Savour the festive atmosphere and unique Christmas shopping in the Grassmarket

Greater Grassmarket promises to turn into a Christmas shopping mecca this winter with a range of new shops and festive Saturday markets offering seasonal treats and gifts as well as helping visitors with their Christmas food shop.

Until 21 December, shoppers also benefit from the Grassmarket and NCP Castle Terrace’s offer of all-day Saturday parking for £8.

Unique Christmas shopping

Stuck for a present for someone that’s truly hard to buy for? Brand-new award-winning luxury brand Strathberry of Scotland opened its flagship store in the area just a few weeks ago and offers hand-crafted bags and accessories made from high-quality Scottish tweed for both men and women. Their unique blend of yarns makes for a lighter, silkier tweed for all seasons.

Not quirky enough? How about a retro balloon mobile to brighten up a kids’ bedroom or vintage nautical-themed gifts? Old Town Context stocks these and many other unusual items that make perfect, beautiful presents for those who already claim to have everything.

“A walk around the Grassmarket and surrounding streets is ideal to be inspired with gift ideas suited to any budget” says Greater Grassmarket BID project manager Georgia Artus.

“The Greater Grassmarket area is a paradise for shoppers looking to make sure their presents are unique this Christmas. With shops representing independent designers and a number of designers operating their own shops here, it’s the perfect place to hunt for one-off pieces.

“On Saturdays throughout December, our weekly markets will do their bit to add to the festive atmosphere with special treats and, of course, mulled wine.”

Festive Saturday markets

For those with a sweet tooth The Marshmallow Lady and Mademoiselle Macaron have created a bespoke range of seasonally flavoured treats including gingerbread and even a Hendrick’s flavoured macaron. Available for a limited time only, they are a perfect accompaniment to a cup of Christmas tea from the Leith Tea Company.

Ridley’s Fish & Game will take pre-orders for that special Christmas goose and can also supply rarer game birds such as partridge. Their sustainably sourced oysters from the east coast make a luxurious addition to any Christmas meal.

Close by, The Organic Veggie Trader can prepare a box of all the vegetables you need to create a perfect Christmas feast – Brussel sprouts included. Saturday market shoppers can order at one of the forthcoming markets and pick up their produce at the last pre-Christmas market on 21 December.

Christmas shoppers are treated to even more choice with foodie presents, artwork from Edinburgh-based Nem Sarton aka Nematode, and there are even Christmas presents for dogs such as lunch treats with turkey breast and vegetables and Christmas cookies dipped in carob and yogurt .

“Historically, the Grassmarket has always been an important place for traders to come and exchange their wares”, says Georgia Artus.

“Our local businesses and our markets are the perfect place to find not only a range of Christmas presents with a difference, but also to buy fresh produce, meat, fish and speciality breads that have been responsibly sourced or come directly from the producer.

“Add to that our fantastic parking offer and it’s easy to see why the area is perfect for soaking up a little festive atmosphere whilst doing your Christmas shopping.”

The Grassmarket’s Christmas Markets, held on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm, feature over 20 traders each week, offering high quality, sustainably sourced produce and a range of fabulous street food.

Reduced price parking

Shoppers in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket and Old Town can save over £16 on parking at NCP Castle Terrace car park every Saturday in November and December until 21st December.

Greater Grassmarket Business Improvement District (BID) has teamed up with NCP to offer Saturday visitors to the area an opportunity to park all day for a flat fee of only £8. All shoppers need to do is validate their ticket at the information stand in the centre of the weekly market.

For more information visit grassmarket.net.