Every year around this time my friends and I bundle up and trudge down to the Christmas market below the mound, fighting the crowds and defying the cold just to get a bit of the holiday experience so widely publicised. It’s a treat, usually after a long week of studying or to celebrate the final class of the semester, but although it’s a one off I still wish it wasn’t so expensive.

I’ve been three times in the last week and a half and overall I think I have spent upwards of around £30, without even getting to go on any of the rides! The sad thing is one trip can cost a good amount on its own if you want something to eat, drink and then go on a ride and buy a present for someone.

This cost damage is something many are willing to pay for. Couples and families are all too happy to fork out the tenner per person to ice-skate for an hour or so then come off after 30 minutes of falling down and slipping. To try and conserve a bit of that all important student finance, it’s best to pick out specifically what you want to experience before you go; why not tie your trip in with Santa coming on the 3rd ?

My perfect trip would have to include a ride on the Edinburgh wheel; at only £4 it’s well worth it, and combined with a Nutella crepe and a glass of mulled wine the most it will cost is £15 for the whole trip. However, when it comes to the gifts you can buy, it is a bit disappointing. Aromatic coffee is wafted throughout the market but on purchasing said coffee beans the bags were very small and really not worth £10. Likewise, the goodie bags of waffle and marshmallows fell short at 10 mixed pieces for £5. Buying presents, while it may seem lovely, is a bit of a rip off when it comes to the Christmas market. The fact is you are paying the extra 20 per cent simply because you are buying it from a quaint little pretend village.

Generally the food is the best part of the market. On a cold clear night, with your breath fogging in front of you there is nothing better than a fresh baked pretzel or sausage sandwich from the German market. Of course if you prefer the Scottish food the fair caters to those needs as well with steak sandwiches made from Aberdeen angus beef. One thing I would say about going after 5pm is that it is incredibly busy. If you don’t mind waiting in line or having to navigate your way through large crowds of families and tourists, then night time in the market can be a fabulous way to unwind. If you go before it gets dark it is far easier to get around, shop, go on rides and relax; no waiting and the pace is far more leisurely.

I love the Christmas market, and even though I am not alone in the issues surrounding its cost, the fact is I am paying for the experience. When it comes down to it, although budgeting works I don’t think it’s a bad thing to splash out during Christmas. With essay deadlines and exams coming up it's good to have something to look forward to.