04 December 2023 , 10:54
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The UK's most beautiful Christmas market has a towering Ferris wheel and glittering lights which twinkle against the cold night's sky.
Edinburgh is inarguably one of the prettiest cities in the UK, thanks to its winding cobbled streets that run up and down a dramatic hilly landscape which creates stunning views from various vantage points. One of the best ways to take in these sights is from the top of the Forth 1 Big Wheel, which has returned to East Princes Street Gardens this year.
Riders are given a unique perspective of the spectacular city, including incredible views of the historic Old Town, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, as well as sparkling evening views of Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions. The enclosed pods mean you won't even have to brace yourself against the Scottish mizzle or claps too firmly onto your warming cup of mulled wine as you enjoy the scenery.
The wheel and such scenes have contributed to the Christmas market in the heart of Edinburgh being named the most beautiful in the country by Christmas Tree World, which ranked the various fairs based on how many Instagram mentions they have.
The lit up Ferris wheel towers over the Christmas market (Getty Images)The market is open in the Scottish capital until January 6, making it one of the longest running in the country.
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One of the big attractions across the run is Santa's Story time. Father Christmas and some very helpful elves will be tucked away in St Andrew's Square ready to welcome children and families. In a warm environment they provide a magical Christmas storytelling in group sessions for up to 22 children. At the end of the tale each child will have the opportunity to meet Santa and receive a gift.
There are a bevvy of independent retailers across the market itself that provide great gift buying opportunities, including t he Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company , LoudElephant , From the Olive Tree , Hairy Fairy Gifts and The Christmas Nutcracker Shop.
Shoppers can take a trip down one of the city’s most famous streets for shopping just off the Gardens as George Street becomes home to a stunning selection of Christmas markets and boutique traders including family-run Soctopus, locals Brownhill Whisky and Native Handicraft.
Foodies looking for tasty festive treats in East Princes Street Gardens can try out everything from Ting Thai’s award-winning Pad Thai to hot pies from Jarvis Pickle Kitchen and finish off with sweet churros, crepes and waffles, or luxury hot chocolate from Hector and Harriet.
One writer recently made a trip to the Christmas market. While he found the experience to be a little on the dear side of things in terms of food and drink, he was impressed with the low cost of the some of the crafts on display, and advised punters to go after dark for the most festive experience.
According to the rankings from Christmas Tree World, Bath is the second-most beautiful Christmas market in the UK, with a total of 32,300 Instagram mentions. Running until December 10, it is one of the shorter fairs this year but certainly worth a visit. The enchanting Georgian streets of the Somerset city make almost feel as if they were specifically made for Christmas.
Birmingham is the UK’s third-most beautiful Christmas market, with a total of 20,300 Instagram mentions. Running until the 2h of December, Christmas-goers still have plenty of time to get their perfect winter wonderland shot.