Last week I spent a day with some of my friends from my program in the beautiful city of Edinburgh to visit the Christmas market! It was my first Christmas market experience and it felt magical to be out of the bubble that is St. Andrews. We wandered the city streets among the holiday shoppers, drank mulled wine, ate gingerbread cookies and marzipan, enjoyed some roasted chestnuts, and all the Christmas things you know. If you have a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit, it’s almost impossible to leave feeling that after you visit the Edinburgh Christmas Markets! Since I had such a good time, I decided to put together a list of unique things to do at the Edinburgh Christmas Market. Some of these tips can be applied to Christmas markets in other parts of the world too, so keep an eye out!
Roasted Chestnuts
Not particularly one of the unique things to do at the Edinburgh Christmas Markets, but it is something you have to do at all Christmas Markets! Roast Chestnuts have the most wonderful aroma, gives you a warming sensation, and nothing screams Christmas than roasted chestnuts. We grabbed chestnuts as we walked in and just ate them randomly throughout our walk around the market.
Drink Mulled Wine
Another one filed away next to roasted chestnut and I still think it’s one of the unique things to do at the Edinburgh Christmas Markets and that is grabbing some mulled wine. I ended up paying the extra for the deposit so I could keep the mug too! It was aromatic, warm, and gently spiced. I wouldn’t miss out on this experience!
Shop Local
Scotland has such an incredible history that is significantly different than other parts of Europe. We wandered the stalls and I would say that one of the most unique things to do at the Edinburgh Christmas Markets is to shop local. You’ll see local craftsmen selling gift items that use traditional and technical craftmanship. You’ll see woolwork, woodwork, and more!
Ice Skating
The Edinburgh Christmas Market is right in the middle of the old city. When everything surrounding it lights up, it’s the most beautiful sight you will see! Make sure to use that opportunity to go ice skating! Even if you’re a complete novice, like myself, you can still go using an assist! We had a blast doing this!
Ride the Christmas Wheel
The Christmas wheel is one of the unique things to do at the Edinburgh Christmas markets. The wheel might seem tacky, but I suggest riding on it during the day. You’ll get to see so much of the old city! You won’t want to miss it.
Buy Marzipan Treats
I won’t lie, I’m new to marzipan and died when I finally saw them in person. They’re not used a lot in American bakes and when I saw big egg-shaped marzipan treats, we had to give them a try. I ended up purchasing a few marzipan biscuits to wrap up and gift them! They come in beautiful containers and are very decadent!
What are some unique things to do at the Edinburgh Christmas markets?
