“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, when Europe’s Christmas markets open for the season. Edinburgh’s market opened on November 19 and runs until  January 7, 2017. The market begins just past Waverly Station and stretches past Princes Street Gardens.

Here are some highlights that will delight both the truly young, and the young at heart!

• REINDEER LAND and SANTA LAND – Both are a kid’s delight full of rides and activities, ride the roller coaster, ride the cars on Race O Rama, slide down the twisty, winding slide of Helter Skelter, ride the Santa Train, find your way through the Christmas tree maze, sail high on the swings of the Star Flyer, visit Santa in Santa’s Grotto and much more!! My favorite activity of the evening was a ride on the Big Wheel, the ferris wheel, which provided amazing views of the holiday market and the Edinburgh skyline.

• EAT, DRINK and BE MERRY! – let’s face it, aside from shopping, my favorite part. There is traditional European fare, bratwurst, gluhwein, Czech trdelnik (pastry wrapped around a stick and then grilled, usually served with cinnamon and sugar), French tartines (open faced grilled cheese sandwiches), a Bailey’s bar to warm up with a hot toddy, German beer and cider, as well as local Scottish seafood, venison, haggis and cullen skink. What? you don’t know what cullen skink is? it’s a soup made of Scottish smoked haddock, onions and potatoes.

• RETAIL THERAPY – Finish (or start?) your holiday shopping or find something for yourself. Gift ideas range from practical and warm Scottish made scarves and gloves, holiday ornaments, fragrant dried citrus wreaths, dishes, carved wood gifts, toys, lighting, gourmet culinary products, plus much more!

There are many other events and activities that are taking place across Edinburgh for the holiday season, ice skating in St. Andrew Square, a Scottish Market on George Street that opens on November 26th, the Street of Light on George St., and a Santa Run, just to name a few. Check here for a full list.