What’s on in Oxford this weekend for families? A whole loads of Christmas shenanigans that’s what!
Christmas in Oxford kicks off on Saturday until 31st December on Broad St with live music, community entertainment, festive street food, gift stalls, family friendly attractions and Alpine Lodge Bar. Always a popular event!
Saturday 22nd November
🎄Kennington Christmas Charity Display
The official light switch on is 5pm on Friday (go if you can, lovely event) and then it’s go go go for Santa every Friday – Sunday from 5pm – 8pm. The proceeds from all donations are going to Sobell House and SSNAP (Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents) at the JR. We went last week and it looks fantastic with so much to see in the garden. We were also lucky enough to sit in the sleigh and receive a gift. So exciting! Check out our visit here.
📅 Usually on until January ⏰ Lights on when it gets dark 💷 Free to visit, donations to see Santa all to charity 🎫 No pre-booking required ℹ️ More info on their Facebook page.
✨Illuminate Light Trail at Millets
The trail is on! Maybe a bit early for some but we visited midweek to see if it lived up to all that we hoped as a mid price point trail…yes it did! This isn’t the first rodeo for the trail organisers – these Illuminate trails are rolled out across the UK – and you can tell as it’s a slick operation with really impressive lights. Kids loved it and so did my pocket. See our visit here.
📅 On until 4th January ⏰ Various time slots 💷 Depending on peak or off peak Adults: From £15.50, Children: From £12.50 )ages 0 -2 free), Free carers tickets available. 🎫 Pre-booking required ℹ️ More info on Illuminate website.
🦌 Reindeers at Waterperry Gardens
Christmas really kicks off this weekend at Waterperry with real reindeer (Saturday and Sunday), the reindeer Christmas trail (until Christmas eve) and the gardens and also the Christmas market. Free playground on the lawn to burn off the rest of the weekend energy whilst you sample the Christmas wares in the café.
📅 Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November ⏰ 11am – 2.30pm 💷 Free to view, adult must pay low-season garden entry: £9🎫 No pre-booking required ℹ️ More info on the Waterperry website.
❄️ Swindon Winter Fest
A day of culture, creativity, and community with FREE family-friendly, imaginative experiences. Follow a winter trail to discover giant, interactive imaginary creatures, a magical lantern forest and lots of inspiring festive activities along the way!
📅 Saturday 22nd November ⏰ From 10am 💴 Free 🎫 No pre-booking required ℹ️ More info on the Swindon Culture Collective Facebook page.
✨Rectory Farm Christmas Market
A big two day Christmas event inside one of Rectory Farms grow houses. Artisan market, street food, live music, a choir, mulled wine, and coffee. Plus a bit of Christmas magic too.
📅 Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November ⏰10am – 5pm 💴 Free 🎫 No pre-booking required ℹ️ More info on the Rectory Farm website.
Sunday 23rd November
🍂Kate’s Place: Community Nature Day
A wonderfully peaceful place in Florence Park. Expect crafting, cooking on an open campfire and other seasonal activities. These days are very popular and attract and a great crowd of outdoor families.
📅 Sunday 23rd November ⏰ 11am – 3pm 💴 Free 🎫 No booking required – drop in ℹ️ More info on the Nature Effect website.
🎄Tree Barn
It’s open! Scaled back this year in size without losing the magic. Dressed trees, decorations of every size, colour and configuration and some sort of magical elixir which makes you want to buy everything! Fab addition of a Christmas Cabin café selling Christmas food and drink (bring cash).
📅 Open until Christmas eve ⏰ 9am – 5:30pm with some late nights 💴 Free 🎫 No pre-booking required ℹ️ More info on the Tree Barn website or see our visit last weekend.
🌲Appleton Christmas Barn
Just like the Tree Barn, but with reindeers! We love coming here, meeting the reindeers and picking up a decoration. When the Besselsleigh Lights switch on too we combine a trip there as well. Pure Christmas overload – get in! Trees available from, 26th November.
📅 Open until Christmas eve ⏰ 10am – 6pm with some late nights 💴 Free 🎫 No pre-booking required ℹ️ More info on the Tree Barn website or see our visits.
🎁 Made in Oxford Christmas Market at Caper
We do love a Christmas market, shopping local AND it all being inside our fave bookshop Caper so wild horses couldn’t keep us away from this one. Access through the secret wardrobe and find a selection of art, ceramics, jewellery and more from local; makers.
📅 Sunday 23rdd November ⏰ 10am – 4pm 💴 Free 🎫 No pre-booking required ℹ️ More info on the Made in Oxford website
