EDINBURGH’S Christmas market has been hit with hundreds of one-star reviews with visitors complaining it is overpriced, overcrowded and “void of Christmas atmosphere”.
The attraction in Princes Street Gardens is Scotland’s busiest Christmas market and features dozens of food stalls as well as fairground rides.
It was named one of the best markets in Europe in research conducted by fashion brand FatFace in October, but visitors reviewing it on Tripadvisor appear to have been left unimpressed.
More than 200 people have ranked the market as “terrible” while more than 80 have said it is “poor”.
One user hit out at “overpriced tat” on offer and said the market was managing to “get worse each year”.
They added: “Everything costs a fortune and the place is void of any sort of Christmas spirit.
“If you want to feel like a herd of cattle and be fleeced of all your money then this is the place to go. Nothing like an actual German market.”
Other reviewer warned people to “stay away” from the site.
John W said: “If you love standing in endless queues to pay through the nose for everything, then this market is the place for you.
“Great company with family and friends, but an absolutely crap event.”
Many users wrote reviews reflecting on good experiences they had had in the past at the market but had been left disappointed this year.
Some complained about the entry point being changed, which has apparently created issues for those with mobility problems.
User Helen C said in her one-star review: “Visited four years ago and entry point was Princes Street – great easy accessible access. Visited last weekend and now some clever organisers have decided that the former entrance is now an exit only.
“Whether this change in layout is to force punters past the few extra huts they’ve squeezed in/food sellers I’m not sure but anyone with any mobility issues is basically knackered if they want to visit.”
Out of more than 450 reviews on Tripadvisor, fewer than 50 people have currently deemed the market to be “excellent”, with “terrible” reviews well in the lead.
