Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is a massive event that essentially takes over the city centre of the capital.
Thousands of residents and tourists flock to the spectacle but at a time when the cost of living crisis is deepening, many families may be wondering if they can afford a trip up the town.
We tried to think of things that a family would expect for a full day out and thought that you would like something to eat and drink, a ride on the big wheel, a visit to Santa Land and a few attractions there, a skate in the ice rink and perhaps a memento for the kids to remember their visit.
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Our cost breakdown will be based on a standard family of four.
Now prices will vary depending on whether you are a family who has travelled to Edinburgh for a weekend or day out during Christmas or whether you are a family who stay within an EH postcode.
Those who are able to prove that they have an EH postcode are able to claim 20 per cent off on the price of any rides.
It is worth noting that you do not require a ticket in order to visit the Christmas Market at East Princes Street Gardens or to visit Santa Land at West Princes Street Gardens.
So let's assume that you want to start on George Street at the ‘Lidl On Ice’ rink that sits between Charlotte Square and Castle Street.
Standard adult tickets cost £13 whilst concessions are priced at £12 and kids at £11 - but a 20 per cent discount can be applied on the above if EH residents.
A penguin stabiliser for kids can be purchased for £5 and all skate hire costs are included in the price.
So for a family of four with a discount to ice skate with one stabiliser would cost £38.40 - whereas without a discount it would come to £53.
From the ice rink, it is a short walk down to Santa Land where the kids would be able to enjoy some traditional fairground rides.
Say the whole family wants a go on the Waltzers - which cost £6 a head - the damage to the purse strings would come in at £19.20 with discount and £24 without.
Feeling a little bit dizzy as the costs begin to mount up, you may think that you want to relax on a ride that is more friendly for the youngest member of the family, and what would be better than Runaway Train at £4 a head.
With discount this would come to £12.80 and without it would be £16.
Having had your fill of festive joy at Santa Land, the next stop is the Christmas Market to grab a bite to eat - after all that skating and spinning does build up a hunger.
Let's say you can split a large Bratwurst and chips between one adult and child, you would be looking at paying £25 all in all - Bratwurst £8 and chips £4.50.
But you need something to wash that down with and so two mulled wines would come to £14 and two hot chocolates for the kids £10.
Having refuelled, what better activity to take in than having a trip on the Forth 1 Big Wheel - which can be booked in advance.
Family tickets can be bought for two adults and two children or one adult and three children for the price of £30 without discount or £24 with discount.
Now all that is left to buy is a small cuddly toy for each child to help them to remember their amazing family day out!
The cutest stuffed animals we could find were going from £7-10 and let’s be honest, siblings never want the same thing, so one picks the fox and the other the pig, meaning you have to fork out a further £15.
So by our calculation, an average day out for a family with a discount would come to: £158.40 - whilst those without an EH discount would see a typical day out costing £187.
You can now rest easy in your hotel room or on the bus home knowing that the whole family has had a fantastic trip to Edinburgh’s Christmas Market.
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