Visitors to a historic city’s Christmas event have taken to social media to complain about its lack of atmosphere, high prices, and overcrowding, with one person dubbing it the ‘worst Christmas market I’ve ever been to’. 

Bath Christmas Market, which is currently running in the centre of the historic city until December 14, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The website promises a cosy festive experience, stating: “Wander through the heart of Bath’s historic city centre, transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling chalets, unique gifts, and gourmet food and drink to tantalise the tastebuds. Be part of a cherished tradition that brings the spirit of Christmas to life in the heart of the city.”

The city, known for its Georgian architecture, saw its event crowned the UK’s best Christmas Market by Which?, not long after Bath was named readers’ favourite mid-sized city in the UK.

The consumer publication said: “The city got four stars for both its food and drink offerings and cultural sights in our survey – and things get even better at Christmas time, when more than 200 chalets appear. And this year is Bath Christmas Market’s 25th anniversary, so expect extra festive cheer.”

They also praised the local offerings at the market, with many artisan stalls from traders hailing from Bristol and the South West of England, before adding: “After you’ve had your fill, you can explore towering Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, which date back to 75AD.”

However, some TikTokers who’ve visited the market have been left distinctly underwhelmed by what’s on offer. Posting as @escaping2paradise, one poster started their video with the bold claim: “Bath Christmas Market has to be the worst Christmas market that I’ve ever been to. For starters, it doesn’t actually feel like a Christmas market. It’s just a market that happens to be at Christmas with a few Christmas decorations scattered about. There’s no Christmas music, no Christmas atmosphere.”

He also felt the service was impersonal, adding: “When you do buy something from the street vendor, it’s just £7 next, £15 next, £12 next. No Merry Christmas, no nothing. It’s just a depressing Christmas market. It’s almost like they’re not allowed to play Christmas music anymore or say Merry Christmas to anybody.”

Another TikToker, Anni Bronning who posts as @anniraddy, posted a video captioned “Bath Christmas Market is a hellscape” showing herself trapped in a crowd of people. She added: “Packed like sardines and no pubs have any tables.”

In her video’s comments, many locals complained about the market, with one saying: “It used to be so normal. Wtf happened. I have to fight through this just to get to work”, while another wrote: “Did not appreciate tourists taking photos in front of my front door”.

However, not all visitors agree. One user, @lifewithkourt, claimed “None of it was true” after they had a positive experience at the market.

The TikToker shared her experience: “I got there for 10am on Sunday and it was quiet. Now don’t get me wrong, as the day went on it did get busier, but nothing too crazy. I managed to get around the whole market, see every stall, but not like I bought anything. One Christmas wreath was £70. Who is buying that? Not me,that’s for sure.”

She added: “I had a lush day just wandering around, looking at the stalls, smelling the mulled wine, listening to the music and of course, eating loads and loads of street food”, before going on to say people who’d seen the TikTok videos shouldn’t be put off from visiting.

When approached for comment, Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community, said: “I don’t recognise these mean-spirited and rage-bait social media comments. I appreciate not everyone loves Christmas markets, but ours is one of the most successful in Europe. It is well-managed, supports hundreds of jobs and local businesses. I have been every day and chatted with stallholders who come back year after year, and visitors who have absolutely loved the experience.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com.