This short route takes you to the nearest Christmas delights in the city centre. Of course, you don’t need to visit every stop in one day; however, you can use this route as a guide on what to see. Feel free to follow the sounds and sights of Christmas that tickle your fancy as you walk along; you never know what nooks and baubles you might find. At the end of this article, find other Christmassy things to do that are a little ways out of Oxford.
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Route overview
Be greeted by one of Santa’s elves and led to the Christmas Trail at Oxford Castle and Prison. You can ask the elves their names and how they got that name; it’s their favourite story to tell. Starting at the base of St. George’s Tower, with over 1000 years of history, you will then be taken to the 900-year-old Norman Crypt and led by another elf who will explain how to make food for the reindeer and much more! Have you been good this year? If you have, you can meet Santa, have an elf take a photo, and write your Christmas wish to hang on their wish tree. Book your ticket here to experience the magic!
Christmas Trail in Oxford Castle and Prison. Credit: Oxford Castle Website
Leaving the castle, turn left onto New Road, right onto Worcester Street and follow its curve to the right onto George Street.
Part 1 of the Family-friendly Christmas in Oxford Walk
You will find the New Theatre on your left.
Leaving the theatre, turn left again onto George Street and over onto Broad Street to see Christmas in Oxford.
Leaving the market, turn right onto Turl Street.
Part 2 of the Family-friendly Christmas in Oxford Walk
The Muppets Christmas Carol at the New Theatre will be a great way to start the Festive season on 1 December. Watch the screening of the film, along with a live performance of the musical score. Enjoy the performance of Kermit the Frog, who plays Bob Cratchit, Gonzo, who narrates the story as Dickens with Rizzo the Rat, Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim.
Muppets Christmas Carol. Credit: ATG Tickets
Christmas in Oxford on Broad Street will run from 23 November to 5 January. Wooden stalls, a giant Christmas tree, and live music on a stage will add to the more traditional feel of the festival this year.
Christmas in Oxford Broad Street. Credit: Travel Addicts
Turn left onto High Street, turning right just after passing Magdalen College to find the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Part 3 of the Family-friendly Christmas in Oxford Walk
What better way to feel the spirit of Christmas than surrounded by beautiful nature at the Oxford Botanic Garden Christmas Fair on 7 and 8 December? This will be a great opportunity to purchase some last-minute gifts from local craftspeople, suppliers, and producers, all the while enjoying the live performances, local food and drink, and activities to keep the children busy. Book your tickets here to avoid disappointment.
Oxford Botanic Garden. Credit: Oxford Magazine
Oxford Christmas Light Festival is a three-day Light Festival from 15-17 November. This Light Festival is not a single event in a single location; instead, it is a host of events and activities such as a Victorian Christmas Market, an Extended Reality experience with Fantasy Future: Guardians of Oxford by TORCH, an interactive giant projection of Sagacity: Periodic Table of Emotions by the Cultural Programme, crafts sessions at The Winter Lights Festival at Ark-T, and much more. See the daily events and book the respective tickets here.
Christmas Lights Switch On. Credit: Oxford Magazine
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Not on this route:
Blenheim Palace:
Cogges Manor Farm Christmas Market
Resources:
If you enjoyed this route, see our Oxford’s Legends and Lore Walk
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