includes May shows in Strathpeffer, Orkney, Fort William and Aberdeen.
Tickets to see the band, who play a combination of Celtic soul, folk and rock, are on sale now at www.tidelinesband.com/shows
Last year, the first-ever Gathering Festival took place in Inverness – it’s returning to The Northern Meeting Park this year on Saturday May 30, with a line-up showcasing the best traditional music, food and drink and crafts from the Highlands and across Scotland.
The friendly one-day event line-up includes Scottish trailblazers Peatbog Faeries, Wolfstone, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Torridon, Blazin’ Fiddles, Trail West, Rhythmnreel and The City of Inverness Youth Pipes and drums.
Tickets are available from www.skiddle.com or in person from Eden Court, The Ironworks and Cafferys (Inverness).
Moray has a brand-new festival to look forward to this year.
Forres Live takes place in the town’s Grant Park in May.
Thousands of people are expected to descend on the park to enjoy 10 hours of non-stop music featuring more than a dozen bands including award-winning folk artist Luke Jackson and local Indie band Be Like Pablo.
Gerry Verner, of ESL Live, the company behind the event, said: “We have a sensational line-up of bands which we are bringing to Forres and there is such an eclectic mix of music that there will be something to suit all tastes.”
www.forres-live.co.uk
Last, but by no means least, the first headliners for Belladrum 2020 have been announced.
Legendary multi-Grammy Award-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist Nile Rodgers and Chic, and Scotland’s own Emeli Sande, will take top billing at this, the 17th festival, which takes place in the beautiful grounds of Belladrum Estate near Beauly.
Also appearing are Shed Seven, Passenger, Stiff Little Fingers, Tide Lines, the Magic Numbers, Kyle Falconer, Manran, and the ever popular, Colonel Mustard & The Dijon Five.
Further acts will be announced over the next few weeks.