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Last updated: November 11, 2024

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!

Contact information and details below.

Bicester Holiday Light Displays

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

Event Organizer?

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

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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

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Bicester Holiday Markets and Shopping

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

Bicester Holiday Shows and Entertainment

Christmas Night Light at The Story Museum(Oxford)

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

Bicester Other Holiday Activities

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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