Enjoy the charm of the season in Bicester with our detailed guide. For those deeply rooted in Bicester and those just planting seeds, our guide is your holiday compass.
Popular events to explore this festive season include the enchanting Oxford City Christmas Market, where independent crafts and festive treats fill the streets. The Blenheim Palace Christmas Market offers a stunning backdrop with its historic elegance, showcasing artisan goods and seasonal delights. And don't forget the Waddesdon Manor Christmas Market, a delightful blend of festive atmosphere and unique gifts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Bicester
- Oxford City Christmas Market (Oxford)
- Blenheim Palace Christmas Market (Woodstock)
- Bicester Christmas Lights Switch On Event
- Waddesdon Manor Christmas Market (Waddesdon)
- Christmas Experience at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park (Hogshaw)
- Christmas at Fairytale Farm (Chipping Norton)
- Santa steam rides from Chinnor & Princes Risborough railway (Princes Risborough)
- Illuminated Christmas light trail in Garth Park
- Christmas Trail at Oxford Castle & Prison (Oxford)
- Witney Christmas Market (Witney)
See these and even more events listed below!
Bicester Holiday Light Displays
Bicester Christmas Lights Switch On Event
What to Expect:
Lantern-making workshops and a lantern parade.
Description:
The Bicester Christmas Lights Switch On event features live music, choirs singing carols, lantern-making workshops, and a festive atmosphere with street entertainers and toddler rides. The event culminates with the lights being switched on by the Town Mayor and the winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card competition.
Where: Bicester | More Info: Bicester Christmas Lights Switch On Event
Son Et Lumiere light and sound project
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on historic landmarks and cathedrals.
Description:
Luxmuralis presents Large Scale Son-et-Lumiere, a spectacular light and sound project that transforms historic landmarks and cathedrals into vibrant, illuminated spaces. This event combines cutting-edge technology with artistic vision to create an immersive experience that celebrates the beauty of light and sound.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Son Et Lumiere light and sound project
Illuminated Christmas light trail in Garth Park
What to Expect:
Vibrant and colorful light display in a scenic park setting.
Description:
The Illuminated Christmas light trail in Garth Park features a stunning display of festive lights and decorations, creating a beautiful winter scene.
Where: Bicester | More Info: Illuminated Christmas light trail in Garth Park
Thame Town Council Christmas lights switch-on
What to Expect:
Community-driven festive celebration with local charity involvement.
Description:
Thame Town Council's Christmas lights switch-on event features festive entertainment, including music from the Thame Concert Band, mulled wine, and Santa turning on the lights. The event also includes gift stalls and opportunities for local charities to participate.
Where: Thame | More Info: Thame Town Council Christmas lights switch-on
Bicester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique, hand-picked gifts and artisanal foods in a historic palace setting.
Description:
The Blenheim Palace Christmas Market offers a variety of artisanal crafts, textiles, homewares, and seasonal treats in a festive atmosphere amidst the historic palace.
Where: Woodstock | More Info: Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
Waddesdon Manor Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday shopping experience with artisan stalls and festive food.
Description:
Waddesdon Manor Christmas Market features over 80 hand-selected stalls selling unique gifts, decorations, and festive foods in charming wooden chalets surrounded by twinkling trees. The event includes a festive food village and a light trail with new installations and interactive elements.
Where: Waddesdon | More Info: Waddesdon Manor Christmas Market
Oxford City Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Innovative event layout and bespoke light scheme.
Description:
Oxford City Christmas Market features a new layout on Broad Street with Keston Events Ltd organizing the event, offering various attractions and live entertainment. Gala Lights will illuminate the city centre with a bespoke light scheme combining historical elements and traditional twinkling lights.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Oxford City Christmas Market
Witney Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local food, crafts, and homewares in a festive setting.
Description:
The Witney Christmas Market at Marriott's Walk offers a delightful array of local food, unique crafts, and homewares. This 4-day event promises to be an exciting celebration of the holiday season with a variety of goods on display.
Where: Witney | More Info: Witney Christmas Market
East Challow Village Hall Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Family-friendly market with a free soft play corner and Santa photo opportunity.
Description:
East Challow Village Hall Christmas Market features a variety of stalls selling handmade crafts, sweet treats, and unique gifts. The event includes a free soft play corner for children and the opportunity to take family photos with Santa for £3 per child.
Where: East Challow | More Info: East Challow Village Hall Christmas Market
Roves Farm Christmas Craft & Food Fair
What to Expect:
Local crafts and farm-reared meats.
Description:
Roves Farm Christmas Craft & Food Fair showcases local crafts and festive foods, featuring handmade items, local artists, and delicious seasonal treats.
Where: Sevenhampton | More Info: Roves Farm Christmas Craft & Food Fair
Harwell Charity Christmas Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Supporting local crafters with handmade gifts.
