With only five weeks to go until Christmas it’s time to start that festive shopping! And with such an exciting mix of Oxfordshire Christmas Markets to attend, running from this weekend right through until December, don’t miss out! Here are our top picks!
Banbury Victorian Christmas Market, Market Place, Banbury, November 22-24 featuring a live DJ compere, a Victorian carousel, roaming street entertainment, a Victorian Stilt walker and Santa Claus. Throw in a wonderful selection of artisan traders dressed up in Victorian Clothes, selling mulled wine, mulled cider, a variety of street food, hog roasts, crepes, artisan cheese, jewellery, art, clothing, roasted chestnuts and more and you’re in for a treat! https://www.facebook.com/events/1642493926317307
Oxford Botanic Garden’s Christmas Fair, December 7-8. Following the success of last year’s event, two marquees will host to a range of local craftspeople, suppliers, producers and delicious food and drink. From live music and theatre performances, activities for children to enjoy, The Conservatory Bar, Crafty Belle Crumpets and Crepes, Jericho Coffee Traders, Horsebox Coffee, Veni & Dough, and Fallow and Field. Live entertainment will be provided by Oxford’s Hot Crumpets and Horns of Plenty on Saturday, and jazz vocalist Fleur Stevenson on Sunday. WhatNot Theatre will present ‘Mother Christmas’ in their magical grotto and botanical folklorist Natty Mark Samuels will host a series of interactive, drop-in workshops, celebrating Caribbean plants with costumes, cuisine and musical instruments. Throw in a tombola, Christmas Pudding Trail, the Oxford Botanic Garden shop being open, pop-up stalls from the Bodleian Library and Ashmolean Museum and Oxford Botanic Garden’s first ever perfume, Metaphysic, inspired by the scents and smells of the famous garden, and you’re in for a treat. Tickets £8. https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/event/christmas-fair
Artisan Christmas Market at Blenheim Palace until Sunday December 17. A sumptuous array of produce and crafts can be found in traditional wooden chalets on Blenheim Palace’s Great Court. From olives and glass to soft drinks, cookies, ceramics, condiments, knitwear, vodka and so much more, come meet the makers, soak up the yuletide atmosphere and pick out some beautiful Christmas gifts. Entry to the market is free and access is also included with tickets to the indoor and outdoor trails. REVIEW: What Blenheim Palace has in store this Christmas with Neverland, a new Illuminated Light Trail, ice skating, market and rides!A combined ticket is available so visitors can enjoy the whole festive experience at a reduced rate. FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK HERE
Witney Christmas Market, Marriot’s Walk, Dec 5-8. After last year’s success it’s returning bigger and better than ever before. The hugely popular event will now extend to four days where gifts, crafts, food and drink can be enjoyed. With 32 wooden chalets lining Marriotts Walk there’ll be plenty of options, so bring friends, family, and your holiday spirit for a cosy, charming, and memorable day. https://www.cotswoldmarkets.com/witney-christmas-markets
Covered Market 250 Christmases in the Covered Market Oxford’s historic Covered Market is especially magical during the Christmas season, and this year marks an extra-special milestone – its 250th Christmas – and to mark the occasion you can enjoy late night Christmas shopping and carols kick off a festive weekend on Friday 29 November. with some late-night shopping there as 30+ traders open until 9pm, offering a wide selection of artisan gifts, decorations and produce. Then sit back and enjoy a tipple from one of the market’s bars. And don’t forget to write a wish on the Christmas Tree of Wishes. More information HERE
Independent Oxford Christmas Market, Tap Social Taproom in Botley, Saturday November 23, 11am-5pm Don’t miss this unique and quirky Christmas market, celebrating Oxfordshire businesses where 17 local independent market stalls will be selling homeware, skincare, ceramics, jewellery, books, prints and posters, clothes, accessories, craft supplies, gift sets, food and puzzles. DON’T MISS: Independent Oxford’s Christmas Market brings a winter wonderland to Tap Social’s Taproom in Botley on Nov 23 Throw in some street food, festive drinks, children’s activities, a winter wonderland theme, lots of festive cheer, and a wonderful community atmosphere and it’s bound to get you in the mood. https://independentoxford.com/events/indie-oxford-x-tap-social-christmas-market-2024/
Chipping Norton Christmas Gift Market, High Street, Dec 8, 10am-5pm. The first year for this Cotswolds Markets event, with over 40 traditional stalls outside the Town Hall, as well as hot food and drink, find unique gifts and delicious treats to celebrate the festive season. https://www.cotswoldmarkets.com/chipping-norton-gift-market
Deddington Farmer’s Christmas Market. December 21, 9am-12.30pm – Not only will there be 40 stalls selling fabulous food and drink, but Deddington School Choir will be on hand, plus the Deddington Brass Band and a visit from a pantomime horse so get there early to ensure the best selection of locally produced food! https://www.deddingtonfarmersmarket.co.uk
Chalgrove Artisan Distillery Christmas Market, Chalgrove, November 29, 11am-5pm – The home of OX Gins is excited to announce its inaugural Christmas Market at the distillery near the Chalgrove airfield. The stalls will feature handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and one of a kind items from local artisans, creating a platform for supporting small, independent businesses, plus a 10% discount to local on gin purchases. In addition to the vendor stalls, the Christmas Market will feature hot mulled gin, and a tasting booth where you can sample Chalgrove’s delicious gin offerings. http://www.oxgins.co.uk
Woodstock Festive Fayre, Friday November 29 – Saturday November 30. A festive shopping weekend in three venues! Shop and be merry at St Mary Magdalene Church and, brand new for 2024 cross the road and continue your Festive Fayre visit at The Oxfordshire Museum and The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum for another impressive artisan gift wonderland. Organised by Wake Up To Woodstock you can do all your Christmas shopping in one go with 50 crafters to choose from, from olive oil and skincare products to candles and jewellery. And don’t miss the Night Of A Thousand Candles on the Saturday night. https://www.wutw.co.uk/woodstock-festive-fayre-2024/
Christmas in Oxford, Broad Street, November 23 -Jan 5. This year’s Oxford Christmas Market, now known as Christmas in Oxford will take place in the heart of the city with wooden stalls, a giant Christmas tree, and a live music stage. The historic street will be transformed with lights, decorations and lots of options for families, community groups, residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the season, using Broad Street in a different way in the lead-up to Christmas.