1 THE wonderful Pollock House in Glasgow is a feast for history buffs, kids and walkers. This Christmas the museum staff are playing a blinder and offering a special treat – Christmas by Candlelight tours of the house. Pretend you’re Lady Sybil (the cool suffragette one) in Downton Abbey, dress up and make a night of it safe in the knowledge that a full refund will be offered if Covid safety measures require cancellation. Thursday 17th December at 6pm.
For more information and prices head to www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/pollok-house
2 IF ever there was a Christmas to shop local and support your community, this is it. Get yourself to the up and coming hipster central hive that is Thornwood, home to the marvellous Thornwood Bar and lots of quirky independent sellers, One of those is Trove a brand new design and vintage shop that is opening its doors for the first time this weekend at 557 Dumbarton Road. They’re open from 10:30-6pm every day for mid-century finds and quirky little crafts.
3 THE previously mentioned Thornwood Bar is home to all things wonderful – great chat and clientele, including genuine 80s rock royalty, Taggart actors and sometimes even the founding editor of this great publication. It also sells panther milk, that dangerous and delightful drink. Pop in for lunch in the run up to Crimbo and take away a bottle of panther for the special someone in your life. The Thornwood Bar is at 724 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow.
4 OOT Auld Reekie way there are some smashing wee independent retailers that deserve your hard-earned spondooleys. One of which is the Edinburgh Charcuterie team, East Coast Cured. They’re doing smashing wee Christmas hampers full of all things porcine and yummy. Hit them up at www.eastcoastcured.com prices start from £30
5 BRIAN Cox explores what it means to live small, finite lives in an infinite universe. Prepare to confront some of the biggest questions of them all: questions of life, death and the very meaning of our existence. Physicist Professor Brian Cox joins the BBC SO and Principal Guest Conductor Dalia Stasevska to explore the questions raised…Today all day. Head to www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2020/event/the-cosmos-with-professor-brian-cox-live-from-the-barbican
6 ABRACADABRA and just like that magic beams into your own front room as Edinburgh International Magic goes online in these Covid times. A not-for-profit organisation founded and managed by event producer Svetlana McMahon and magician Kevin Quantum, MagicFest has welcomed over 60,000 visitors and has grown to be Europe’s biggest festival of innovative and cutting-edge magic.
Edinburgh International Magic Festival is an annual arts festival that promotes magic as an art form and celebrates the limitless possibilities of human imagination. Log on and join in and channel your inner wizard. www.magicfest.co.uk/about-magicfest/
7 THE stars come out to shine at Christmasa and this year Nordoff Robbins has a sublime treat in store.
For the first time, the much-loved Nordoff Robbins Carol Service will be virtual. Hosted by music’s most loved legend, Nile Rodgers, this year’s service will bring Christmas to you at home, with special appearances from a star-studded line-up. www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/news/the-stars-come-out-to-sing-for-nordoff-robbins/
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