A steaming mug of Gluhwein is a ‘must have’ accessory at a Christmas market. Where better to sup it than a city that spends the festive season celebrating German culture and tartan treasure simultaneously? Life in the streets and gardens of the city centre is splashed with colour and light at Christmas. From the top of the Edinburgh wheel, visitors have a bird’s eye view of this fairy lit Scottish cityscape complete with fairground, ice rink and two Christmas markets.
The German Christmas Market is one of the centrepieces of the Edinburgh festive season. Situated on the Mound Precinct, close to the National Gallery of Scotland, it is a truly continental experience. Illuminated wood cabins are laden with hand blown baubles, toys, glassware and candles, and the German vendors give the market an authenticity other themed markets can only dream of.
And the food! Leaving aside the Gluhwein, (but not for long), buy or try a huge range of sausages, dumplings, liver pate, and puddings. The cakes and sweets would force a Scot to let out his kilt, and the sweet bread is beyond compare.
Eat and drink like the Germans do while enjoying a stately view of the castle, or soak up the fairground atmosphere of the Winter Wonderland in Princes Street Gardens. Just next door, the Highland Village Christmas Market 2010 will be in full swing. This market has food, drink, clothing and jewellery from all over Scotland. It is the best of local and national craft; all in one scenic location.
Then, perhaps a short walk across Princes Street for some big name shopping. Gap, Debenhams, M&S, and the fabulous Jenners - Edinburgh’s answer to Bloomingdales, are all within a stone’s throw.
And if you are lucky you might just have time for another Gluhwein before our coach arrives to take you to tomorrow’s shopping stop in Glasgow, via some excellent Scottish hospitality and a comfortable bed.
