Christmas in Oxford is always a special time in the city, and this year, there is a host of enchanting events and markets to bring cheer to residents and visitors alike.
From sparkling Christmas lights and special events, festive concerts, cosy pubs and cafes, multiple markets offering unique goods and an impressive cultural offering, the city has everything.
What’s On Across Oxford
- John Lewis Oxford festive events and experiences: 20 November to 24 December
- Dick Whittington: 21 November to 4 January at Oxford Playhouse
- Christmas in Oxford: 22 November 2025 to 31 December 2025 (except 25 December) on Broad Street
- Community Christmas gift wrapping: 24 November to 24 December at Westgate Oxford
- Late-night Christmas shopping: 28 November until 10 pm at Oxford Covered Market
- Community Christmas choirs: 29 November to 23 December (weekends only) at Westgate Oxford
- Independent Oxford Christmas Market: 29 November at Tap Social Botley
- The Christmas Orchestra: 30 November at Oxford Town Hall
- Wycliffe Hall's Carol Service: 2 December at St Andrew's Church
- Where’s Father Christmas?: 3 – 28 December at Burton Taylor Studio
- Meet and greet: The Gruffalo & The Gruffalo’s Child: 6 December, Leiden Square, Westgate Oxford
- Illustrator Event: Read and Draw with Korky Paul: 6 December at The Story Museum
- Oxford Botanic Garden Christmas Fair: 6-7 December 2025 at Oxford Botanic Gardens
- Meet and greet: Pingu: 7 December, Leiden Square, Westgate Oxford
- Experience Christmas: 13 December, University Church of St Mary the Virgin
- Meet and greet: Wallace & Gromit: 13 December, Leiden Square, Westgate Oxford
- Meet and greet: Elves Behavin' Badly: 14 December, Leiden Square, Westgate Oxford
- Holiday workshop: In the cards: 20 December 2025 at Modern Art Oxford
- Meet and greet: The Grinch: 20 December, Leiden Square, Westgate Oxford
- A Present for Jack: 20-30 December at The Story Museum
- Meet and greet: The Snowman™ & The Snowdog: 21 December, Leiden Square, Westgate Oxford
- Light it up! Paper Gaslamp Making: 22 and 29 December at Museum of Oxford
- Christmas: The Candlelight Concert: 22 December 2025 at Oxford Town Hall
- G4 Christmas: 23 December 2025 at Oxford Town Hall
- The Covered Market: open daily throughout the Christmas season (individual traders vary)
Free or low-cost food and activities
- Community Christmas Lunches: Thursday 18 December at Refresh Cafe, 1pm-3pm
- Christmas Dinner: Friday 19 December at St Frideswide’s Church, 3.30pm-7pm
- Breakfast at the Barn, Nightingale Avenue: Monday 22 December, 8.30am-10.30am (Free hot breakfast)
- Drop in Cafe: Monday 22 December at Rose Hill Methodist Church, 2pm-4pm
- Santa’s Workshop Soft Play: Monday 22 December and Tuesday 23 December at Leys Pool and Leisure Centre, 9am-3pm
- Christmas Bingo: Tuesday 23 December at Isis House, 2pm-4pm
- Santa’s Workshop Soft Play: Wednesday 24 December at Leys Pool and Leisure Centre, 9am-1.30pm
- OX4 Free Festive Community Lunch: Thursday 25 December at Flo’s Cafe, Florence Park, 12pm-4pm
- Oxford Christmas Lunch: Thursday 25 December at The King’s Centre, 12.30pm-4pm (Free three-course meal)
- Free Hot Meal Xmas Special: Saturday 27 December at at Asian Cultural Centre, 3pm-5pm (Collect small Christmas gifts or treats)
- Breakfast at the Barn, Nightingale Avenue: Monday 29 December, 8.30am-10.30am (Free hot breakfast)
Plan Your Visit
If you are visiting Christmas in Oxford this year, please consider travelling by bus, bike, on foot, train, or Park & Ride wherever possible.
Travel
If you are visiting Christmas in Oxford this year, the Council encourages travel by bus, bike, walking, Park & Ride, or train wherever possible. To look at options or plan your journey, head to the Oxford Travel Options website.
