Last updated: 11 November 2024
Plan your holiday festivities in Didcot with ease! Our guide has all the best events and activities. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this guide showcases the festive magic of Didcot.
One of the highlights of the season is the enchanting Blenheim Palace Christmas Lights, where the historic grounds are transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour and illumination. Additionally, the Blenheim Palace Christmas Market offers a delightful array of handcrafted gifts and festive treats, perfect for getting into the seasonal spirit. And the Waddesdon Manor Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring charming stalls nestled in a stunning setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Didcot Holiday Light Displays
Blenheim Palace Christmas Lights
- What to Expect
- Interactive light trail with themed decorations and festive sounds.
- Description
- Blenheim Palace transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, and sparkling baubles. The historic Palace and Gardens come alive with a new light trail featuring dynamic neon tunnels, lakeside reflections, and a scented fire garden. Inside the Palace, explore the State rooms decorated as Neverland, following Tinkerbell through the State rooms and into the Mermaid Lagoon.
- Where
- Woodstock | More Info : Blenheim Palace Christmas Lights
Thame Christmas Light Switch-On
- What to Expect
- Iconic Lantern Parade and festive train rides.
- Description
- Thame Christmas Light Switch-On is an evening of festive entertainment featuring Santa's Grotto, gift stalls, refreshments, carol singing, and an iconic Lantern Parade. The event includes activities like feeding and petting reindeer, festive train rides, and children's rides.
- Where
- Thame | More Info : Thame Christmas Light Switch-On
Thame Christmas Town Trail
- What to Expect
- Spectacular Christmas lights and festive activities.
- Description
- Thame Christmas Town Trail features decorated shop windows, a spectacular Christmas lights switch-on event, mulled wine, live music, children’s characters, and Santa hats.
- Where
- Thame | More Info : Thame Christmas Town Trail
Didcot Holiday Markets and Shopping
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday market with a new light trail and themed decorations.
- Description
- Blenheim Palace Christmas Market features a seasonal village with wooden chalets offering inspired gift ideas, tasty treats, and street food stalls. The event includes a new light trail and themed decorations, making it a unique holiday experience.
- Where
- Woodstock | More Info : Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
Waddesdon Manor Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Immersive Christmas experience with light projections and a festive market.
- Description
- Waddesdon Manor transforms into a vibrant celebration of Christmas with beautifully decorated interiors, new light projections on the Manor façade, and a glittering light trail in the gardens. The event features a Christmas Fair with artisan stalls and a Food Village offering tasty takeaway food and drink. This immersive experience is inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty, with captivating installations and outdoor illuminations.
- Where
- Waddesdon | More Info : Waddesdon Manor Christmas Market
Witney Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local artisans and unique gifts in a bustling market setting.
- Description
- The Witney Christmas Market at Marriott's Walk offers a delightful four-day event filled with local artisans, unique gifts, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere. Explore a variety of stalls selling handmade crafts, seasonal decorations, and tasty treats.
- Where
- Witney | More Info : Witney Christmas Market
Cogges Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique artisan crafts and festive food offerings.
- 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 Christmas trees are also available. The event includes a BBQ, bar, mulled wine, and mince pies. Santa's Grotto is open on weekends and selected dates.
- Where
- Witney | More Info : Cogges Christmas Market
Oxford Etsy Team Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade and vintage items from local makers.
- Description
- The Oxford Etsy Team Christmas Market features over 70 local makers and sellers offering handmade home accessories, jewelry, stationery, ceramics, clothes, artwork, prints, vintage items, and accessories. The event includes a performance by a local choir and offers free entry.
- Where
- Oxford | More Info : Oxford Etsy Team Christmas Market
Didcot Other Holiday Activities
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 winter wonderland, 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
Santa steam rides from Chinnor & Princes Risborough railway
- What to Expect
- Traditional steam train ride with Santa's Grotto visit.
- Description
- Join 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. The journey includes puzzles, craft projects, and festive treats.
- 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 and activities.
- Description
- Explore Upton House and Gardens this Christmas, where Aesop's Fables come to life in beautifully decorated rooms. Discover intricate fable sculptures inspired by 18th-century candlesticks from the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory. Collect your cheeky creature activity pack and follow the hidden clues across the winter walk and decorated rooms.
- Where
- Banbury | More Info : Upton House Aesop’s Fable Trail
Fairytale Farm Christmas
- What to Expect
- Immersive Victorian Christmas experience with interactive encounters.
- Description
- Step into a Victorian Christmas scene at Fairytale Farm, where Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol comes to life. Explore the bustling streets of Victorian London, visit Tom's Toy Shop, and meet Father Christmas in his charming Grotto. Enjoy interactive experiences like dancing penguins and a festive light trail.
- Where
- Chipping Norton | More Info : Fairytale Farm Christmas
Millets Farm Santa’s Grotto
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive tasks to prove your Nice List status.
- Description
- Join Santa and his elves for an elf-tastic adventure at Millets Farm Santa’s Grotto. Help sort out the Christmas crisis by completing fun festive tasks to prove you belong on the Nice List. Meet North Pole friends, visit the reindeer stables, and choose a special toy from Santa’s workshop.
- Where
- Abingdon | More Info : Millets Farm Santa’s Grotto