The first signs of the Christmas market going up is enough to get anyone feeling festive. At night the sounds, lights and smells can't help but put you in the mood for Christmas. This year we followed Scaramanga bag owner Laura around Edinburgh's christmas markets to see what it's all about.
Laura is from Toronto in Canada and has lived in Scotland for three years. Being from Cananda she certainly knows what winter is like and says she much prefers the winter here! She likes to keep herself busy with her upholstery course. Today she is out and about with her 15' Satchel which is the perfect size for a day out and about in the city.
The Edinburgh Christmas market runs over six weeks in the heart of the city. Situated in both St Andrews Sqaure (There's an ice rink around the monument!) and East Princes St Gardens. Over the six weeks the festival is host to a number of live shows, markets and rides which includes a big wheel!
The market is generally quieter during the day so we followed Laura around the markets looking at stalls we would like to revisit in the evening when all the lights are on. As the cold started to set in we took a rest in Laura's work. The Devils Advocate is a bar and restaurant hidden just off of Cockburn street. A refurbished victorian pump house this cosy bar serves a seasonal Scottish menu and is furnished with cosy booths and vintage furniture.
After a warming coffee and a pint of local beer we wrapped up and headed out into the market. By this time the whole place is beautifully lit up with the various stalls crowded with shopper and those who are curious. The 'food court' has a fantastic atmosphere with smells of fresh shortbread and stollen blending with coffee and warm winter alcohol. Most stalls offer a sample so it's a great chance to have a taste and bite here and there.
Entertainment for the family lies in the bottom of the garden where various rides and a christmas tree maze keep the children occupied whilst they wait for the train to take them round the gardens before seeing the man himself, Santa, in his grotto.
Laura especially liked the wooden nutcrackers and pipe smokers who all seem to have their own personality!
Our next stop was to the fair at St Andrews square. The square is very beautifully decorated with lights and wooden stalls. The square is a great chance to see some fantastic Scottish produce including fudge, chocolate, local meats and beer (The Eden brewery is situated between the shops in Cupar and St Andrews).
After a bite to eat and a good look around the stalls, both Laura and her bag were full so it was time to head back somewhere warm and wrap her presents!
Thanks to Laura for letting Scaramanga follow her around for a day at the Christmas Market. Get her look HERE.
