The festive season is here! The décor and themed events are out in full force. The fact it gets dark at 3.30pm now definitely makes the Christmas lights welcome and acceptable this early in the season. The St Andrews study abroad coordinators organised a day trip to the Edinburgh Christmas Market this weekend with a free coach service there and back. It was nice to get out of St Andrews for a bit and absorb some hardcore festivity. Edinburgh is also a really beautiful city; the buildings are all so old and fancy looking and there’s loads of interesting streets to explore.

The Christmas market takes place near Waverley train station, just off the main shopping street, with Edinburgh Castle looming in the background. The whole place was quite hectic because the Black Friday sales were still happening (American culture has successfully infiltrated Scotland). It had quite a carnival feel with lots of fun fair rides and street theatre. There were also lots of outdoor bars selling mulled wine and hot chocolate. The hot drinks were very welcome because it was about 5 degrees and drizzling.

I planned on getting some bits and pieces for Christmas gifts but ended up just buying a lot of food as everything looked so yum. (I 100% recommend the fudge from Fudge House in Edinburgh). There were also some great mini pancakes with a 1:5 pancake to Nutella ratio.

 

This market runs for basically the whole of December, so I can easily visit again, maybe as a break during exams! Edinburgh is about an hour from St Andrews by train and the tickets are usually around £10 so a day trip is pretty doable.

St Andrews also has its own Christmas market later this month so there’s no shortage of these cute as events.

Until next time!