Description:
The Harwell Charity Christmas Craft Fair is an event where local crafters showcase their handmade goods, offering unique gifts and seasonal items. Visitors can support local talent while doing their Christmas shopping.
Where: Harwell | More Info: Harwell Charity Christmas Craft Fair
Cogges Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique artisan crafts and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Cogges Christmas Market features two barns and a farmyard filled with beautiful artisan crafts, gifts, and homewares. Enjoy ceramics, cakes, handknits, sparkling wine, decorations, and more. Handmade Christmas wreaths and Cogges Christmas Trees are also available. The event includes Santa's Grotto, a BBQ, bar, and mulled wine with mince pies.
Where: Witney | More Info: Cogges Christmas Market
Combe Mill Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Historic steam-powered machinery and festive activities.
Description:
Combe Mill Christmas Fair is a festive event featuring country crafts, skills, and a working historic clock collection. Enjoy displays of basket making, logging, spinning, and weaving, along with a Morris dancing display and a Millie-the-mill-cat trail for children. The event includes a Santa's Grotto and refreshments.
Where: Combe | More Info: Combe Mill Christmas Fair
Oxford Botanic Gardens Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Live music and local craftspeople.
Description:
The Oxford Botanic Garden Christmas Fair is a two-day event featuring live music, delicious local food and drink, and a variety of activities for children. Local craftspeople, suppliers, and producers will showcase their wares, including sustainable knitwear, organic skincare, and handmade linen. The event is easily accessible by bus, with no parking available at the garden.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Oxford Botanic Gardens Christmas Fair
Earth Trust Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Sustainable, locally sourced gifts and food.
Description:
The Earth Trust Christmas Market at Fison Barn in Little Wittenham offers a sustainable and creative celebration of the festive season. Local artisans and food vendors showcase eco-friendly gifts, decorations, and ornaments, along with delicious, locally sourced food and beverages.
Where: Little Wittenham | More Info: Earth Trust Christmas Market
Bicester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Night Light at The Story Museum
What to Expect:
Free drop-in storytelling event with hot chocolate and festive book shopping.
Description:
Join The Story Museum in Oxford for a free drop-in event featuring storytelling and hot chocolate. Explore the beautiful bookshop to pick festive gifts and books. This family-friendly event is perfect for young children and celebrates the Christmas season with a cozy atmosphere.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Christmas Night Light at The Story Museum
Stealers of Stories children’s theatre
What to Expect:
Interactive children’s theatre performance with engaging narrative.
Description:
Stealers of Stories children’s theatre brings an engaging and interactive performance to Millets Farm Centre, featuring a captivating narrative and memorable characters.
Where: Millets Farm | More Info: Stealers of Stories children’s theatre
Dickensan Evening at the Vale & Downland Museum
What to Expect:
Victorian-era themed evening with literary readings and historical artifacts.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a Victorian-era evening at the Vale & Downland Museum, featuring historical artifacts and literary readings.
Where: Wantage | More Info: Dickensan Evening at the Vale & Downland Museum
Abingdon Christmas extravaganza
What to Expect:
Community-driven celebration with local entertainment and festive market.
Description:
The Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza is a family-focused event in the heart of Abingdon, featuring a Christmas Lights display, a large Christmas tree, and various entertainment activities including a parade, music, and market stalls.
Where: Abingdon | More Info: Abingdon Christmas extravaganza
Monster in your Christmas show
What to Expect:
Interactive musical show with beloved book characters.
Description:
Tom Fletcher's interactive adventures bring the beloved 'Who's in Your Book?' series to life on stage with Little Monster and his friends, Dragon, Alien, and Unicorn, in a high-energy 50-minute show featuring lively original music.
Where: Banbury | More Info: Monster in your Christmas show
Stealers of Stories performance at Millets Farm
What to Expect:
Immersive storytelling with talented performers.
Description:
The Stealers of Stories performance at Millets Farm is an engaging theatrical event featuring a captivating narrative and skilled actors.
Where: Abingdon | More Info: Stealers of Stories performance at Millets Farm
Bicester Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Fairytale Farm
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian-themed Christmas experience with interactive encounters.
Description:
Step into a Christmas celebration at Fairytale Farm, where you'll embark on a journey through Victorian London, meet Father Christmas, and enjoy festive activities like reindeer food mixing and a special Christmas light trail.
Where: Chipping Norton | More Info: Christmas at Fairytale Farm
Christmas Experience at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with real reindeer and festive activities.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park for a Christmas experience filled with real reindeer, mini Christmas trees, and festive treats. Enjoy a private meeting with Father Christmas, decorate gingerbread, and explore the farm with animal encounters and play areas.
