Counting the cost of a Christmas treat

The survey, commissioned by Gocompare.com, questioned more than 400 parents on their plans for Christmas-themed trips and entertainment such as visiting Santa, watching the switching on of the Christmas lights or a trip to the pantomime.

Parents said that, on average, they spent around £11 per child on a visit to Santa, but a good number had spent considerably more.

Nearly a quarter of those surveyed said they had paid between £11 and £20, while 12 per cent had spent over £20 per child.

Claire Peate, customer insight manager from Gocompare.com, said: “Christmas is traditionally a time of year when families get together to spend time with each other but, as our survey shows, it is also peak time for businesses to sell us Christmas experiences – from Winter Wonderlands and festive ice-skating rinks to visiting Santa ‘at home’ in Lapland.

“While as parents, we all want our children to have a magical Christmas, the cost of Christmas presents, treats and activities can quickly mount up.

“As a result, it might be wise to consider agreeing a budget for Christmas treats so that spending doesn’t get out of control.”