Seven top tips for what's on across the Highlands and Moray from Friday, December 13 to Thursday, December 19

Every week What's On North offers up seven top picks from across the north of Scotland of all the things to do out there in our area. This week's picks include winter wonderlands, crunching charity riffs, and dancing queens.

1 PANTO fever continues to sweep the city of Inverness, as two pantos continue their respective runs in the Highland capital.

Eden Court’s big family show Beauty and the Beast continues with performances every night this week (except Wednesday), while the Florians’ Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves continues at their own theatre on Bught Drive until Saturday night.

For more information about either show or to book tickets, go to www.eden-court.co.uk or www.florians.org.uk

2 EASTGATE shoppers looking for a Christmas bargain will now have the perfect musical accompaniment to their festive shopping - thanks to a community choral group’s annual fundraiser.

Offering shoppers a chance to stop and listen to Christmas carols and songs, Inverness Choral Society’s six-hour Carolthon takes place near Marks and Spencers upstairs in the Eastgate Centre, Inverness.

The event takes place from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday, with a collection in aid of Befrienders Highland and the Choral Society itself. For more info, go to www.invernesschoral.org.uk

3 A PARK in Inverness is set to become a winter wonderland as the Highland Council’s annual festive event returns for another year.

Taking place at Whin Park once again from this Friday to Sunday, the event - sponsored by the Inverness Common Good Fund - will see a new light show alongside a range of fun fair rides, as well as a visit from Santa and his reindeer.

The Winter Wonderland is open from 6-9pm Friday/4-7pm Saturday and Sunday, with entry free for all three days. For full details, go to www.invernessfestivals.com

4 METAL and punk bands from across Scotland will converge on Mad Hatters, Inverness this Saturday for a special charity show to raise money for MND Scotland.

The show - inspired by the battle of Sheree Gregg who became the Highlands’ youngest person to be diagnosed with motor neurone disease - will feature music from Seed of Sorrow, Zombie Militia, The Signal and more.

The show kicks off at 7pm and all donations will be welcome. For more info, search Rock With Thee for MND on Facebook.

5 ELGIN Town Hall will be dreaming of a green Christmas this Saturday when the Christmas Country with the Stars show comes to town.

The night of Irish Country music features the hits of the genre from the people who perform them - Gary Gamble, Owen Mac, Kenny Archer and Box Car Brian - all backed by the band Keltic Storm.

Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost £25 - go to www.elgintownhall.co.uk

6 LONDON-based stand up Nik Coppin returns to Inverness next week - with a host of Highland hilarity lined up on the bill alongside him.

The comedy veteran arrives at the Tooth and Claw on Wednesday night, with local support from Kieran Lochore, Mike Hendry and Jenny Johnstone. Compering the evening will be Zander McNally.

Doors open at 8pm and tickets cost £5 - search Nik Coppin on Facebook.

7 YOU can dance and you can jive at the Ironworks next week, with the return of an ABBA tribute band promising the time of your lives.

ABBAmania’s 2019 Christmas party comes to the Inverness venue on Thursday night, offering up all of the Swedish pop legends’ biggest hits - including Waterloo and Dancing Queen.

Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £25 - go to www.ironworksvenue.com