Where: Hogshaw | More Info: Christmas Experience at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park
Christmas at Basildon Park
What to Expect:
Tribute to classic Christmas films with festive decorations and activities.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Basildon Park with beautifully adorned trees, garlands, and twinkling fairy lights, paying tribute to classic Christmas films. Enjoy festive food and drink, browse Christmas decorations, and explore the opulent styling of this 18th-century Palladian mansion.
Where: Lower Basildon | More Info: Christmas at Basildon Park
Christmas Trail at Oxford Castle & Prison
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities in a historic setting.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas and explore the historic locations of Oxford Castle and Prison, including the Norman crypt and Victorian Prison wing. Enjoy festive activities like making wildlife-friendly reindeer food and decorating Christmas Tree baubles. Each family gets to spend time with Santa, who will give out a pre-Christmas present.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Christmas Trail at Oxford Castle & Prison
Festive Craft Event
What to Expect:
Hands-on festive craft activities with Santa.
Description:
Join us at East Challow Village Hall for an afternoon of creative activities, including hot chocolate cone making, biscuit decorating, card and gift tag designing, and candle crafting. Enjoy a story with Santa and explore various festive crafts.
Where: East Challow | More Info: Festive Craft Event
Make a Woolly Gonk workshop
What to Expect:
Hands-on crafting of festive decorations.
Description:
Create your own Woolly Gonk at this workshop, where you can craft and customize your very own festive decoration.
Where: Banbury | More Info: Make a Woolly Gonk workshop
Brick Madness
What to Expect:
Massive free-play session with the entire Lego collection.
Description:
Brick Madness at Banbury Museum features a massive free-play session with the entire Lego collection, suitable for children aged 3 and above. The event is held indoors at the Rosemary Higham Library and requires booking to manage capacity and ensure safety.
Where: Banbury | More Info: Brick Madness
Diwali Glow
What to Expect:
Community-driven Diwali celebration with traditional dhol drums and handmade diya lanterns.
Description:
Diwali Glow is a vibrant celebration at OVADA Warehouse, featuring Garba dance performances, diya lantern processions, rangoli designs, and live DJ sets. The event includes Indian food vendors, chai, and snacks, creating a lively atmosphere for all the family.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Diwali Glow
Christmas Family Fun Day with the Hedgehog Club
What to Expect:
Interactive family activities and crafts.
Description:
Join the Hedgehog Club for a fun-filled Christmas event with activities, crafts, and entertainment for the whole family.
Where: Witney | More Info: Christmas Family Fun Day with the Hedgehog Club
Christmas family forest days at Hill End
What to Expect:
Interactive outdoor activities with natural crafts.
Description:
At Hill End, Christmas family forest days offer a variety of activities including campfire and s'mores, trails, shelter building, and natural art crafts. Each guest will enjoy a jacket potato or soup and hot drink. This event is perfect for families to spend quality time together in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Where: Farmoor | More Info: Christmas family forest days at Hill End
Oxfordshire Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive workshops and local history exhibitions.
Description:
The Oxfordshire Museum offers a treasure trove of local history, featuring galleries and collections that tell the story of Oxfordshire's people and past. Interactive workshops and exhibitions inspire visitors to explore the county's unique heritage.
Where: Woodstock | More Info: Oxfordshire Museum
Santa steam rides from Chinnor & Princes Risborough railway
What to Expect:
Traditional steam train ride with Santa's Grotto visit.
Description:
Embark on a traditional steam train ride from Princes Risborough to Santa's Grotto at his North Pole station. Enjoy refreshments, chat with Santa, and take memorable photos. Each child receives a thoughtful present, and families can travel in comfort in 1950s carriages named after Santa's reindeers.
Where: Princes Risborough | More Info: Santa steam rides from Chinnor & Princes Risborough railway
Upton House Aesop’s fable trail
What to Expect:
Interactive fable-themed decorations inspired by 18th-century porcelain.
Description:
Explore Upton House decorated with Aesop's fables, featuring 18th-century fable candlesticks and exquisite illustrations. Each display is inspired by one of these ancient moral tales, encouraging you to look closely at the fine detail and fable sculptures.
Where: Banbury | More Info: Upton House Aesop’s fable trail
Millets Farm Santa’s grotto
What to Expect:
Interactive festive tasks to prove your Nice List status.
Description:
Join Santa and his elves at Millets Farm for an elf-tastic adventure where you'll complete fun festive tasks to prove you belong on the Nice List. Meet North Pole friends, visit the reindeer stables, and choose a special toy. Help sort out the Christmas crisis caused by Mervin Sneakybottom's mischief.
Where: Abingdon | More Info: Millets Farm Santa’s grotto
Elves workshop at Millets Farm
What to Expect:
Hands-on festive craft-making with skilled elves.
Description:
At the Elves Workshop at Millets Farm, children can build and decorate their own festive creations with the help of skilled elves.
