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Edinburgh's Christmas

Now I may be biased, having lived there for five years until this June, but I would say Edinburgh is one of the best places to visit at Christmastime.

The Christmas market pops up beside the National Galleries and alongside Princes Street Gardens, with a view to the Christmas tree that has appeared on the Mound under the shadow of the Castle. If you head there well wrapped up and with an empty stomach, you're bound to have a good time!

This year it's a little different, but with the exception of the skating rink having downsized and moved locations, I'd say it's an improvement! There's now lots more bars with a bit of seating area which was sorely lacking in previous years, and the festivities have now expanded to include a market at St Andrews Square.


I'll be hard pressed to beat the fun times I've had in Edinburgh at Christmas with my uni friends, but having been away from my second home for a shocking six months, Mum and I thought now would be a good time to make a little trip through.

Unfortunately, I seemed to have caught a little bug and found the over-heated shops, however nicely they were decorated, unbearable to spend much time in and ended up actually being sick after dinner which scuppered my plans of sampling one too many cocktails!

But during the day I did manage to have a good wander around the re-vamped Christmas markets which definitely put me in the Christmas spirit.

After arriving about midday, we dropped our stuff at the hotel then headed to Eteaket, a lovely little cafe just off George Street which specialises in tea. I don't actually drink tea, but I love Eteaket anyway - they have a great selection of savoury food as well as cakes, it's decorated really nicely and you can even get a glass of fizz, what more can you ask for?






My little bug came on about this time, which prevented me from sampling the many delicacies available. Pretty disappointing to say the least because let's be honest, the best thing about Christmas markets is the food and drink!

However, from past experience I can highly recommend the currywurst and also the crepes - if you have a sweet tooth like me go for nutella and marshmallows...and prepare to get messy!

Had I not been poorly, I definitely would have tried the 'Pimm's Hot Toffee Apple' as an alternative to mulled wine, which apparently consisted of Pimm's Elderflower and Blackberry, apple juice, lemon juice and maple syrup. If anyone has tried this please let me know what you thought of it!



 I was pleased to see the wheel now has enclosed compartments, rather than just metal bars keeping you in!

St Andrews Square
 We also took the opportunity to have a look inside The Dome, which is pretty famous in Edinburgh for having lovely decorations outside, but up until now I had not been inside. It certainly did not disappoint!





After a little rest we headed out for dinner with family, which was delicious although slightly spoiled by my subsequent illness, but I am sure this was not due to the food!

Not quite the break I expected, but nonetheless a pleasure to see Edinburgh in all its Christmas glory.

Where is your favourite place at Christmastime?

17 comments:

  1. I really need to visit Edinburgh a lot more ;) It looks lovely.

    www.bisousnatasha.com

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  2. very nice pics, looks great!!

    http://sbr-fashion-fashion.blogspot.com/

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  3. Nice pics and wow The Dome looks gorgeous! My favorite place to go around Christmastime is The Grove in Los Angeles... large outdoor shopping mall that is beautifully decorated... complete with large X-mas tree and artificial snow lightly falling. There are great restaurants AND a farmer's market adjacent to it so its become a bit a tradition. :)

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    1. Thanks!
      I have seen so much about The Grove on youtube etc. - it looks amazing! Would love to visit :)
      xx

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  4. I just came across your blog and am a fan! And what a great post! I don't know that I have a 'favorite' place to celebrate Christmas, as it is always with family, but I have always wanted to be in London for the holidays...or Fiji...either would do. :O)

    Meghan xo
    www.fancypantsandsugarshacks.com

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    1. Thank you Meghan for such a lovely comment, glad you like it! Definitely a work in progress though.
      For Christmas itself I can't imagine being anywhere at home but I like seeing different places in the Christmas season. London is lovely this time of year! But I don't think I'd say no to Fiji either!
      xx

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  5. WOW, Edinburgh if possible looks even more magical at Christmas.

    Shame you couldn't sample that Pimms toffee apple, because that actually sounds amazing.

    I miss Edinburgh so much, need to sort out my next visit.

    Hmm maybe...

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    1. It is absolutely lovely this time of year! Though usually absolutely freezing - was abnormally mild last week though.

      It does doesn't it? I very nearly did anyway, for medicinal purposes of course...but thought better of it!
      xx

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  6. Looks lovely - especially the Christmas market!!

    Josie xoxo

    Fashion Mumblr

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  7. Oh my goodness! all those lights, and decorations! I would love to visit at Scotland sometime!

    Cornelia - Ineffable Beauty

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    1. I'm a bit biased but I would say you definitely should :)
      xx

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  8. Wow!!! Amazing Christmas photos!!! Enjoy your time!!!

    With the best wishes,

    www.brandator.tv

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  9. I would really love to visit Edinburgh sometime, I've heard that it's very beautiful with lots of historic buildings. The Christmas market looks fun too - I love anything festive! x

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    1. It is gorgeous, I would recommend it to anyone - it's lovely in the summer too, when it's not as cold!
      xx

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