The Oxford Christmas Market, traditionally held on Broad Street, is a highlight of the city’s festive season, offering a magical blend of Christmas cheer, live music, and stalls filled with handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. Visitors enjoy the sounds of choirs singing Christmas carols and the aromas of mulled wine, cinnamon, and bratwurst filling the air, all set against the historic backdrop of Oxford’s beautiful architecture.
IMPORTANT NOTE: For 2024, the Oxford Christmas Market has been CANCELLED due to logistical changes in the city. There are plans to explore new formats for future Christmas celebrations in Oxford, potentially bringing in a fresh and exciting approach to the city’s festive events. While the traditional market won’t be happening this year, Oxford still promises other Christmas activities, including light displays and festive events across various venues.
For those still wanting a holiday market experience nearby, alternatives like the Oxford Victorian Christmas Market and the Blenheim Palace Christmas Market may be worth exploring.
A Good Alternative: The Oxford Victorian Christmas Market
The Oxford Victorian Christmas Market 2024 will be held from Thursday, November 14 to Sunday, November 17, 2024 on Broad Street in Oxford. This event will transport you back to the Victorian era, featuring artisan stalls with handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and captivating street entertainment like live music, a DJ compere, and a Victorian stilt walker.
The market opens at different times over the weekend:
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
It’s a perfect opportunity to get into the festive spirit, with unique gifts, seasonal delicacies, and a lively atmosphere filled with music and street performances.
Oxford Christmas Activities
Christmas in Oxford is magical, even without the traditional market. The city offers a variety of festive activities to get you in the holiday spirit:
Christmas Light Festival – One of Oxford’s most anticipated events, the Christmas Light Festival brightens up the city with dazzling displays and light installations. Spread across several key areas, including Broad Street and the Westgate Oxford, the festival also features live performances and family-friendly activities. You can get tickets here 🔗.
Carols at Christ Church Cathedral – Experience the magic of traditional Christmas carols in the stunning Christ Church Cathedral. With choir performances throughout the season, this is a quintessential Christmas experience that brings together music, history, and the festive atmosphere of Oxford. You can learn more about this event and get tickets here 🔗.
Ice Skating at Oxford Ice Rink – Enjoy a festive skate at Oxford’s Ice Rink, a popular winter activity. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, it’s a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit with friends and family. Check their site for opening times and tickets 🔗.
Pantomimes and Christmas Shows – The Oxford Playhouse and New Theatre Oxford offer a range of festive productions, including classic Christmas pantomimes and family-friendly performances. These lively shows are a beloved part of Oxford’s holiday traditions, providing entertainment for all ages.
Festive Walks in Oxford’s Colleges and Parks – Many of Oxford’s colleges open their doors for special winter tours, allowing you to explore their stunning courtyards and architecture with a festive twist. Christ Church Meadows and University Parks are perfect for a scenic winter walk, especially when frosted with snow or decorated for the holidays.
Christmas Shopping – Oxford’s high streets and Westgate Shopping Centre are adorned with festive decorations, creating the perfect backdrop for Christmas shopping. From local crafts to luxury gifts, the city’s boutiques and stores offer a variety of gift options.
Alternative Christmas Markets Around Oxford
Since the Oxford Christmas Market is closed this year, here are some fantastic alternative Christmas markets and festive events that offer a wide range of festive experiences, from traditional Christmas markets to beautiful light displays and holiday shopping events nearby:
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market (Woodstock)
Just outside of Oxford, Blenheim Palace hosts a beautiful Christmas market within its courtyard. It features artisanal crafts, festive foods, and stunning Christmas lights. The palace also offers an enchanting illuminated trail through its gardens and special exhibitions inside the palace itself. This year, the theme is Neverland. You can follow Tinkerbell through Blenheim’s Staterooms and visit the London skyline and the Mermaid Lagoon. You can get tickets here 🔗.
- Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
- How to get there: A 25-minute drive via the A44 or take the S3 bus from Oxford, which runs directly to Woodstock. Blenheim Palace is also easily accessible by bike if you’re looking for a scenic route.
Bicester Village Christmas Shopping
If you’re in the mood for holiday shopping, Bicester Village, just outside Oxford, transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations and high-end shopping. While it’s not a traditional market, it offers a unique luxury holiday experience. And, with its mix of fashion, food, and seasonal beauty, Bicester Village offers much more than just a shopping trip. You can see how to get there here.
- Distance: 12 miles (19 km)
- How to get there: A 20-minute drive via the A34 or a direct 15-minute train from Oxford to Bicester Village station. The shopping area is right next to the station.
Winchester Christmas Market
One of the largest and most popular markets in the region, Winchester’s market is known for its traditional wooden chalets, ice skating rink, and picturesque cathedral backdrop. It’s a great place for gift shopping and indulging in festive treats.
- Distance: 60 miles (96 km)
- How to get there: Around 1 hour 15 minutes by car via the A34, or take a direct train from Oxford to Winchester, which takes approximately 1 hour. Buses or taxis from the station will get you to the market.
Bath Christmas Market
A short trip from Oxford, Bath’s Christmas market is set against the backdrop of the historic Roman Baths and Abbey. With over 150 stalls, it offers a mix of local crafts, holiday food, and live entertainment.
- Distance: 65 miles (104 km)
- How to get there: A direct train from Oxford to Bath Spa takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Driving will take around 1 hour 30 minutes via the A34 and M4. Bath’s city center is walkable from the train station.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
One of the largest German-style markets in the UK, Birmingham’s festive market is famous for its traditional German sausages, mulled wine, and unique holiday decorations. It’s a great destination for a bustling, lively Christmas atmosphere.
- Distance: 70 miles (113 km)
- How to get there: Trains from Oxford to Birmingham New Street take around 1 hour 10 minutes. By car, it’s about 1 hour 30 minutes via the M40. The market is a short walk from the station in Birmingham’s city center.
