What is there to do in Oxford at Christmas?

Christmas in Oxford (late Nov–Dec) features the Broad Street Christmas Market (Nov 22–Dec 31 2025) with food, gifts, and an Après Ski Bar, alongside carol singing, the Oxford Botanic Garden Christmas Fair, and ice skating at the Oxford Ice Rink. Other highlights include festive, themed afternoon teas, pantomimes at the Playhouse, and illuminated tours.

Is Oxford worth visiting at Christmas?

A Christmas Experience for All

Christmas in Oxford is more than just a market – it's a celebration of everything that makes this time of year special. Whether you're shopping for unique gifts, meeting friends for a festive catch-up, or simply enjoying the magical atmosphere, there's something here for everyone.

What to do in Oxford during Christmas?

Our Favourite Days Out During The Festive Season

• explore the festive events at blenheim palace.
• find out more about christmas celebrations at christ church.
• explore the festive events at oxford castle & prison.
• find out more about the pantomime at oxford playhouse.
• book your festive oxford getaway.

Does Oxford have an Xmas market?

Families stroll, students linger, tourists admire and the entire city hums with a sense of gentle festivity. Oxford Christmas markets range from the celebrated Broad Street installation to smaller artisan gatherings that spotlight local creativity.

Where is the prettiest Christmas town?

15 Most Enchanting Christmas Towns Around the World

• Rovaniemi, Finland (Santa Claus Village)
• Leavenworth, Washington, USA.
• Colmar, France.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
• Strasbourg, France.
• Hallstatt, Austria.
• McAdenville, North Carolina, USA ("Christmas Town USA")
• Bruges, Belgium.

TOP 15 Things To Do In Oxford 🇬🇧 Travel Guide

What to do in Oxford during winter?

The Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Library, Christchurch Art Gallery and the colleges all have empty queues during winter, so you can visit the world-class attractions at your own pace, in your own time.

What is the crisis at Christmas in Oxford?

Crisis works at Christmas and all year round to support people in Oxford to build lives beyond homelessness. Every year thanks to our Christmas appeal we offer much needed warmth, advice, food and company to people experiencing homelessness.

Is Oxford Christmas Market any good?

No atmosphere at all this year, but there again it's not unlike the rest of the centre of Oxford which has some pretty drab Christmas lights; not very festive at all. If you want to find Christmas in Oxford, the covered market is the best place to go.

What are the best free things to do in Oxford?

The best free things to do in Oxford include exploring world-class museums like the Ashmolean, Natural History Museum, and Pitt Rivers Museum, wandering through historic college grounds and meadows like Christ Church Meadow, taking free walking tours, admiring iconic spots like the Bridge of Sighs, and enjoying nature at Port Meadow or the University Parks. You can also browse unique shops, relax by the canals, and find free events in the city's many pubs. 

What are good activities for Christmas?

Good Christmas activities include festive baking (cookies, gingerbread houses), decorating (tree, home, ugly sweaters), enjoying holiday lights (trails, neighborhood drives), crafting (ornaments, cards), watching Christmas movies, hosting game/karaoke nights, visiting markets, and acts of kindness like volunteering or caroling.
 

Is Oxford Street open on Christmas Day?

No, major stores on Oxford Street are closed on Christmas Day (December 25th) due to UK law for large retailers and tradition, with most shops remaining shut, though you might find a few small convenience stores open, but expect very limited options for shopping and no public transport. 

Which is nicer, Oxford or Bath?

I visited Bath & Oxford as a part of a road trip through Southern England with my mother. From these two cities I much preferred Bath and wished we had more time in Bath, while we stayed longer in Oxford. However Oxford is a good classic and worth a visit for a day.

How to spend 2 days in Oxford?

A weekend in Oxford: 2-day Oxford itinerary

1. Lavender at Christ Church.
2. Views from the Varsity Club rooftop.
3. The Radcliffe Camera from the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.
4. The Bodleian Library.
5. The Sheldonian Theatre and Clarendon Building.
6. The Ashmolean Museum.
7. Christ Church College Chapel.
8. The Bridge of Sighs.

Which is prettier, Cambridge or Oxford?

In terms of differences between the two locations, Cambridge is generally considered a little prettier, while Oxford has a bit more going on – but of course this will depend on who you ask.

What is the 56 day homeless rule?

The "56-day homeless rule" refers to the mandatory 56-day period (eight weeks) local authorities in England have under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 to prevent homelessness (prevention duty) or help someone find accommodation (relief duty) if they're eligible, focusing on a Personal Housing Plan. This duty applies if you're at risk of homelessness within 56 days or are already homeless, requiring councils to take reasonable steps, but they can end the duty after 56 days if not resolved, potentially requiring you to reapply if you still need help.

Why are there so many homeless in Oxford?

Many people experiencing homelessness in Oxford have unmet support needs that include physical and mental health or substance misuse issues. Cuts to support services make it harder for us to engage with people and help them to come inside or prevent them from returning to the streets.

Is Oxford nice during Christmas?

The cobbled lanes, centuries-old spires, and warming light of the winter markets come together to create an atmosphere that lives for the holidays. Whether you're new to the city or just looking to mix up your seasonal traditions, here's your guide to making the most of Christmas in Oxford.

What to do with one day in Oxford?

For a day in Oxford, focus on its iconic university sights like the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and colleges (e.g., Christ Church) {1, 2, 8}, visit the Ashmolean Museum (Britain's oldest public museum) {1, 12}, explore the historic Covered Market {4, 15}, and enjoy the river by punting or a river cruise {1, 15}. Don't miss climbing a tower for city views or relaxing in the Botanic Garden for a perfect mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty.

What is the most Christmas obsessed place in the UK?

Oxford has been named the most Christmas-obsessed city in the UK. According to new data from Ashridge House Illuminated, festive-related online searches from the city have risen by 455 per cent year-on-year, indicating that residents are planning their seasonal celebrations earlier than ever before.

Where is the most magical place to go at Christmas?

The most magical Christmas spots often blend snow, lights, and unique traditions, with Rovaniemi, Finland (Lapland) topping lists for its authentic Santa Claus Village, Northern Lights, and reindeer sleigh rides. Other top contenders include New York City for iconic big-city festive displays, Colmar, France for storybook charm, Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens for fairy-tale amusement, and even warm-weather options like Hong Kong or Disney World for unique holiday spectacles, but snowy Lapland often embodies pure, classic Christmas magic.

What is the least Christmassy town in the UK?

Crowned the least Christmassy town in the UK was… Luton. The city scored the lowest on the festive spirit score, making it home to the Grinchiest of souls in the country. Second place went to Bradford, followed by Southampton in third.