Planning your holiday adventure in Banbury? We've got everything you need to know. Whether you're deeply connected to Banbury or just making connections, this guide illuminates your holiday path.
Popular events during the festive season include the enchanting Father Christmas at Hogshaw Farm, where children can meet Santa and explore delightful activities. Meanwhile, the Christmas Experience at Fairytale Farm offers a magical atmosphere complete with festive displays and interactive fun for all ages. And definitely don't forget the Banbury Christmas Light Switch On, which lights up the town with a dazzling display to welcome the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Banbury Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Banbury
- Father Christmas at Hogshaw Farm (Buckinghamshire)
- Christmas Experience at Fairytale Farm (Chipping Norton)
- Santa Steam Rides from Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway (Princes Risborough)
- Banbury Christmas Light Switch On
- Christmas at Cogges (Witney)
- Illuminated Christmas Light Trail in Garth Park (Bicester)
- Bicester Christmas Lights Switch On (Bicester)
- Aesop’s Fable Trail at Upton House
- Santa’s Grotto at Bicester Garden Centre (Bicester)
- Breakfast with Santa at Bicester Garden Centre (Bicester)
See these and even more events listed below!
Banbury Holiday Light Displays
Banbury Christmas Light Switch On
What to Expect:
Revitalized lighting designs and a bustling Victorian Christmas Market.
Description:
Join us at the Banbury Christmas Light Switch On on Sunday, November 24th, in front of the Town Hall on Bridge Street. Enjoy music, dance performances, fairground rides, and attractions. The Victorian Christmas Market in Banbury Market Place will feature local gifts, crafts, and delightful food and drink.
Where: Banbury | More Info: Banbury Christmas Light Switch On
Illuminated Christmas Light Trail in Garth Park
What to Expect:
Spectacular outdoor light display in a scenic park setting.
Description:
The Illuminated Christmas Light Trail in Garth Park features a stunning display of lights and decorations, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Bicester | More Info: Illuminated Christmas Light Trail in Garth Park
Thame Christmas Town Trail
What to Expect:
Spectacular Christmas lights and local performances.
Description:
Thame's Christmas Town Trail features decorated shop windows, spectacular Christmas lights, and local performances, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Thame | More Info: Thame Christmas Town Trail
Banbury Holiday Markets and Shopping
Bicester Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Handmade gift stalls and festive street food.
Description:
Bicester Christmas Lights Switch On features a festive market with handmade gifts, street food, and mulled wine, culminating in a Christmas light switch-on ceremony.
Where: Bicester | More Info: Bicester Christmas Lights Switch On
Banbury Other Holiday Activities
Build the Museum Christmas Tree at Banbury Museum
What to Expect:
Community-driven Christmas tree build activity.
Description:
Join in a community build activity at Banbury Museum where you can help create the museum's Christmas tree. This event is a great opportunity to get involved and contribute to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Banbury | More Info: Build the Museum Christmas Tree at Banbury Museum
Christmas Baubles Workshop at Banbury Museum
What to Expect:
Hands-on macrame workshop for creating festive decorations.
Description:
Create your own macrame Christmas decorations with Liz George. Learn various knots to make reindeer, Christmas trees, and beaded stars. Suitable for beginners, all materials are provided, and refreshments include glass wine and soft drinks.
Where: Banbury | More Info: Christmas Baubles Workshop at Banbury Museum
Make a Woolly Gonk Workshop at Banbury Museum
What to Expect:
Hands-on craft workshop for children.
Description:
Create a cheeky gonk using our wonderfully woolly craft stash. Suitable for ages 3+, some younger children may need help from a parent or guardian. Our team will be on hand to offer help and demonstrations.
Where: Banbury | More Info: Make a Woolly Gonk Workshop at Banbury Museum
Brick Madness at Banbury Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive Lego play session with the entire collection.
Description:
Brick Madness at Banbury Museum features a massive free-play session with the entire Lego collection, offering children a fun and interactive experience with Lego bricks.
Where: Banbury | More Info: Brick Madness at Banbury Museum
Aesop’s Fable Trail at Upton House
What to Expect:
Interactive fable displays with 18th-century candlesticks.
Description:
Explore Upton House and Gardens, where Aesop's fables come to life in beautifully decorated rooms. Each display is inspired by an 18th-century fable, featuring exquisite sets of illustrations and fine detail. Discover the story of the fox that cried sour grapes and the vain jackdaw who pretended to be a peacock, all set amidst Upton's collection of Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory candlesticks.
