Welcome to your ultimate guide for holiday fun in Oxford! Discover all the top festive events and attractions. For both Oxford residents and visitors, this guide is your roadmap to the city's holiday delights.
One highlight of the season is the Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, featuring handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats amidst a stunning historical backdrop. The Blenheim Palace Illuminated Christmas Lights Trail enchants with its vibrant displays, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the grounds. And definitely don't forget Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival, which brightens the city with its artistic light installations and joyful activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Oxford
- Blenheim Palace Illuminated Christmas Lights Trail (Woodstock)
- Blenheim Palace Christmas Market (Woodstock)
- Neverland® in the Palace (Woodstock)
- Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival
- Oxford Victorian Christmas Market
- Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film
- Christmas at Fairytale Farm (Chipping Norton)
- Oxford Etsy Team Christmas Market
- Modern Makers Collective – Yattendon Winter Market (Yattendon)
- Santa’s Grotto at Millets Farm Centre (Frilford)
See these and even more events listed below!
Oxford Holiday Light Displays
Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and community-driven events.
Description:
Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival is a 3-day celebration of Arts, Culture, and Community, featuring light and sound installations, a festive market, music, dance, and various family-friendly activities across the city.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival
Blenheim Palace Illuminated Christmas Lights Trail
What to Expect:
Interactive light trail with themed adventures.
Description:
Blenheim Palace's Illuminated Christmas Lights Trail features a spectacular display of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, and sparkling baubles, set amidst the historic Palace and Gardens. The trail includes a swashbuckling adventure in Neverland, where visitors can follow Tinkerbell through State rooms and explore a moonlit London skyline.
Where: Woodstock | More Info: Blenheim Palace Illuminated Christmas Lights Trail
Neverland® in the Palace
What to Expect:
Interactive journey through Peter Pan-themed State rooms.
Description:
Explore Neverland in the Palace, where Tinkerbell leads you through State rooms adorned with fairy dust-kissed baubles and Christmas trees. Wander through a moonlit London skyline and onto the Mermaid Lagoon, following in the footsteps of Peter Pan.
Where: Woodstock | More Info: Neverland® in the Palace
Oxford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with artisanal goods and festive treats.
Description:
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market features a seasonal village with wooden chalets showcasing artisanal goods, festive treats, and unique gifts. The event includes a variety of hand-picked, hand-made products and delicious seasonal drinks, creating a delightful shopping experience amidst the stunning backdrop of Blenheim Palace.
Where: Woodstock | More Info: Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
Oxford Victorian Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed market with live music and artisan stalls.
Description:
The Oxford Victorian Christmas Market on Broad Street offers a Victorian-themed celebration with live music, artisan traders, and festive treats. Visitors can browse unique handcrafted gifts and indulge in traditional fare while enjoying captivating street entertainment.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Oxford Victorian Christmas Market
Modern Makers Collective – Yattendon Winter Market
What to Expect:
Celebration of slow craftsmanship with 24 exceptional artists and craftspeople.
Description:
The Modern Makers Collective – Yattendon Winter Market showcases a vibrant selection of handmade treasures, including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, glass, printmaking, bookbinding, furniture, knitwear, and basket weaving. The event highlights slow craftsmanship, emphasizing the time, effort, and skill that go into exquisite handmade artworks.
Where: Yattendon | More Info: Modern Makers Collective – Yattendon Winter Market
Indie Oxford Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of indie stalls and family activities.
Description:
Indie Oxford's Christmas Market at Tap Social's taproom in Botley features a variety of indie stalls, pizza, seasonal drinks, and freshly baked goodies. The event includes kids' and family activities, making it a vibrant celebration of local craftsmanship and community spirit.
Where: Botley | More Info: Indie Oxford Christmas Market
Oxford Etsy Team Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local handmade goods and live music.
Description:
The Oxford Etsy Team Christmas Market features over 70 local makers selling handmade home accessories, jewelry, stationery, ceramics, clothes, artwork, prints, and vintage items. The event includes a performance by a local choir and offers free entry. It takes place at the Oxford University Examination Schools on Sunday, November 17, from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Oxford Etsy Team Christmas Market
Cogges Manor Farm Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday market with local artisans and handmade gifts.
Description:
Cogges Manor Farm Christmas Market features two barns and a farmyard filled with beautiful artisan crafts, gifts, homewares, ceramics, cakes, handknits, sparkling wine, and decorations. Visitors can explore the farm, meet the animals, and enjoy seasonal activities like wreath-making workshops and carol singing.
Where: Witney | More Info: Cogges Manor Farm Christmas Market
Christmas Fair at Woodstock
What to Expect:
Artisan gift shopping with live music and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Woodstock Festive Fayre is a shopping weekend in the historic town of Woodstock, featuring artisan stalls at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Oxfordshire Museum, and Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum. Enjoy live music, a school choir, food, and drink while exploring unique gifts.
Where: Woodstock | More Info: Christmas Fair at Woodstock
Christmas in Thame
What to Expect:
Community-driven Christmas market with local vendors and festive activities.
Description:
Thame Town Council is hosting a Christmas event featuring a lights switch-on on Friday 29 November, with additional events throughout December. The event includes opportunities for stallholders to sell Christmas gifts, food, crafts, and represent charity groups. The council is also producing a 2024 Christmas Guide and offering sponsorship and advertising packages.
