MAKE 2012 YOUR
Spotlighting, celebrating and promoting Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage.
Winter is a time when Scotland really comes to life, where our favourite stories are magically transformed on stages, perfected through music and dance; a time when our beautiful castles and stately homes are almost unrecognisable under dustings of snow and beyond majestic, decorated Christmas trees; and winter events are geared up to help us celebrate the season. Find out all about the Year of Creative Scotland at visitscotland.com/creative
Enchanted Castle
CHRISTMAS CASTLES ES With hundreds of castles and grand properties to boast, it’s little wonder that winter is Scotland’s enchanted season. For Christmas shopping with a twist, head to Stirling Castle on 4 December where a host of suppliers are re waiting to help you fi nd the perfect gift. ft. Hopetoun House in South Queensferry y also hosts a Christmas Fair (16-18 Nov) v) amid stunning surroundings.
Enchanted Castle (21-25 Nov) is a spectacular light and sound show at Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire. Themed around ‘Fantasia’, be dazzled by stunning projections and stroll along a whimsical walkway of illuminations and musical surprises. Culzean Castle in Ayrshire is a must for devotees of the festive season, from Santa’s Elves’ Christmas Trail to a meeting of fairytale characters, a Christmas market, carols and more (festive events begin 2 Dec). You can also meet Mrs Claus at the fabulously decorated Pollok House in Glasgow and enjoy a Victorian Christmas at Kellie Castle, Fife.
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W I N T E R EVENTS
Scotland’s performing companies bring storytelling to life with some magical productions in the lead-up to Christmas and beyond. Each production will visit various venues across the country.
SCOTTISH BALLET Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a production of the Nutcracker. Sink into the red plush chairs of the theatre hall and be stunned by intricate sets and costume design and blown away by vivid choreography (8 Dec-26 Jan). Booking is already open for Scottish Ballet’s s treat of 2013, the world premiere of Christopher her Hampson’s Hansel & Gretel (10 Dec 2013-25 Jan 5 Jan 2014). Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, tale, expect a fantastical storytelling delight of twists sts and turns. scottishballet.co.uk
SCOTTISH OPERA LLikewise, Scottish Opera serves up a feast for the eyes in Mozart’s The Magic Flute (to 24 24 Nov), seasoned with heartfelt love songs and d more than a dash of comedy too. Scottish Opera compellingly describes the production n as a ‘beguiling mix of comedy, fantasy and pantomime’. There’s something for the wee ones too in There s something for the wee ones too in
Little Ulla, a festive tale for 3 to 6 LLittle Ulla, a festive tale for 3 to 6
National Theatre of Scotland’s Jump
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