Where: Banbury | More Info: Aesop’s Fable Trail at Upton House
Father Christmas at Hogshaw Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with real reindeer and festive activities.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at Hogshaw Farm, where you can explore the alpine village, meet real reindeer, plant a mini Christmas tree, and enjoy festive treats. Share your wish-list in a private meeting with Father Christmas before collecting a special present from the toy workshop.
Where: Buckinghamshire | More Info: Father Christmas at Hogshaw Farm
Christmas Experience at Fairytale Farm
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian-themed Christmas experience with interactive activities.
Description:
Step into a Victorian Christmas scene at Fairytale Farm, where you can meet Father Christmas, explore a bustling Dickensian market, and enjoy interactive animal encounters and festive activities.
Where: Chipping Norton | More Info: Christmas Experience at Fairytale Farm
Breakfast with Santa at Bicester Garden Centre
What to Expect:
Interactive breakfast with Santa and his helpers.
Description:
Join Santa and his helpers for a delightful breakfast at Bicester Garden Centre, where you can enjoy festive treats and share your Christmas wishes.
Where: Bicester | More Info: Breakfast with Santa at Bicester Garden Centre
Santa’s Grotto at Bicester Garden Centre
What to Expect:
Personalized gift from the Elves
Description:
Meet Santa in his cozy living room at Bicester Garden Centre. The Elves are busy making a gift for you to collect on the way out. This is a special opportunity to tell Santa how good you have been this year.
Where: Bicester | More Info: Santa’s Grotto at Bicester Garden Centre
Skating Rink at Bicester Garden Centre
What to Expect:
Family-friendly ice skating with Skate Aids for children.
Description:
The Bicester Garden Centre Christmas Ice Rink offers a 45-minute ice skating session with skate hire, suitable for all ages, including children with Skate Aids available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Bicester | More Info: Skating Rink at Bicester Garden Centre
Santa Steam Rides from Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway
What to Expect:
Steam train ride to Santa's Grotto with festive activities and gifts.
Description:
Join a festive steam train ride from Princes Risborough to Santa's Grotto, where children can share their Christmas wishes and enjoy crafts, refreshments, and a special gift.
Where: Princes Risborough | More Info: Santa Steam Rides from Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway
Christmas at Cogges
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with Father Christmas and festive light trail.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas and his elves at Cogges Manor Farm, where children can enjoy story time and receive a gift. The event features a Festive Light Trail, mulled wine, and seasonal treats.
Where: Witney | More Info: Christmas at Cogges
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Bicester (14 miles)
- Daventry (15 miles)
- Royal Leamington Spa (17 miles)
- Stratford-upon-Avon (18 miles)
- Warwick (18 miles)
- Witney (20 miles)
- Rugby (22 miles)
- Oxford (22 miles)
- Kenilworth (22 miles)
- Northampton (23 miles)
- Coventry (25 miles)
- Milton Keynes (25 miles)
- Evesham (26 miles)
- Bletchley (26 miles)
- Abingdon (27 miles)
- Aylesbury (28 miles)
- Bedworth (29 miles)
- Solihull (31 miles)
- Redditch (31 miles)
- Leighton Buzzard (31 miles)
- Shirley (31 miles)
- Didcot (32 miles)
- Wellingborough (32 miles)
- Nuneaton (32 miles)
- Hinckley (33 miles)
- Cheltenham (33 miles)
- Acocks Green (33 miles)
- Market Harborough (34 miles)
- Kettering (35 miles)
- Rushden (35 miles)
- Bromsgrove (36 miles)
- Ampthill (36 miles)
- Washwood Heath (37 miles)
- Dunstable (37 miles)
- Droitwich (37 miles)
- Birmingham (37 miles)
- Wigston Magna (37 miles)
- Bedford (38 miles)
- Bartley Green (38 miles)
- Aston (38 miles)
- Worcester (38 miles)
- Oadby (39 miles)
- Berkhamsted (39 miles)
- High Wycombe (39 miles)
- Swindon (40 miles)
- Halesowen (40 miles)
- Sutton Coldfield (40 miles)
- Chesham (40 miles)
- Gloucester (41 miles)
- Corby (41 miles)
- Leicester (41 miles)
- Amersham (41 miles)
- Luton (41 miles)
- West Bromwich (42 miles)
- Great Malvern (42 miles)
- Tamworth (42 miles)
- Stroud (42 miles)
- Stourbridge (43 miles)
- Dudley (43 miles)
- Hemel Hempstead (44 miles)
- Brierley Hill (44 miles)
- Stourport-on-Severn (44 miles)
- Wednesbury (44 miles)
- Tipton (44 miles)
- Kidderminster (45 miles)
- Reading (45 miles)