Whether you’re feeling festive or fancy some musical delights this weekend, take a look at our pick of these top five things to do across the north and north-east.
Ballater Winter Festival
If you’re in the mood for Christmas themed family fun this weekend, there are a number of places to explore across the north and north-east.
Taking place this Saturday and Sunday at Ballater’s Village Green, Ballater Winter Festival promises a weekend of festive cheer.
As well as hosting a farmers’ market and Christmas fayre, other activities include a Victorian carousel and children’s rides, an indoor craft fayre in Victoria Hall and a film screening available in the evening.
Visit visitballater.com for more information.
Scottish Opera: The Verdi Collection
This Saturday evening, Inverness’ Eden Court hosts Scottish Opera’s latest work, The Verdi Collection.
Giuseppe Verdi is one of Italy’s most famous composers best known for his operas.
Presented as a gala concert to capture the breadth of Verdi’s output and led by the Orchestra of Scottish Opera under the baton of Stuart Stratford, it features the romance of La Traviata, the intrigue of Un Ballo In Maschera, the passion of La Forza Del Destino, the tragedy of Don Carlos, and the domestic tragedy of Otello.
Visit eden-court.co.uk for more information.
Santa’s Grotto
Can’t wait until Christmas to see Santa? Dobbies Aberdeen at New Park Farm is offering little ones the chance to visit him all through the weekend and up until Christmas Eve.
You enter through the snowy forest where an elf will guide you past the reindeer and rabbits as you head towards Santa’s toy shop.
Along the way, you can help the elves with various tasks including helping to pack the toys in the sleigh for Santa.
Then, you’ll meet Santa himself where you can tell him all about your adventure.
Booking ahead is essential. Visit events.dobbies.com for more information.
Start your Christmas decorations
Next week takes us all into the month of December.
For some Scrooges, the thought of putting up Christmas decorations is purely bah humbug.
However, for those keen to get into the festive spirit, now is the ideal time to get a head start on the month of festivities that await by pulling down the tree and tinsel from the loft and bringing a bit of sparkle to your home.
Handmade wreaths are great for freshening things up and you’re sure to find plenty of local options both online and in art and craft stores.
Live/Wire: The AC/DC Tribute
Ironworks in Inverness is bringing rock to the Highlands this weekend in the form of Live/Wire: The AC/DC Tribute.
Touring in venues across the UK this winter, the successful tribute band have gained critical acclaim for their raucous energy and their closeness both in look and sound to the real thing.
Expect a high voltage rock ‘n’ roll tribute set. Visit ironworksvenue.com for more information.
You can also read Felicity Donohoe’s tribute act feature inside this Saturday’s Your Life supplement.
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