German, Highland, ethical and farmer are just of the themes that make up this year’s Christmas markets. Edinburgh city centre is ready to get fully into the Christmas swing of things with Winter Wonderland offering its usual range of events, including ice skating, and markets popping up all over town with their crafts, food, and gift ideas.

Traditional German Market
This is always one of the most popular of all the Christmas markets. Edinburgh welcomes traders from Frankfurt for a whole month leading up to Christmas, who bring their stalls of gifts as well as the traditional food and drink that everyone loves tucking into. In town and in need of a winter warming drink? The cups of Gluhwein at the German markets are the perfect tipple on a frosty winter’s day. Opening times are 10am-8pm, Sunday-Wednesday; 10am-10pm, Thursday-Saturday.

Highland Village
In prime position next to the ice rink and the Edinburgh Wheel, you can keep it Scottish by visiting this patriotic member of the Christmas markets. Edinburgh East Princes Street Gardens is the beautiful setting for these stalls which offer traditional Scottish produce as well as venison burgers from the renowned Well Hung and Tender company. Opening times are 10am-8pm, Sunday-Wednesday; 10am-10pm, Thursday-Saturday. Entry is free.

Ethical Fair
If you’re committed to fair trade and green issues are high on the list of your priorites, this is an essential stop off on your tour of the Christmas markets. Edinburgh Castle Street hosts the eco-friendly stalls from Saturday 12th December – Sunday 20th December and you will be able to buy everything from eco-friendly gadgets to Fairtrade chocolate.

Farmers' Market
Taking place every Saturday on the run upto Christmas, this is where you can pick up local and seasonal produce at Christmas markets. Edinburgh foodies should make a beeline to Castle Terrace between 9am-2pm on Saturdays as you will be able to your hands on speciality game and meats, home-made chutneys and rustic loaves of bread.

The Christmas markets will be at Mound Precinct, East Princes Street Gardens, Castle Street, Castle Terrace, Thursday 26th November – Thursday 24th December 2009.