Festive Christmas events taking place across Scotland in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee

As the nights get darker and Christmas draws closer, Scotland is getting into the festive spirit.

Across the country, Scots will be gathering to watch Christmas light switch ons, peruse festive markets and enjoy a spot of ice skating under the stars.

With five weeks until the big day, here’s a look at all the festive events happening across the country in the run up to Christmas.

Edinburgh

Christmas Market

The world-famous Edinburgh Christmas market is making its comeback this year as the capital braces for an influx of visitors.

From November 25, visitors will be able to take a trip on the iconic Big Wheel, go for a spin on George Square’s ice rink, and visit Santa Land in Princes Street Gardens.

Bar Hutte

An outdoor alpine haven is popping up this year at St James Quarter, filled with private huttes, twinkling lights and rustic decor, perfect for grabbing some festive drinks alongside an oven baked pizza after a busy day of shopping.

Christmas at the Botanics

An after-dark event for all the family, Christmas at the Botanics is returning this year with dazzling light installations and festive sounds.

This year’s trail features UV feathers which appear to float throughout the trees, a lengthy aurora which recreates the visual tones of the northern lights, and lilies which float on the Botanics pond.

Glasgow

Elfingrove

The UK’s biggest ice rink, which is purpose built and fully covered, returns to Glasgow this year against the backdrop of Kelvingrove museum.

Visitors will be able to skate under the stars on the rink, or enjoy it from the sky on the new Snow Wheel.

Santa Dash

The much-loved Christmas event will return to Glasgow on December 11, with thousands of Santas set to dash around Glasgow Green and the Gorbals.

The iconic 5K family fun run sees Scots run for charitable causes and has raised more than £350,000 since it began in 2006.

Drive-in Movie Events

A hugely popular drive-in movie event from the organisers of Elfingrove will take place on the picturesque shores of Loch Lomond in December – showing all the classics from Elf to It’s a Wonderful Life.

The event, which regularly sells out, will see moviegoers enjoy the film from their cars as they feast on gourmet street food and enjoy Christmas car-a-oke.

Aberdeen

The Granite City’s Christmas Village returns this year in a partnership between Codona’s and Aberdeen Inspired.

The popular festive fairground will return, featuring favourites and new rides as well as an outdoor ice rink against the backdrop of Marischal College.

Aberdeen's Christmas village will feature a new Village Square this year — Aberdeen’s Christmas village will feature a new Village Square this year STV News

This year will feature a new Village Square, which will draw inspiration from European Christmas markets.

There will be an open plan area with covered seating, as well as a selection of street food which includes German bratwurst, Dutch pancakes and mulled wine.