Where: Thame | More Info: Christmas in Thame
Oxford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Classical Music Concerts at Waterperry House
What to Expect:
Elegant musical performances in a historic setting.
Description:
Classical music concerts at Waterperry House offer a serene and elegant atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate refined musical performances.
Where: Waterperry | More Info: Christmas Classical Music Concerts at Waterperry House
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film
What to Expect:
Live musical performance of The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Description:
The Muppets bring Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale to life with Kermit as Bob Cratchit, Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, and Gonzo as narrator Charles Dickens. The original score by Miles Goodman and Paul Williams features iconic Muppet characters in a heartwarming story about redemption and the true meaning of Christmas.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film
Oxford Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Fairytale Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive Victorian Christmas experience with festive activities.
Description:
At Christmas at Fairytale Farm, immerse yourself in a Victorian Christmas scene, meet Father Christmas, and enjoy interactive encounters with dancing penguins and festive animals. Explore special Christmas versions of beloved areas like Mouse Town and Fairy Dell, and participate in activities like the Reindeer Quiz and Elf Post Sorting Station.
Where: Chipping Norton | More Info: Christmas at Fairytale Farm
Santa’s Grotto at Millets Farm Centre
What to Expect:
Interactive task-based adventure to help Santa deliver presents.
Description:
At Santa’s Grotto at Millets Farm Centre, children embark on an elf-tastic adventure to help sort out a Christmas crisis. Mervin Sneakybottom, a mischievous elf, has swiped Santa's Nice List, and it's up to the kids to complete fun festive tasks to prove they belong on the list. This interactive experience is hosted within the premises of Webbs Garden Centre at Millets Farm.
Where: Frilford | More Info: Santa’s Grotto at Millets Farm Centre
Christmas Experience at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park
What to Expect:
Private meetings with Father Christmas in a cozy red tractor.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park, where you'll encounter real reindeer, plant a mini Christmas tree, and enjoy festive treats. Share your wish-list in a private meeting with the big man before collecting a special present from the toy workshop.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Christmas Experience at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park
Christmas Experience at Roves Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive Elf Show and festive crafts.
Description:
Visit Roves Farm for a day filled with activities like meeting Father Christmas, making reindeer food, and participating in festive crafts. Enjoy the interactive Elf Show and take part in animal encounters.
Where: nr. Swindon | More Info: Christmas Experience at Roves Farm
Christmas Family Trails at Museum of Natural History
What to Expect:
Interactive nature-themed activities for families.
Description:
Explore the Museum of Natural History with family-friendly trails and activities, including specimen handling and nature-themed crafts.
Where: Oxford | More Info: Christmas Family Trails at Museum of Natural History
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Abingdon (6 miles)
- Didcot (10 miles)
- Witney (10 miles)
- Bicester (11 miles)
- Aylesbury (19 miles)
- Banbury (22 miles)
- High Wycombe (23 miles)
- Reading (24 miles)
- Thatcham (24 miles)
- Newbury (24 miles)
- Swindon (26 miles)
- Lower Earley (27 miles)
- Bletchley (28 miles)
- Maidenhead (28 miles)
- Leighton Buzzard (28 miles)
- Amersham (28 miles)
- Chesham (28 miles)
- Milton Keynes (29 miles)
- Berkhamsted (30 miles)
- Wokingham (30 miles)
- Chalfont Saint Peter (32 miles)
- Bracknell (32 miles)
- Gerrards Cross (32 miles)
- Dunstable (33 miles)
- Slough (33 miles)
- Crowthorne (33 miles)
- Yateley (34 miles)
- Windsor (34 miles)
- Hemel Hempstead (34 miles)
- Sandhurst (35 miles)
- Basingstoke (35 miles)
- Daventry (35 miles)
- Stratford-upon-Avon (36 miles)
- Uxbridge (36 miles)
- Camberley (36 miles)
- Cheltenham (37 miles)
- Luton (37 miles)
- Fleet (37 miles)
- Watford (37 miles)
- Egham (37 miles)
- Ampthill (38 miles)
- Evesham (38 miles)
- Ruislip (38 miles)
- Northampton (38 miles)
- Farnborough (38 miles)
- Royal Leamington Spa (38 miles)
- Harpenden (39 miles)
- Andover (39 miles)
- Staines (39 miles)
- Warwick (39 miles)
- Hayes (39 miles)
- St Albans (39 miles)
- Stroud (40 miles)
- Northolt (41 miles)
- Aldershot (41 miles)
- Ashford (41 miles)
- Harrow (41 miles)
- Southall (41 miles)
- Greenford (42 miles)
- Feltham (42 miles)
- Farnham (42 miles)
- Heston (42 miles)
- Woking (42 miles)
- Chippenham (42 miles)
- Borehamwood (42 miles)
- Rugby (43 miles)
- Bedford (43 miles)
- Gloucester (43 miles)
- Hounslow (43 miles)
- Brent (43 miles)
- Sunbury-on-Thames (43 miles)
- Wembley (43 miles)
- Hanworth (43 miles)
- Kenilworth (44 miles)
- Isleworth (44 miles)
- Hitchin (44 miles)
- Walton-on-Thames (44 miles)
- Hatfield (44 miles)
- Wellingborough (45 miles)
- Welwyn Garden City (45 miles)