Experience the festive fun of Oxford with our detailed holiday guide. From Oxford natives to seasonal migrants, our guide illuminates the path to holiday joy.
The Oxford Christmas Market, held in the heart of the city, offers a charming array of stalls, festive lights, and seasonal delights. Step into a fairy tale world of illuminated wonder at the Blenheim Palace Christmas Light Trail, featuring mesmerizing light displays and enchanting scenery. And don't forget Christmas at the Ashmolean, where art and holiday spirit combine in unique exhibitions and events. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Oxford
- Oxford Christmas Market
- Christmas at the Ashmolean
- The Snowman and The Snowdog Tour
- Oxford Christmas Parade
- Santa's Grotto at Templars Square
- Christmas Carols at St Giles'
- Oxford Ice Rink Winter Wonderland
- Candlelight Carols at Exeter College Chapel
- Holiday Trails at Waterperry Gardens
Oxford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Oxford Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional German-style Christmas market in historic Oxford
Description:
Oxford's Broad Street transforms into a bustling German-style Christmas market. Wooden chalets line the historic thoroughfare, offering handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. The aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air. Visitors can try their hand at traditional glass-blowing demonstrations. This market tradition dates back to the 13th century in Germany, bringing a slice of continental Christmas cheer to the heart of Oxford.
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Oxford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Oxford Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-led parade showcasing local talent and traditions
Description:
Oxford's streets come alive with a vibrant Christmas parade. Local community groups, schools, and businesses create colorful floats and performances. Visitors can marvel at the intricate costumes and choreographed dances. The parade route winds through historic streets, passing by centuries-old colleges and landmarks. This event revives the medieval tradition of mystery plays, which were once performed on the streets of Oxford during religious festivals.
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Christmas Carols at St Giles'
What to Expect:
Carol service in one of Oxford's oldest churches
Description:
St Giles' Church, dating back to the 12th century, hosts a traditional carol service. The church's Norman architecture provides a stunning backdrop for the angelic voices of local choirs. Visitors can join in singing centuries-old carols, accompanied by the church's historic organ. The event includes readings from Oxford literary figures, past and present. This service continues a tradition that has been part of Oxford's Christmas celebrations for over 800 years.
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Candlelight Carols at Exeter College Chapel
What to Expect:
Candlelit carol service in a 14th-century college chapel
Description:
Exeter College Chapel, a hidden gem of Oxford, hosts an intimate candlelit carol service. The flickering candlelight illuminates the chapel's Pre-Raphaelite tapestries and stained glass windows. Visitors can experience the acoustics of this medieval space as voices and organ music fill the air. The service includes lesser-known carols from the college's archives. This event continues a tradition that has been part of Oxford's academic life for centuries.
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Candlelight Carols at Exeter College Chapel
Oxford Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at the Ashmolean
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed exhibits in Britain's oldest public museum
Description:
The Ashmolean Museum embraces the holiday spirit with specially curated exhibits. Ancient artifacts and artworks are reinterpreted through a festive lens. Visitors can participate in a Christmas-themed treasure hunt throughout the galleries. The museum, founded in 1683, showcases how different cultures have celebrated winter solstice throughout history. Seasonal music echoes through the halls, adding to the ambiance of this cultural celebration.
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The Snowman and The Snowdog Tour
What to Expect:
Interactive tour based on the beloved animated film
Description:
Oxford hosts a unique tour inspired by "The Snowman and The Snowdog" animated film. Life-sized sculptures of the characters pop up across the city. Visitors can follow a trail map to discover each installation and learn about Oxford's winter traditions. The tour incorporates augmented reality elements, bringing the story to life. This event celebrates the 40th anniversary of Raymond Briggs' original "The Snowman" book, which has captivated generations.
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The Snowman and The Snowdog Tour
Santa's Grotto at Templars Square
What to Expect:
Santa's Grotto in a shopping center with a medieval history
Description:
Templars Square shopping center hosts a unique Santa's Grotto. The grotto design incorporates elements of the area's Templar history. Visitors can explore a mini-museum of medieval Christmas traditions before meeting Santa. The event supports local charities, continuing the Knights Templar's legacy of community service. You'll discover how Christmas celebrations have evolved in Oxford since the Middle Ages.
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Santa's Grotto at Templars Square
Oxford Ice Rink Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Ice skating rink with a literary theme
Description:
Oxford's ice rink transforms into a literary winter scene. The rink is decorated with quotes and characters from famous Oxford authors. Visitors can glide across the ice while surrounded by scenes from "Alice in Wonderland" and "The Chronicles of Narnia". Special skating sessions feature dramatic readings performed by local actors. This event celebrates Oxford's rich literary heritage and its connection to beloved winter tales.
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Oxford Ice Rink Winter Wonderland
Holiday Trails at Waterperry Gardens
What to Expect:
Garden-based holiday trail with horticultural themes
Description:
Waterperry Gardens creates a unique holiday trail through its eight-acre ornamental gardens. The trail incorporates plants traditionally associated with Christmas, such as holly and mistletoe. Visitors can learn about the horticultural significance of these plants and their roles in holiday traditions. The gardens' famous herbaceous border gets a winter makeover with creative lighting. This event showcases how English garden design has incorporated seasonal elements throughout history.
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Holiday Trails at Waterperry Gardens
Nearby Events
Blenheim Palace Christmas Light Trail (Woodstock)
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail through the grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage site
Description:
Blenheim Palace's grounds come alive with a dazzling light trail. Illuminated installations transform the historic landscape into a nocturnal wonderland. Visitors can wander through a tunnel of stars and witness the palace facade bathed in ever-changing hues. The trail pays homage to the estate's rich history, with light displays inspired by the Duke of Marlborough's victories. You'll discover hidden surprises around every corner of this magnificent 18th-century estate.
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Blenheim Palace Christmas Light Trail
Magical Christmas at Waddesdon Manor (Aylesbury)
What to Expect:
Christmas decorations in a French Renaissance-style château
Description:
Waddesdon Manor, built in the style of a French château, dons its holiday finest. Each room showcases a different theme, blending Victorian traditions with contemporary design. Visitors can admire the 20-foot Christmas tree in the Baron's Room. The manor's grounds feature light installations inspired by the Rothschild family's art collection. This event offers a glimpse into how the aristocracy celebrated Christmas in the late 19th century.
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Magical Christmas at Waddesdon Manor
Christmas at Millets Farm (Abingdon)
What to Expect:
Farm-based Christmas experience with animal encounters
Description:
Millets Farm Center transforms into a rustic Christmas haven. Visitors can meet real reindeer and learn about their role in Arctic ecosystems. The farm's giant maze gets a festive makeover with twinkling lights and holiday-themed puzzles. Children can participate in wreath-making workshops using materials grown on the farm. This event highlights the agricultural heritage of Oxfordshire and its connection to seasonal celebrations.
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Victorian Christmas at Cogges Manor Farm (Witney)
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian Christmas experience on a working farm
Description:
Cogges Manor Farm transports visitors to a Victorian Christmas. Staff in period costumes demonstrate traditional crafts and cooking methods. Visitors can try their hand at making Victorian-style Christmas cards. The farm's animals are incorporated into the experience, showcasing their roles in 19th-century rural life. This event brings to life the Christmas traditions described in Thomas Hardy's novels, which were set in this region.
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Victorian Christmas at Cogges Manor Farm