Edinburgh has got Christmas fun all wrapped up
As a self-confessed Scrooge, it’s some feat to make me feel festive. But Edinburgh has enough Christmas magic to melt the most hardened of Ebenezers. Here’s why the city has got Christmas wrapped up.
Scotland’s capital gives some of Europe’s more long-running Christmas markets a run for their money when it’s taken over for six weeks of yuletide magic, running this year until January 4, 2020.
Wrap up warm and sip on mulled wine as you wander the stalls at East Princes Street Gardens, selling everything from sheepskin slippers and handmade pottery plates to quirky Christmas decorations and nutcracker statues big and small.
Follow the waft of waffles and bratwurst to the food stalls to keep you going in between all the shopping or take a break at the fairylight-covered Johnnie Walker Bothy Bar for a mulled wine or hot cider.
As if that wasn’t enough to keep you entertained, there’s a host of dazzling, whizzing rides for little ones – and big kids at heart.
The Star Flyer, which spins 60 metres above the heart of Edinburgh is not for the faint-heated, but there’s also plenty of tamer attractions.
Enjoy the more leisurely pace of The Forth 1 Big Wheel, a landmark of the city’s skyline over Christmas, as its enclosed pods give you a bird’s eye view of the city while a soundtrack provides some fun facts.
You can also get lost in the Christmas Tree Maze which is perfect for Santa’s little helpers who’ll relish the challenge of finding their way to the Elves’ workshop.
*Entry to the Christmas market is free, but there’s differing costs for the rides.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the markets for an evening meal in one of Edinburgh’s many restaurants. A melting pot of flavours from all corners of the globe are available to sate your appetite, but if you fancy feasting on a true taste of Scotland, head to Wedgewood The Restaurant on the Royal Mile.
If you’re really hungry, try the Wee Tour of Scotland tasting menu (£55), featuring some of the finest Scotland’s larder has to offer: Skye lobster, Sound of Kilbrannan scallops, Mull of Kintyre cheddar, Peterhead cod and more.