Castle Street Christmas Market

Castle Street Christmas Market returns to Edinburgh New Town on Wednesday 25 November, running through to 22 December. It's a good stretch of dates, so you've got nearly a month to work around. The market takes over Castle Street, tucked between Princes Street and Rose Street, with the castle as a backdrop to the colourful gazebos that line the road.

Since 2007, it's been a spot for independent makers rather than the big commercial stalls you find elsewhere. The gazebos are stocked with original art, handcrafted jewellery, woodwork, clothing, candles, homeware and decorations, alongside baked goods and local beverages. It's the kind of place where you'll find things made by the people selling them, which makes it a decent bet for Christmas shopping if you're after something a bit more thoughtful than a high-street gift set.

Edinburgh's Christmas market scene has a fair bit of history behind it. The city's first dates back to 1999, when it opened as the German Market selling sausages, waffles, pretzels and crafts. Since then, the festive market scene has grown into one of the most popular in the UK, and Castle Street has become a regular part of that, bringing the independent side of things into the New Town.

Entry is free, and it runs daily from 10am to 7pm, with Sundays closing a bit earlier at 6pm. With the market open every day from late November until just before Christmas, you can drop in whenever it suits you.