Attendees of a traditional city’s festive celebration have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media regarding the lack of holiday spirit, high prices, and overcrowding. One disappointed visitor even described it as the ‘most disappointing Christmas market I’ve ever visited’.
The festive Bath Christmas Market, currently ongoing in the heart of the historic city until December 14, is commemorating its 25th anniversary this year. The event’s official website portrays a warm holiday setting, mentioning: “Explore the core of Bath’s historic city center, turned into a magical winter scene with sparkling chalets, unique gifts, and gourmet food and drinks to excite your taste buds. Engage in a beloved tradition that brings the essence of Christmas to life in the city center.”
The city, famous for its Georgian architectural style, recently earned the title of the UK’s top Christmas Market after being voted as the favorite mid-sized city in the UK by Which?, as reported by the Express.
Which? commended the city, stating: “The city received four stars for its food and drink offerings and cultural attractions in our survey – and the experience enhances during Christmas when over 200 chalets appear. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Bath Christmas Market, so anticipate extra holiday delight.”
The publication also praised the locally sourced products available at the market, with numerous artisan stalls from merchants based in Bristol and the South West of England. They added: “After sampling the local fare, you can explore the majestic Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, dating back to 75 AD.”
Despite this, some individuals on TikTok who visited the market were left dissatisfied with their experience.
One visitor, under the username @escaping2paradise, began a video with a blunt statement: “Bath Christmas Market has got to be the most underwhelming Christmas market I’ve ever been to. Initially, it doesn’t give off a Christmas market vibe. It feels more like a regular market with a few Christmas decorations scattered around. There’s a lack of Christmas music and festive ambiance.”
He also criticized the lack of enthusiasm from vendors, noting: “When you make a purchase from a street vendor, it’s just the price, the price, the price. No festive greetings, nothing cheerful. It’s rather a bleak Christmas market. It’s as if Christmas music is forbidden, and no one is allowed to wish Merry Christmas to anyone.”
Another TikTok user, Anni Bronning, known as @anniraddy, posted a video titled “Bath Christmas Market is a chaotic scene,” showing herself squeezed among large crowds. She commented: “Packed tightly together with no available tables in the pubs.”
Under her video, several locals expressed their frustrations about the market, with one stating: “It used to be much better. What’s going on? I have to struggle through this just to get to work,” while another wrote: “I did not appreciate tourists taking photos in front of my house.”
However, not all visitors share this negative sentiment. User @lifewithkourt refuted the criticism after having a positive experience at the market.
She recounted her visit: “I arrived at 10 am on Sunday, and it was calm. As the day progressed, it became busier, but nothing overwhelming. I managed to explore the entire market, visit every stall, though I didn’t make any purchases. One Christmas wreath was priced at £70. Who would buy that? Certainly not me.”
She continued: “I had a wonderful day wandering around, browsing the stalls, enjoying the aroma of mulled wine, listening to music, and indulging in street food. I encourage those who watched the TikTok videos not to be discouraged from visiting.”
When approached for comment, Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community, responded: “I don’t recognize these negative and provoking comments on social media. I understand that not everyone appreciates Christmas markets, but ours is among the most successful in Europe. It is well-organized, supports numerous jobs and local enterprises. I have visited daily, conversed with stallholders who return year after year, and encountered visitors who thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”
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