Feeling festive after a trip to Edinburgh’s Christmas markets
Think you’re a Scrooge? Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions will soon put paid to that. I defy anyone not to feel festive after a trip to one of the biggest celebrations of the season in Britain, which has seen a host of markets, rides and events spring up in the famous Princes Street Gardens and beyond.
Travelling on December 2, I thought it may have been a little too early to be cracking open the mince pies and putting Wham’s Last Christmas on loop, but a trip north of the border left me feeling as warm inside as a steaming mug of mulled wine.
Running until January 7, Edinburgh’s festive events have got Christmas covered.
Fancy a foot-long bratwurst with lashings of mustard? Then head straight to East Princes Street Gardens, where it’s like an explosion in a Christmas factory has gone off. There’s everything you can think of to buy, from traditional wooden tree decorations to sheepskin gifts to real winter warmers at the host of food and drink stalls.
If you can stomach a ride after all that glühwein, there’s plenty for little ones and big kids at heart with prices starting from £2, such as the Star Flyer which gives you a spectacular bird’s eye view of this romantically-gothic city.
Or why not try out the poster boy of Edinburgh’s Christmas market, the Big Wheel which dominates the skyline over Christmas.
For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, head to Ice Adventure in George Street. Wrap up warm as you enter this marquee which transports you to a frozen journey through Scotland’s rich history – at a bone chilling temperature of -10 degrees.
All manner of Celtic mythology and real characters have been carefully crafted into sculptures for an enchanting attraction that wouldn’t look out of place on the set of Game of Thrones.
From the Loch Ness Monster to the Forth Bridge, Scotland’s icons have all been reimagined in spectacular ice form.
No visit to Scotland is complete without a whisky and there’s an ice bar at the end of the adventure where you can pick up a warming Shackleton toddy to see you on your way.
For more on Edinburgh’s Christmas visit http://www.edinburghschristmas. com