For many that’ll mean a visit to their local Christmas market or a trip to bigger cities such as Edinburgh’s famous offering.
Despite seeming like a free pre-Christmas day out for all the family, let’s be honest, the markets can often come with a price tag attached. With reports of a ride on the Forth 1 Big Wheel in Edinburgh’s market costing £10 per person or £30 for a family of four, and mulled wine costing between £6 and £7 it’s important to be prepared ahead of any trips.
Of course no one wants to be a Scrooge on a festive day out, so our Christmas correspondent Maxine McCreadie, has offered a few tips on how you can make the most of your festivities whilst keeping the costs low.
Spend with cash, not your card, when possible
First things first. Set a spending limit when you go out.
Be realistic about what you can afford to spend, taking other expenses you’ve got this month into consideration. Presents, socialising and that all important Christmas dinner can all add up, so make sure you’ve got anything additional covered in your budget.
It’s also a good idea to lift cash to spend rather than tapping your card or phone. Understandably, not all vendors take cash after Covid, but where possible it’s better to use money rather than your card. Physical spending makes it more tangible and helps to resist the temptation to overspend.
Don’t buy for the sake of it
When you’re planning your trip it can be helpful to have an idea of what you’re going for.
Are you going for a wander to soak up the atmosphere? Are you grabbing a bite to eat? Or are you looking for a quirky present you won’t find on the high street?
No matter what, make sure you prioritise your must-haves before you get caught up in the excitement of the day.
Bring your own snacks
Right, stick with us here. If you’re planning a day out to the shows or just out for a wander to see the lights, don’t feel pressured to spend a fortune on snacks.
According to reports fan-favourites such as Currywurst can cost up to £8 for one serving so feeding the family could cost a festive fortune.
Of course we’re not suggesting you don’t have a treat if you fancy one but equally don’t be afraid to take your own Christmas goodies for the kids to enjoy.
Look for cheaper travel options
If you’re making the journey to a market outside your local area, it’s important to look at the easiest and cheapest way to get there.
Scotrail has currently scrapped peak rail fares as part of a six month trial. That means adults travelling from Glasgow to Edinburgh will pay £14.90 instead of the typical £28.90 for peak time travel. Meanwhile Inverurie residents travelling to Aberdeen will pay £8.90 rather than £11.10 during peak hours.
If you’re a driver, make sure you consider nearby park and ride parking facilities or pre-book parking in advance to try and make savings wherever possible. If you do choose to take the car, be sure to check low emission zone regulations before heading off to avoid costly fines.
Mindful spending is important
Commenting on the Christmas market spending tips, Maxine added: “It’s no secret that Christmas is an exciting period and many may find themselves overspending to have a good time.
“During the current cost of living crisis, we recognise that many people are struggling financially meaning that this time of year, which is supposed to be filled with happiness and joy, is often met with stress and anxiety.
“With that in mind, we hope these tips will help people make informed spending decisions to avoid spending outside of your means this Christmas, as the joy will be short-lived if you risk falling into debt.”