Where: Abingdon | More Info: Elves workshop at Millets Farm
Breakfast with Santa at Bicester garden centre
What to Expect:
Meet Santa while enjoying a tasty breakfast in a charming garden setting.
Description:
Join Santa for a delightful breakfast at Bicester garden centre, where you can enjoy delicious food and quality time with the big man.
Where: Bicester | More Info: Breakfast with Santa at Bicester garden centre
Santa’s Grotto at Bicester garden centre
What to Expect:
Personalized gift-giving experience with Santa.
Description:
Meet Santa in his cozy living room at Bicester Garden Centre. Share a Christmas wish and receive a special gift. Friendly elves will welcome you to create lasting memories.
Where: Bicester | More Info: Santa’s Grotto at Bicester garden centre
Skating rink at Bicester garden centre
What to Expect:
Real ice skating with family-friendly options.
Description:
The Bicester Garden Centre Christmas Ice Rink offers a real ice skating experience with a maximum capacity of 40 skaters. Tickets include a 45-minute skating session and skate hire, with Skate Aids available for children on a first-come, first-served basis. Family tickets are available for up to 20% less.
Where: Bicester | More Info: Skating rink at Bicester garden centre
Bunkers Hill Christmas tree forest
What to Expect:
Interactive reindeer hunt with festive activities.
Description:
Bunkers Hill transforms into a winter forest with Christmas trees, offering a festive trail where children can find Santa's reindeer and enjoy free hot chocolate.
Where: Kidlington | More Info: Bunkers Hill Christmas tree forest
Bunkers Hill reindeer challenge
What to Expect:
Interactive reindeer hunt with free hot chocolate and festive activities.
Description:
Explore Bunkers Hill Nursery to find all of Santa's reindeer, with a prize certificate and free hot chocolate included. Enjoy photo opportunities and festive fun while supporting mental health charities Mind and Restore.
Where: Kidlington | More Info: Bunkers Hill reindeer challenge
Visit Santa on the Nature Reserve
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa experience with a cookie decorating station.
Description:
Meet Santa in his workshop at Brockholes Nature Reserve, where children can chat with him and pick out a special gift. The event features a cookie decorating station and festive photo opportunities.
Where: Bicester | More Info: Visit Santa on the Nature Reserve
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Oxford (11 miles)
- Banbury (14 miles)
- Aylesbury (16 miles)
- Witney (16 miles)
- Abingdon (17 miles)
- Bletchley (19 miles)
- Milton Keynes (20 miles)
- Didcot (20 miles)
- Leighton Buzzard (21 miles)
- Daventry (25 miles)
- High Wycombe (25 miles)
- Northampton (27 miles)
- Berkhamsted (27 miles)
- Dunstable (27 miles)
- Chesham (27 miles)
- Amersham (28 miles)
- Ampthill (29 miles)
- Royal Leamington Spa (31 miles)
- Stratford-upon-Avon (31 miles)
- Luton (31 miles)
- Reading (32 miles)
- Hemel Hempstead (32 miles)
- Maidenhead (32 miles)
- Warwick (32 miles)
- Chalfont Saint Peter (33 miles)
- Rugby (33 miles)
- Bedford (33 miles)
- Gerrards Cross (34 miles)
- Wellingborough (34 miles)
- Lower Earley (34 miles)
- Harpenden (34 miles)
- Thatcham (35 miles)
- Newbury (35 miles)
- Rushden (36 miles)
- Swindon (36 miles)
- Kenilworth (36 miles)
- Slough (36 miles)
- Evesham (36 miles)
- Wokingham (36 miles)
- St Albans (37 miles)
- Watford (37 miles)
- Hitchin (37 miles)
- Windsor (37 miles)
- Uxbridge (38 miles)
- Bracknell (38 miles)
- Coventry (38 miles)
- Ruislip (39 miles)
- Kettering (39 miles)
- Cheltenham (39 miles)
- Crowthorne (40 miles)
- Letchworth Garden City (40 miles)
- Stevenage (41 miles)
- Hatfield (41 miles)
- Yateley (41 miles)
- Welwyn Garden City (41 miles)
- Hayes (41 miles)
- Borehamwood (41 miles)
- Market Harborough (41 miles)
- Sandhurst (41 miles)
- Egham (41 miles)
- Northolt (41 miles)
- Harrow (42 miles)
- Bedworth (42 miles)
- Staines (43 miles)
- Camberley (43 miles)
- Greenford (43 miles)
- Southall (43 miles)
- Saint Neots (44 miles)
- Brent (44 miles)
- Redditch (44 miles)
- Wembley (44 miles)
- Ashford (44 miles)
- Heston (44 miles)
- Potters Bar (44 miles)
- Basingstoke (44 miles)
- Barnet (44 miles)
- Solihull (44 miles)
- Feltham (45 miles)
- Fleet (45 miles)