Christmas 2025 in Oxfordshire is set to be one to remember: think atmospheric markets, candle-lit services, and the cacophonous clatter of conviviality in pubs where windows glow and beckon weary shoppers in for just a quick pick-me-up by the fire.
Here we signpost the most exquisite corners of Oxfordshire’s Christmas calendar – from hand-crafted gifts to sacred song. Whether you’re browsing for meaningful presents or simply pausing for a moment of stillness, here’s how to experience the season at its most magical.
Christmas Fairs
Artisan Beauty at the Christmas Fair 2025 at the Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum
6–7 December
Set within the lush, historic environs of Oxford’s Botanic Garden, this weekend event offers a refined take on the festive fair. Elegant stalls brim with hand-crafted wares and botanical-inspired gifts – the sort of shopping that is a seasonal pleasure rather than a chore. It’s festive, yes, but never frenetic. And if you have a shopping refusenik in tow, they can simply repair to the glasshouses and garden paths to wander through the natural splendour while you browse and chat to makers.
Handmade Arts & Crafts Christmas Market at the West Oxford Community Association
A local treasure, this market is all about celebrating the independent Oxford maker scene. Expect pottery, textiles, prints and jewellery and relaxed, community-minded festivity. Ideal for those who prefer sincerity over spectacle. Warm drinks, homemade cakes in the adjoining café and good conversation come as standard.
Etsy Christmas Market at Examination Schools
November 16
Oxford alumnus? Chances are last time you set foot inside the Examination Schools, it was for something a lot less fun than the Etsy Christmas Market. If so, come and redefine your relationship with the faintly forbidding building on Oxford’s high street. And for everyone else, it’s a chance to snoop inside and snap up a handmade bargain. Entrance is free too – win-win.
Oxford Christmas Market, Broad Street
From November 22 – December 31
There is no more magical street in Oxford than Broad Street (just screw up your eyes to obscure the questionable proliferation of Harry Potter shops). And come Christmas, it transforms into a winter wonderland with Alpine style markets, food stalls aplenty, handmade wares and an old-fashioned carousel. The perfect place to sip mulled wine when Christmas shopping fatigue hits.
Woodstock Festive Fayre
28 & 29 November
Woodstock is always a good idea at Christmas, its honeyed Cotswold stone and cosy pubs making even the most Scrooge-like among us feel festive. But make for St Mary Magdaelene Church and the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum on 28 and 29 November and you’ll be in line for much festive cheer as well as artisanal, handmade goodies. From foodie buys to ceramics to jewellery, it could even be the only day of Christmas shopping you need do. Efficient as well as lovely.
Banbury Victorian Christmas Market
28 – 30 November
The Victorians invented Christmas as we know it and Banbury’s Market Place is back once more with a homage to the festive period done the Dickensian way. Eighty artisan stalls, a big light switch on, live performances and appearances from the festive gingerbread man. Who could ask for more?
The Christmas Market At Blenheim
November 14 – December 21
There are many, many reasons to visit Blenheim Palace at Christmas (magical after dark trail, anyone? Outdoor ice-skating rink with the best view anywhere?), but one of our favourites is its annual market. Expect wooden chalets, hot food, gluhwein and artisan wares – all in the Great Court at one of the country’s most astonishing stately homes.
Carols & Concerts
Nine Lessons and Carols at Christ Church
21 – 24 December
Few experiences capture the spirit of Christmas quite like the Nine Lessons and Carols services at Christ Church Cathedral Oxford. The soaring harmonies of the choir, the flicker of candlelight on ancient stone, the hush as the opening notes begin – in short, it’s goose-bump territory. This year’s services take place on 21, 22, 23 and 24 December, each beginning at 6.05 pm. Entry is free but ticketed to preserve the tranquil atmosphere, and early booking is advised. Do wrap up warm; the cathedral’s beauty comes with a chill that only heightens the magic. (Do check out other services through the month, including one for Macmillan Cancer Support on 5 December – as well as checking for a host of beautiful carol services across other college chapels).
