Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets
Despite commonly being referred to as the Edinburgh Christmas Market, this seasonal shopping opportunity in Scotland’s capital is actually a collection of 4 markets operating throughout the festive season at various times. Probably the most widely known is the German market which owes it’s origins to traditional German Christmas markets that date back to the late middle ages. In many German towns, the opening of the “Weihnachtsmarkt” heralds the start of Advent, and it is almost always held in the town square.
Edinburgh’s German Christmas market is provided by stallholders based in Frankfurt, and as such, many of the traditional stalls and seasonal items for sale have made a successful transition to their Edinburgh counterpart. You’ll find stall holders selling everything from traditional gingerbread biscuits known as Magenbrot and Lebkuchen to the mulled wine (Gluhwein) and egg-based alcoholic drink Eierspunch. There’s always selection of traditional German drinks to warm you from the inside, not to mention a multitude of traditional foods to try from a wide selection of sausages to fried potato cakes and crepes. You’ll find handmade Christmas decorations, toys, jewellery, ornaments, clothing and many other hand crafted present ideas, making the Edinburgh Christmas Market a great choice when you’re looking for a unique, traditional gift for someone special.
The Highland Village Market is a source of an eclectic selection of Scottish produce – the Highland Village style market sells food, drink, clothing and jewellery from across Scotland.
From Scottish delicacies to toys and hand knitted hats, this market is varied and fun. The multitude of gift options and Scottish produce on sale include jewellery, quirky clothes and candles, not to mention the vast array of offerings from Scottish food producers and retailers.
Both the above markets run from late November, through to Christmas Eve, with the Highland Village Market continuing to run into January.
The Real Scottish Christmas Fair and the Ethical Christmas Fair run back to back in Castle Street, Edinburgh in December. Housed in a marquee on Castle Street, the real Scottish fair offers plenty of tempting Christmas shopping, traditional and contemporary Scottish music, food and drink samples, tastings, information, innovation and inspiration! Hot food and drinks are available throughout to help you maintain your shopping stamina!
For fair trade, ethical, environmentally friendly Christmas presents and gifts, The Ethical Christmas Fair is well established as the place to shop. Boasting more than 30,000 visitors last year, and with exhibitors from across the globe returning year on year to trade, sell and promote their beautiful products. This is the Edinburgh Christmas Market to buy truly unique jewellery, crafts, home wares, food, drinks, scarves, hats, music and much more.