Best Things to Do in Oxford at Christmas to Get in the Festive Mood

Oxford is one of the most picturesque cities across the UK—especially at Christmastime. In fact, it hosts one of the best Christmas markets in the country. Combine this with its quaint cobbled streets and vibrant atmosphere, and you’ve got yourself a winter wonderland!

If you’re organising a short break in Oxford this year, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to events and activities. Some of the best things to do to get into the festive mood are:

• Christmas Trail at the medieval Castle and Prison
• Oxford’s winter market
• Christmas wreath making
• Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival
• Shopping at Westgate Oxford
• Ice skating at Oxford Ice Rink
• Oxford Victorian Christmas Market
• Watch Cinderella at the Oxford Playhouse

Feeling Christmassy? Read on to plan the perfect itinerary for your trip to Oxford.

Christmas Trail at the medieval Castle and Prison

Looking for family activities this Christmas in Oxford? The city’s Castle and Prison—an ancient medieval site—will be hosting a very special event. Activities include learning how to make reindeer food, crafting your own Yuletide tree bauble and meeting Santa Claus himself! Children will also receive a gift and have the chance to write a wish and hang it on the wish tree.

This event will take place on selected dates from the 26^th of November until the 23^rd of December 2022.

Oxford’s winter market

Celebrate the season by visiting one of the best markets across the UK. Oxford Christmas Market is returning to the city this year and promises to be even more spectacular. Browse the stalls selling wonderful gifts, listen to carols and indulge in delicious food and drink. Whether you’re looking for presents for loved ones or you just want to explore the city in all its festive glory, a trip to Oxford’s winter market is a must.

The market will be open from the 1^st to the 18^th of December 2022.

Christmas wreath making

There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by making your very own Christmas wreath! If you’re spending time in Oxford this December, head to the Botanic Garden, where you can attend a wreath-making masterclass. It will be led by floral designer Lyn Oswin, who will teach you how to create a wreath with products from the Botanic Garden and Arboretum. There will also be mince pies, mulled wine and music to enjoy during the session.

This event will take place at 10:00 and 13:00 on the 8^th of December 2022.

Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival

Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival first took place in 2009 and has since evolved from a single evening’s event to a fantastic three-day festival. Expect amazing light installations, music, performances and a number of free activities. There will also be fun workshops, such as lantern-making sessions, which will involve making your own biodegradable lantern to decorate your home with.

The festival will take place from the 18^th to the 20^th of November 2022.

Shopping at Westgate Oxford

Get the Christmas shopping underway at Westgate Oxford, one of the city’s best retail destinations. Here you’ll find all the shops you can possibly think of, from Primark to Lush, John Lewis to Zara. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pair of fluffy socks or toys for the little ones, you’ll find everything you need here. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafés dotted around where you can stop for a bite to eat after a busy day of shopping.

Ice skating at Oxford Ice Rink

If you want to get in the festive mood, book a session of ice skating this winter. Located in the city’s heart, Oxford Ice Rink is the place to enjoy a fun few hours gliding across the ice. Whether you’re a skating pro or a total beginner, there are sessions available for all experience levels. Afterwards, head to the café for a hot drink to warm up.

Oxford Victorian Christmas Market

You might have heard of Oxford’s annual winter market, but have you heard of its Victorian Christmas Market? This event will take you back in time to the Victorian era, featuring stallholders dressed in traditional Victorian clothing. Get ready for tasty food and drink, live music and brilliant street entertainment at this unique market.

Due to the success of the 2021 Victorian Market, 2022 will see a four-day event take place at Broad Street, from the 17^th to the 20^th of November 2022. It will be open from 10:00 until 17:00 on these days.

Watch Cinderella at the Oxford Playhouse

This Christmas, come and see the story of Cinderellareimagined at the Oxford Playhouse. The show will follow a slightly different storyline to the original, featuring plenty of comedy and fabulous costumes. This is the ideal pantomime to see as a family, suitable for all ages.

The Oxford Playhouse is a fantastic theatre designed by Edward Maufe and F.G.M. Chancellor, situated at Beaumont Street. Cinderella will run at various times from the 25^th of November 2022 until the 8^th of January 2023. Tickets begin at £15.00. 

Where can I stay in Oxford?

If you’re planning a staycation in Oxford, you’ll need a comfortable hotel to relax in. Our Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford offers a luxury setting, with 240 modern guestrooms, an onsite restaurant and health and leisure facilities. And only a stone’s throw from Oxford’s city centre, you won’t have to travel far to make the most of the attractions.