This weekend a few of the Door2Tour team headed to Edinburgh to visit the famous Christmas Markets, after all we do like to practice what we preach and try out the tours we sell.
The European Christmas Markets are based in the centre of the City and are a popular attraction for visitors and residents, positioned perfectly below The Mound in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. The markets stretch along East Princes Gardens Terrace and around Scott Monument. The numerous stalls give a real feel of a traditional Christmas Market with Christmas decorations, gifts, clothing and food stalls in abundance.
There were stalls selling Christmas tree ornaments to put the finishing touches on any Christmas tree as well as nutcrackers, Russian dolls and more. The market provides a real feast for all your senses with amazing food stalls at every turn from crepes and doughnuts to traditional gluhwein and Bratwurst sausages. There are plenty of unique arts and crafts on sale too which make the perfect unique Christmas gift for even the trickiest of recipients.
For the children there are a number of fairground rides and activities to keep them entertained including an ice rink, big wheel, Christmas Tree Maze, Helter Skelter and much more. Meanwhile for adult guests there are plenty of tipples to enjoy including mulled wine in a handy Edinburgh Christmas markets mug and much more. Adults can even enjoy their own ride on a revolving carousel bar complete with horse tables, don’t worry it moves so slowly you won’t end up feeling dizzy whilst enjoying your festive beverage!
Once you’ve finished perusing the numerous stalls at the Christmas Market there is still plenty to explore. Just a short (uphill) stroll from the markets is the chance to explore the beautiful Edinburgh Castle, set on top of the Mound the Castle offers stunning views over the City. From here there is the chance to stroll down the Royal Mile which leads to one of the Queen’s Scottish Residences Holyroodhouse, although not in residence very often she visits for one week a year in late June early July. The Royal Mile offers more great opportunities for shopping and with a number of pubs and cafes you can certainly sit and watch the world go by.
Edinburgh at Christmas is certainly a great place to visit and we all left feeling festive and ready to welcome Christmas.