Visitors to a historic city's Yuletide event have taken to social media to voice their disappointment over the lack of festive spirit, steep prices, and overcrowding. One disgruntled visitor even labelled it as the 'worst Christmas market I've ever been to'.

The Bath Christmas Market, currently in full swing in the heart of the historic city until 14 December, is marking its 25th anniversary this year. The official website paints a picture of 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, renowned for its Georgian architecture, recently saw its event named the UK's best Christmas Market after it was voted readers' favourite mid-sized city in the UK by Which?, reports the Express.

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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 publication also commended the local produce available at the market, with numerous artisan stalls from traders based 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."

Nevertheless, some TikTokers who've ventured to the market have been left thoroughly disappointed by what's available.

Posting under @escaping2paradise, one visitor kicked off their video with the stark declaration: "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 criticised the lacklustre customer service, commenting: "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."

Fellow TikToker Anni Bronning, who goes by @anniraddy, shared footage titled "Bath Christmas Market is a hellscape" depicting herself squeezed amongst hordes of visitors. She remarked: "Packed like sardines and no pubs have any tables."

Beneath her video, numerous residents voiced their frustrations about the market, with one commenting: "It used to be so normal. Wtf happened. I have to fight through this just to get to work", whilst another penned: "Did not appreciate tourists taking photos in front of my front door".

Yet not every visitor shares this view. User @lifewithkourt insisted "None of it was true" following their enjoyable experience at the market.

The TikToker recounted her visit: "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 continued: "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 encouraging people who'd watched the TikTok videos not to be deterred from visiting.

When contacted for a response, Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community, stated: "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."

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