Here’s what you need to know to avoid being disappointed at the Edi Christmas Market

When you’re surrounded by tourists who’ve spent thousands just to stay here for a few days, living in Edinburgh at Christmas can feel quite lucky. Who else can say they get the Edinburgh Christmas Markets at their doorstop for a whole two months?

But one trip to markets on opening night quickly had me wondering if my financial situation was any better off than the tourists around me – forking out practically one months rent for a hot chocolate has to do something to you psychologically. Here’s what £50 can get you this year.

1. Roast Dinner Wrap: £19.

Verdict? Yes, Yes until my bank account gives out:

Terrible day to be a Yorkshire pudding

Packed with turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy and cranberry sauce and wrapped in a fluffy Yorkshire pudding, this wrap did not disappoint. I haven’t had a roast dinner since I moved to Edinburgh, but safe to say my craving has been satisfied. 

My only issue with this was the price – £19 is ridiculously steep even for Christmas market standards. I couldn’t convince my friends to buy this one with me, but it was honestly delicious. With beef and pork options also available, this isn’t one to pass on if you miss your parents’ Sunday cooking – just close your eyes when you tap your card.

2. Apple crumble (and custard): £7

Verdict? Leave it:

Not even Oliver Twist would ask for more

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As you can see, this apple crumble was less crumble and more breadcrumb – it took literally one stir of the spoon for the crumble to disappear entirely. I’m not saying that the apple and custard gloop that I was left with wasn’t nice, but it certainly wasn’t what I was promised, especially considering the £7 I paid.

3. Around the World: £11

Verdict? Meh, if you want:

“OMG you can see Hive from up here!”

They’re very clever making you queue just to find out the price for this ride because you end up waiting so long to get to the ticket booth that £11 doesn’t seem so bad by time you get there. The ride itself goes above the top of Scott’s Monument for a decent amount of time and gives you great views of the city, I’ve been on my fair share of these rides, this one takes the cake.

Don’t bother going on this as well as the LNER sponsored ferris wheel though, choose one or the other. Both rides are the same price and give you the exact same views of Edinburgh. As for the price, £11 is steep, but at least it won’t be delayed.

4. Bacon Mac and Cheese: £10.50

Verdict? Nothing you’ve not had before:

Could’ve just done it at home tbh

Mixed reviews on their mac and cheese – not bad but nothing exciting. The highlight for this was the portion size, which was honestly too big to finish and made the £10.50 slightly more justified. Nothing about mac and cheese really screams Christmas to me personally, but my friend is American, so maybe it reminded them of home. 

Overall verdict? Maybe, but it’s always there next year

Visiting the Markets at Christmas is an Edinburgh staple, and you shouldn’t opt out simply on the grounds that they’re expensive. However, it’s undeniable that they are very, very expensive. Student budgeting at this time of year can be difficult, so I wouldn’t blame you if you went once and once only – I certainly won’t be going back until my bank balance has recovered slightly. Maybe this year is the year to skip secret Santa.