Visitors to the historic city have taken to social media to voice disappointment over lack of festive spirit, steep prices, and overcrowding, with one calling it the ‘worst Christmas market’ they’ve been to
Visitors to a historic city’s Christmas celebration a stone’s throw from south Wales have flocked to social media to express their frustration about the absence of holiday cheer, extortionate costs, and excessive crowds. One unhappy attendee even branded it as the “worst Christmas market I’ve ever been to”.
The Bath Christmas Market, currently running in the centre of the quaint city until December 14, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The official website depicts a warm festive atmosphere, declaring: “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 taste buds. Be part of a cherished tradition that brings the spirit of Christmas to life in the heart of the city.”
The city famous for its Georgian architecture recently had its event crowned the UK’s finest Christmas market after being voted readers’ top mid-sized city in the UK by Which? From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
Which? praised the city, saying: “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.”
The company also praised the local produce on offer at the market, with a variety of artisan stalls from traders in Bristol and the south west of England. They added: “After you’ve had your fill, you can explore towering Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, which date back to 75AD.”
But some TikTokers who have visited the market expressed disappointment with their experience. One visitor, posting under the handle @escaping2paradise, began their video with a blunt statement: “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.”
They also criticised the customer service, saying: “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, known as @anniraddy, posted a video titled “Bath Christmas Market is a hellscape”, showing herself amidst a throng of visitors. She commented: “Packed like sardines and no pubs have any tables.”
Underneath her video several locals expressed their annoyance about the market. One said: “It used to be so normal. I have to fight through this just to get to work.” Another wrote: “Did not appreciate tourists taking photos in front of my front door.”
But not all visitors share this sentiment. TikTok user @lifewithkourt refuted these claims, stating “none of it was true” after having a pleasant experience at the market.
She added: “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.
“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 urging those who’d seen the TikTok videos not to be put off from visiting.
When approached for a 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.”
