Two weeks ago, Edinburgh Christmas Market once again returned to Princes Street Gardens, symbolising the start of festivities. Tourists galore rushed to the Hallmark movie-esque stalls, the scent of cinnamon hanging in the air. As students, the gifts available on the stalls threaten to break both the bank and our sanity as we push through crowds in search of the perfect, last minute presents.
Here at The Student, we are offering an alternative – a gateway into the calming haven of Edinburgh’s many craft markets, offering more personal and affordable options from wonderful local makers. Whether you’re looking for a festive break from revision or aiming to buy all your presents in the space of 24 hours, these markets will ensure your suitcase is jam-packed with presents ahead of your return home this Christmas.
Drill Hall’s Winter Arts Market: 6th to 8th December
Drill Hall is a gorgeous space, known in the surrounding community as a hive of creativity – and this Christmas in no different. With free entry, the market will offer an array of over 100 independent businesses selling handcrafted gifts and art, from Lino prints to dog coats to sustainable soap. For the complete festive experience, why not treat yourself to some homemade mulled wine from Drill Hall Café? (Timings vary between the days so please consult Drill Hall’s Instagram.)
Summerhall’s Christmas Market: 7th and 8th December, 11am-5pm
Step into the beautiful courtyard of Summerhall and you will be transported into a Winter Wonderland, with Santa himself helping you tick off gifts for all of your friends and family. Though entry will set you back £3 (unless baby-faced enough to pass as under 18), the market promises to be worthwhile, with over 70 stalls offering “artisanal crafts and goods”, including some unique options, such as screen-printing your own t-shirt, guaranteed to secure your spot as best gift giver.
Topping Co.’s Mulled Wine and Merriment: 12th December 4-9pm
Though not an arts market, Topping Co. is too desirable and iconic to be missed off recommendations for Christmas shopping in Edinburgh. The one-off event will see Edinburgh’s blue cornerstone open its doors a little later for a night, bursting with festive joy and, as ever, an infinite selection of books. With complimentary gift wrapping, mince pies, and mulled wine, what more could you want? Perhaps a book for yourself, wink wink.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Craft and Flea: 14th December 10am-4pm
Overlooking the 40-minute commute and £3 entry, The Pitt Market is a suitable setting for a mini day trip to break up study sessions with a few hours of hopping between market stalls. A Christmas twist on the regular Craft & Flea markets seen across the UK, the event will be a hunting ground of artsy designs and gifts such as pottery and candles, as well as vintage gems, making for perfect presents, even for those I-have-everything-I-need people.
Photo by Anni Hodgkinson