The warm up for Christmas is on! Catch the ongoing events in our free and low-cost Christmas blog.
Saturday 23rd November
⭐South Oxford Family Room: In the Light Garden
A magical light trail through the gardens accompanied by gentle music. Families can enjoy a bonfire, wood oven cooked pizza and refreshments (available to purchase on the night). Fun for the whole family. Ideal for those families who need a gentle alternative to a noisy firework display. On Friday and Saturday night.
📅 Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd November ⏰4.30pm – 7.30pm 💷£10 at the gate 💴 Book your spot via Eventbrite and pay on the night ℹ️ More info on the South Oxford Family Room Facebook page.
🎄Thomley: Christmas Market
A day out at Thomley is cracking but throw in Christmas shenanigans and it just gets better! Stalls, activities for children, Santa’s Grotto plus hot food and drink all day. Gates will not be locked like they usually are if you have a runner!
📅 Saturday 23rd November ⏰10am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 Email Helen at [email protected] ℹ️ More info on the Thomley website.
🔬History of Science Museum: Autism Friendly Opening
A relaxed morning opening to enjoy the Museum displays and collections in a quiet environment for families with members on the autism spectrum. SEND-friendly Light and Space backpacks to borrow and ear defenders at the front desk. There’s also social stories to read before your visit.
📅 Saturday 23rd November ⏰10.45am – 11.45am 💴 Free 🎫 Email Helen at [email protected] ℹ️ More info on the History of Science Museum website.
🔬History of Science Museum: How does it work?
Get hands-on with some of the collections and see them in action! Grab a Light and Space backpack to explore science stories in every gallery or take part in a family scavenger hunt. This event is on Sunday too so pick your day!
📅 Saturday 24th November ⏰12 noon – 2pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the History of Science Museum website.
💃🏽Fam Jam at John Bunyan Hall (Formerly Ark-T)
Get those dancing shoes on! Fam Jam does exactly what is says on the tin: a family disco, with a live DJ, fun and games for all the family. Great community event where everyone is welcome!
📅 Saturday 23rd November ⏰1.30pm – 3pm 💴 Pay What you Like 🎫 No need to book, just show up! ℹ️ More info on the Dancin’ Oxford website.
🪩Fam Jam at Rose Hill
Same as above, different venue! The Dancin’ Oxford Team are really keeping us busy with these fab family discos. If you have never been before then give it a go!
📅 Saturday 23rd November ⏰1.30pm – 3pm 💴 Pay What you Like 🎫 No need to book, just show up! ℹ️ More info on the Dancin’ Oxford website.
🦌Waterperry Gardens: Meet Live Reindeer
It’s all going on at Waterperry this weekend! It’s the November Christmas market (free), start of the Reindeer Trail (until 24th December – £3.95, includes prize) and the opportunity to meet real reindeer (all weekend 11.30am – 2.20pm – garden entry fee applies).
📅 Saturday 23rd November ⏰10am – 5pm 💴 Garden entry required. Adult £9, U16: Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the Waterperry Gardens website.
👩🏽💻Westgate Library: Code Club
My older boys LOVE this! Free coding sessions for children using Scratch. Learn how to make your own games. Perfect for children interested in coding, gaming and STEM. No experienced required! For children aged 8 – 13 years old.
📅 Saturday 23rd November ⏰9.30am – 10.30am 💴 Free 🎫 Booking required ℹ️ Book via Eventbrite
Sunday 24th November
🦌Waterperry Gardens: Meet Live Reindeer
It’s all going on at Waterperry this weekend! It’s the November Christmas market (free), start of the Reindeer Trail (until 24th December – £3.95, includes prize) and the opportunity to meet real reindeer (all weekend 11.30am – 2.20pm – garden entry fee applies).
📅 Sunday 24th November ⏰10am – 5pm 💴 Garden entry required. Adult £9, U16: Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the Waterperry Gardens website.
🔬History of Science Museum: How does it work?
Get hands-on with some of the collections and see them in action! Grab a Light and Space backpack to explore science stories in every gallery or take part in a family scavenger hunt. This event is on Sunday too so pick your day!
📅 Saturday 24th November ⏰12 noon – 2pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the History of Science Museum website.
🦖Museum of Natural History: Family Friendly Sundays
A Sunday afternoon of nature-themed activity backpacks, crafts, family-friendly trails, and more!
📅 Sunday 24th November⏰ 2pm – 4pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking ℹ️ Event info here. Never visited the museum? See one of our many trips here.
👀Looking and booking👀
Dorchester Abbey Christmas Market 30th November
Over 40 stalls full of gifts and Christmas food, with wreaths to order or take away, all surrounded by the smell of Bratwurst and mulled wine and Christmas music supplied by local choirs and musicians. The Tea Room stall is full of home made Christmas cakes and food to take away as gifts!
Big Fish Little Fish Early Christmas Rave at Tap Social 1st December
Big Fish Little Fish returns to Tap Social for another fam-tastic early Christmas family rave! Enjoy snow-foam, bubbles, giant balloons, giant parachute dance, craft tables, giant colouring mural, play dough, baby zone and licenced bar. Get in!
Magdalen Frost Fest 7th December
Our favourite road celebrates Christmas! Parades, Santa, carols, flea market, carol singing and Christmas trail. More info to follow!
Caper: Winter Massage, Story and play workshop 11th December
A packed session with winter massage & yoga, stories, poems, singing and sensory play. Learn corresponding massage strokes & yoga poses to perform on your baby as you follow along. A nice little Christmas 1:1 time amidst the madness!
Oxford Bus Museum Father Christmas Days 15th and 22nd December
Visit Santa in his bus grotto (I love that!) and get on board for some free festive bus rides at 12.15 and 2,15pm. It’s a lovely little outing and a super museum run by dedicated volunteers.
Oxford City Farm Winter Warmer 22nd December
Celebrate the winter season with mulled apple juice, mince pies, carols & solstice songs by the fire!
