One of my favourite parts of the city during the holidays, and the thing that I think lends it the most holiday cheer is the Traditional German Christmas Market. Set up every year and officially opened on the day of the lighting of the city ceremony (which happens on November 23rd in 2006...check local listings for dates and times each year) and which I feel officially kicks off the Christmas season. Very easy to find (and in fact hard to miss) the German market is set up on the Mound Precinct, just off of Princes Street to your left and just down the hill from the Royal Mile. At night the view of the market along side the Winter Wonderland in Princes Street Gardens and the giant Edinburgh Wheel near the Scott Monument is impossible to miss, and even harder to resist.

From far up Princes Street you can hear the carols that ring out and smell the glorious smells that come from the market itself. Decked out in traditional German attire, the small collection of wooden buildings that spring up on the mound are as festive and pleasant as they could possibly be. The stalls have everything from woollen goods, local products, toys, and homemade candles. There are carved wooden things from Germany and jewellery and mittens and an eclectic array of goods that range all the way to the wheel. There is even a palm reader set up for those interested.

And because you are in Edinburgh in the middle of winter, there is no shortage of warm refreshments. Stands offer big steaming mugs of hot chocolate and mulled wine which sell pretty much as fast as they are made. There are stands selling freshly cooked Aberdeen Angus burgers whose smell will draw you clear across the gardens. There is also no small selection of nuts and cheeses and other specialty items that you can only find in the German market. Opening on the 23rd of November, the market stays open clear through until Christmas Eve.

The market is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday from 12am to 8pm. This is just one of the most perfect bits of Edinburgh in Christmas time and if you are planning on visiting the city at this time of year it is absolutely not to be missed. The pipers, carollers, and brass bands play down the road and can be heard while browsing the market. At night the lights from the wonder land and the Edinburgh wheel make for a really magical environment. Really, this is great for everyone. Families or just tourists...if you are in the area when the market is in town you should certainly pay it a visit.