No other UK city ushers in the festive season with as much enthusiasm as Edinburgh. Winter celebrations in Scotland’s stunning capital get bigger and brighter every year and in 2013 you can expect a breathtaking seasonal celebration like never before. Why let the tribulations of last minute Christmas shopping burst your festive bubble? Avoid the commotion of crowded shops and children caterwauling for the toy-du-jour when you grab cheap flights to Edinburgh this holiday season. Auld Reekie plays host to some of the finest Christmas markets in Europe, where you will find fantastic festive food and seasonal gifts to suit every taste and budget. Let’s take a look at what delights Edinburgh has to offer this December:
Authentic Scottish Market
Edinburgh’s Scottish Market is a gourmand paradise where local businesses like Chocmotif, The Scottish Café, Edinburgh Gin and Susie’s Diner join together to proudly show off their fare. Highly anticipated all year round by residents and tourists alike, you can discover a wonderful array of authentic food and drink for your festive feast, from free range turkeys and bespoke butter to handcrafted Christmas chocolates, succulent Scottish seafood and locally brewed beer. Make sure you grab a bottle of authentic Edinburgh whiskey to crack open on Hogmanay!
Traditional German Market
For over 20 years, the German inspired Mound Precinct Christmas Market has been held in the picture-perfect Princes Street Gardens beneath the stunning spectacle of Edinburgh castle. One of the most romantic seasonal souks in the UK, this marvellous market ushers in Advent by offering a wealth of European enthused shopping ideas. Traders from all over the continent flock to promote their artisan goods and gourmet surprises, with traditional Christmas crafts, gifts and decorations at every corner.
This year the beautiful bazaar will stretch even further, from the Scottish National Gallery across the mound all the way to St Andrew Square. Shopping is only a small part of what makes this market one of the merriest places to be at Christmas 2013. In the heart of East Princes Street Gardens Terrace you will find a brilliant big wheel and a glittering ice rink, where you can don your skates and absorb stunning sights like the Scott Monument. Work your way through the magical Christmas tree maze and find Santa’s secret grotto before warming up and winding down with a mug of traditional German Gluwein. Grab cheap flights to Edinburgh now and stock up on authentic festive goodies all the way from Frankfurt, minus the high street hassle.
Kiddie’s Christmas Market
At Christmas, kids rule the world and the vibrant Children’s Market at the heart of St Andrews Square caters especially to youngsters. All manner of enchantments await, from a huge range of hand crafted toys to candy stalls and independent craft kiosks. As if that wasn’t enough, the market also offers gingerbread decorating workshops to keep the little ones occupied while you shop for their gifts, a variety of which can be personalised by Santa’s little elves on site to make Christmas 2013 their most special one ever.
These three fabulous festive markets are open from 22 November 2013 to January 5th 2014, Thursday 10am – 9pm and Friday and Saturday 10am – 10pm.
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