Once again East Princes Street Gardens hosts one of the UK’s most stunning Christmas Markets, offering a range of craft and food and drink stalls as well as rides and attractions, all against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. The team were invited along to try some of the exciting rides and food stalls – so we kicked off our Christmas with a group visit!
We began our visit with a trip on the Forth 1 Big Wheel – and spilt between two of the pods. Not called ‘the most Instagrammable Christmas spot’ for no reason – the views were utterly amazing – but I was rather reluctant to let go of my seat right at the top! The 60m high Star Flyer looks amazing, but I’m really not sure I’m brave enough!
Back with our feet on the ground, we explored some of the food offerings but couldn’t get the kids past the Mac Shack with their variety of cheesy options! The adults were very grateful that Johnnie Walker continues its partnership with the festival this year with the Jonnie Walker Bothy Bar – so we could grab a round of Johnnie Walker Hot Apple Toddys and Bailey’s Hot Chocolates!
Fortified with food and drink, we explored the various levels of the markets and found some rides for our smaller team members! The Edinburgh Christmas Tree Maze has always been a favourite, and the kids love to wave at anyone riding the Santa train! But the absolute hit, year after year, seems to be the race-o-rama; we did have to wonder whether we’ll be taking this snap when they’re 18 too!
Do check out the Edinburgh Christmas website this year as, aside from the Christmas market, there are a lot of events on round the city and many are free. We’ll be attending our local community Christmas next week – in which a local building will be brought to life with winter projections accompanied by a local choir. The perfect thing to maintain that festive mood!
