The Top 8 Things To Do In Oxford & Oxfordshire At Christmas
Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires, is a magical place to visit any time of year. But during the festive season, it truly comes alive with a unique blend of tradition, history, and holiday cheer. From enchanting Christmas markets to historic Christmas carol services, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Our guide will give you all the best things to do in Oxford at Christmas so that you can make the most of the festive atmosphere and enjoy everything that Oxford has to offer. Whether you’re travelling alone or with your family, these activities are family-friendly, fun, and guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit. And if you’re planning a trip to the city to enjoy the festive cheer, make sure to explore our selection of self-catering accommodation in Oxford.
Our Favourite Days Out During The Festive Season
Blenheim Palace Christmas Illuminations
Step into a winter wonderland at Blenheim Palace, where millions of lights illuminate the gardens and palace. Enjoy festive trails, ice skating, and a magical Christmas market. This year the addition of Neverland in The Palace leads you through a swashbuckling adventure in Neverland, a place bursting with magic and make believe. Follow Tinkerbell through our State rooms as she sprinkles fairy dust over baubles and Christmas trees, wander through a moonlit London skyline and onto the Mermaid Lagoon.
Visit Christ Church College
Admire the stunning architecture and festive decorations of one of Oxford’s most famous colleges, including the Great Hall, made famous as the Hogwarts Dining Hall in the Harry Potter films.
Christmas Markets
Wander through the charming Christmas Markets in Oxfordshire and beyond, filled with local artisans, festive food, and unique gifts. Here are some of our favourites to visit:
- Stroud Christmas Market
- Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
- Oxford Christmas Market
- Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market
- Bath Christmas Market
Oxford Botanic Garden
Enjoy the beauty of the garden decorated with Christmas lights and festive displays. This year, a Christmas Fair returns to Oxford Botanic Garden for two days of festive shopping and entertainment. There will be live music, delicious local food and drink, and plenty of activities for children.
Oxford Playhouse: Christmas Pantomime
Nothing screams Christmas more than a family-friendly trip to the pantomime. The Oxford Playhouse plays host to the Christmas Pantomime each year so expect to bring your voice as you chant along with the crowd, laugh out loud, and connect to the larger-than-life characters that every good pantomime has.
Check out the Oxford Playhouse website to find out which one they’re showing this year.
Attend Christmas Carols and Concerts
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas with festive music and performances at venues like the Sheldonian Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral.
Visit a Cotswold Village
Experience the charm of a traditional English village during the Christmas season, with quaint shops, cosy pubs, and festive decorations. Our favourite Cotswolds villages to visit during the Festive Period are:
- Bibury: Renowned for its iconic Arlington Row, a row of quaint stone cottages that look like something out of a fairy tale.
- Burford: A historic market town with a charming high street lined with shops, pubs, and restaurants.
- Castle Combe: Often described as the most picturesque village in England, with its winding streets, thatched cottages, and ancient Bybrook River.
- Stow-on-the-Wold: A large market town with a stunning church, a historic wool market, and plenty of shops and restaurants.
- Moreton-in-Marsh: A historic market town with a bustling high street, a beautiful church, and a historic railway station.
Christmas Shopping
Explore Oxford’s many shops and boutiques for unique gifts and souvenirs. Our favourite places to pick up last minute gifts are:
Additional Festive Tips
- Book in Advance: Many popular attractions and accommodations fill up quickly during the Christmas season, so it’s best to book in advance.
- Dress Warmly: Oxford can get quite cold during the winter months, so make sure to pack warm clothing and comfortable shoes.
- Embrace the Festive Spirit: The best way to enjoy the Christmas season in Oxford is to embrace the festive spirit and soak up the magic.
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and festive atmosphere, Oxford is the perfect destination for a magical Christmas. So bundle up, grab your loved ones, and explore all that this enchanting city has to offer.
Explore all of our homes and apartments in Oxford; whether you are having a romantic getaway before the busy festive period or you want to spend a family Christmas in Oxford, we have something for everyone.
If you need any help with booking your Festive Getaway to Oxford, please call our friendly bookings team 01993 222 200 or send us a message.