Crisis Christmas Carol Service at University Church of St Mary the Virgin
18 December
The University Church is a deeply atmospheric and always welcoming place to soak in the festive magic and consider the true meaning of Christmas. This year it once more hosts the annual Crisis Skylight concert led by the Jericho Singers. The mission? A world without homelessness, so do give generously if you can. Free with suggested donation of £10
Christmas: The Candlelight Concert At The Town Hall
22 December
As Christmas draws near, Oxford Town Hall throws open its grand doors for one of the city’s most atmospheric musical evenings. Lit entirely by candlelight, this concert gathers professional musicians and a full choir to perform stirring renditions of seasonal classics. The acoustics of the Victorian hall lend a resonant, golden glow to the whole affair which, simply, promises to be pure magic.
Events
Magical Illumination at Blenheim Palace
A short drive away, the annual Christmas at Blenheim Palace is a showstopper. The illuminated trail winds through Capability Brown parkland, every twist revealing another spectacle of light, reflection and wonder. Indoors, meanwhile, the palace itself becomes a storybook world of fairy-tale décor. It’s a dazzling evening for families and romantics alike – a must-book that never disappoints.
Dick Whittington at Oxford Playhouse
21 November – 4 January
Expect plenty of festive sparkle at Oxford Playhouse’s 2025 pantomime: this lively take on the classic tale brings laughter, merriment and a cheeky wink to 90s-Britpop culture. It’s the perfect family treat – glittering sets, joyful music, and huge community heart combine to make it one of the most endearing ways to start the Christmas season in Oxford. Plus Robin Hemmings is back, and we’d go to see anything that stars this stone-cold genius comic actor.
Indie Shops For Gift Buying
Objects of Use
Tucked away on Market Street, this minimalist emporium celebrates the beauty of things well made. Expect thoughtfully designed homewares, artisan tools and timeless objects – ideal for anyone who value form and function in equal measure.
The Covered Market
Oxford’s beating retail heart since the 18th-century, the Covered Market hums with life throughout December. From the decadently good Wicked chocolatiers to The Garden of Oxford florists, exemplary jewellers to family butchers, its narrow lanes exude a Dickensian charm that’s frankly irresistible. We especially love Goodies for menswear. Do stop in for a coffee at Colombia Coffee Roasters and lose an hour people-watching – and then, if you’re in the mood, a pint at Tap Social or a glass of wine at the incomparable Cellar Door (if you can bag a table, that is). Explore the market.
Burford Garden Centre
A short drive west, Burford Garden Centre is a mecca for discerning shoppers. Its beautifully selected Christmas department, full of Nordic-style decorations, luxury hampers and sustainable gifts, makes it worth a dedicated visit alone.
Daylesford
For those who prefer their Christmas shopping amid the scent of spruce, spiced cider and impeccable design, Daylesford is the Cotswolds’ answer to festive nirvana. Its hallowed and sprawling complex of sheer loveliness groans with organic produce, artisanal beauty and gifts that are both beautiful and sustainable.
Cosy Pubs to Get in Spirit
Lamb & Flag, St Giles
Once owned by St John’s College and now run as a community co-operative, this Oxford institution is as authentic as they come. There’s a fire in winter, wood panelling, and even a piano – with the occasional spontaneous carol sing-along adding to the cheer. There’s no website, and we heartily approve of its old-school ways.
The Perch, Binsey
A short walk across Port Meadow brings you to this postcard-perfect riverside pub – ideal to get away from the Christmas shopping throngs. Fairy lights, roaring fires and a locally sourced festive menu make it an idyllic escape from the city’s bustle. Book a table.
The Bull, Charlbury
No one does roaring fires and candlelit atmosphere like The Bull. Should you be in Oxfordshire for Christmas, you must come to Charlbury not simply because it is beautiful (which it is) or because it’s become a foodie’s paradise (which it has), but also because it’s worth checking out the favoured haunts of two recent visitors – Kamala Harris and JD Vance. Book a table.
The Kingham Plough, Kingham
Walk into the Kingham Plough and you’ll be greeted with the small of woodsmoke, perfect British cooking and, in all likelihood, the sight of a snoozing dog lolling by a fire. It is the exemplar of the cosy country pub and we highly recommend you stop in to or fro a trip to nearby Daylesford. Book a table.
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
Feel inspired by the aforementioned Daylesford? Just wait until you stop in at its very own pub. Almost painfully perfect. Book a table.
