It seems like we only blinked, and suddenly Christmas is here!
With a nip in the air and magic all around, there’s plenty of seasonal things to see and do to make this Christmas break one to remember. From enchanting workshops to jolly buses, we’ve put together some of our favourite festive outings you won’t want to miss.
Busing about town
Hop aboard a City Sightseeing open-top bus tour from 19th to 31st December and take part in the annual Oxford Elf Trail! With a dose of elf-determination and a clever mind, seek out five cheeky elves, hidden throughout the city centre. With a City Sightseeing Oxford open-top tour bus as your sleigh, glide through the streets, hopping on and off to find some of Santa’s most mischievous helpers.
Each impish elf has a puzzle to solve, unlocking a secret word. Once you’ve found all five, put your puzzle-solving prowess to work and unscramble them together to discover a festive phrase. Then head to Elf HQ at the Visitor Information Point or Carfax Tower to claim your tasty reward.
It’s elf-ementary, my deer Watson!
While you’re on the elf hunt, take some time to enjoy the tour and soak up Oxford’s Christmassy splendour. Our buses take you on an 18-stop tour of the city, visiting places like university hotspots, the Radcliffe Camera and plenty more besides! With 24 or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off tickets, it’s the perfect way to see Oxford while avoiding sore feet, busy streets and cold weather.
Our tours also come with audio commentary; plug in and choose one of 14 different languages!
Still got some little-explorer energy to burn?
Tune into Mia Cloo’s station, where Mia and her brother Dexter are on a special quest, and need a young Oxford visitor’s help! Crack the clue in the free Mia Cloo book to reveal a magical word and unlock another prize!
To really get you in the festive spirit, we’re teeming up with our sister brand Oxford Bus Company for the annual Christmas Light Bus, returning to dazzle the streets every Friday and Saturday from 11th to 19th December.
Expect festive tunes from our friends at Get Radio, a frankly unreasonable number of twinkling lights and a liberal sprinkling of Christmas cheer as the sparkling bus makes its way through the streets. Cheerful volunteers will be handing out chocolaty treats, and there may even be an appearance or two from the main man himself!
Check out the website to see more details about when the Christmas Light Bus is heading your way, and keep a beady eye on social media to track its whereabouts each evening.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to our Visitor Information Point by bus, click here.
Go Outdoors
Though the weather may not always be on your side, it’s still worth wrapping up warm this Winter to see some of the great outdoorsy things on for the festive season. Whether it’s a crisp snow day (fingers crossed!) or exploring the markets to get ahead on your Christmas List, it’s surely worth sporting a stylish woolly hat for these offerings.
A firm Oxfordshire favourite, Millets Farm has been keeping families fed, watered and entertained for over 70 years. And when it comes to Christmas, they’re certainly not doing things by halves this year.
From 2nd November, the Farm Shop Christmas Marquee will once again open its doors for seasonal treats and holiday favourites. Whether you’re planning the perfect Christmas spread, searching for thoughtful foodie gifts or fancy a little something yourself (we won’t tell anyone), you’ll find plenty to tempt you.
Tucked behind decorative doors, by the cheese counter, you’ll step into a foodies dream, with shelves stacked high with festive biscuits, luxury chocolates, local favourites and more.
Christmas is a time for friends and family, so why not add a new (and considerably fluffier) member to yours at the Build a Buddy Festive Workshop? On 19th and 20th December, little ones over 18 months old can enter the workshop and create their new best friend.
Fuelling by homemade shortbread biscuits and squash, children can choose their bear before giving them a holiday makeover. Add a good old sing-song to the mix, and, an hour later, you’ll be bringing home a cuddly new member of your household, just in time for the big day.
Before you head home, swing by Webbs Garden Centre and introduce your new friend to Father Christmas and Mrs Claus at Santa’s Grotto. On select dates in November and December, everyone’s favourite Christmas couple will be taking a break from the North Pole for a super special holiday experience. With elves at their side singing along to classic Christmas melodies, expect a sack load of crafts, toys and high jinks for the whole family, plus some one-on-one time with the big man himself.
Do the little ones still have a sleigh-load of energy to burn? Look no further than Sprouts Festive Disco Nights! With the lights down low and the music up high, from 6 to 8pm on 22nd and 23rd December, groovy kiddos can boogie down to Christmas classics and musical favourites while exploring the heights of the Sprouts Play Barn soft play area. Who knows? You may even get an appearance from a certain Brussels sprout…
For something a little more twinkly, wrap up warm and embark on the Illuminate Light Trail. From 14th November to 1st January, Illuminate are coming to Millets, transforming the farm into a late-night wonderland of colour and light. Follow lanterns through stunning spectacles of light and themed displays before heading to the Alpine Bar for food court goodies and warm drinks. Toast marshmallows, grab a snack or enjoy a light tipple at the bar to warm cold bones as you explore the grounds, seeing Millets in a whole new light.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Millets Farm Centre by bus, click here.
Just a stone’s throw from the city centre lie the rolling, ornamental landscapes of Waterperry Gardens. Once home to Beatrix Havergal’s School of Horticulture for Ladies, the gardens are now open for the public to come and explore for themselves. Though it may be Winter, that doesn’t mean the gardens lie dormant. Instead, a patchwork of clipped yew trees, bright birch and seasonal flora blankets the grounds, waiting for visitors to come and explore them.
A few weekends before the kids break up, on 21st and 22nd November, Waterperry Gardens will be welcoming some very special visitors, who are so excited to meet and greet guests. Taking a break from important preparations in the North Pole, several Real Reindeer will be making their way to the gardens, posing for pictures and looking rather magnificent as they enthral onlookers of all ages.
With busy times ahead, and Christmas preparations to make, the reindeer can’t hang around for long. But all is not lost on the reindeer front. From 21st November to 24th December, kids can join the trail to Find Santa’s Reindeer. Father Christmas has a rather deer problem, and he needs your help to solve it! Hiding all around the gardens, Santa needs you to find his missing reindeer before he sets out on Christmas Eve. Those who help him track them all down will earn a special, festive prize to reward their efforts in stopping Christmas from being a total deer-saster.
On 5th and 6th December, shop ‘till you drop at Waterperry’s December Christmas Market. Explore artisanal stalls, selling everything from beautiful handmade gifts to festive food and drink. Nestled in the covered plant area, you’ll still be toasty and warm as you browse to your heart’s content, with a backdrop of music from a brass band really bringing the festive spirit to life.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Waterperry Gardens by bus, click here.
Founded in 1621, Oxford Botanic Garden is one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world, boasting one of the globe’s most diverse plant collections with over 5,000 species calling the four-and-a-half-acre site home.
Returning to the grounds once more, the Oxford Botanic Garden Christmas Fair opens its doors on 5th and 6th December. Set against the breathtaking surroundings of the gardens, the market brings together a handpicked selection of independent makers and craftsmen, all showing off the best they have to offer for you to peruse. Throw in some creative activities for the kids live music, and plenty of twinkling fairy lights, and it’s certainly one for your festive diary.
While visiting the market, why not take some time to explore the rest of the Botanic Gardens? Hear the crunch of the frost beneath your feet as you wander the twisting garden paths, taking in the sights and sounds of the park, then head inside to warm up in the tropical glasshouses, home to giant waterlilies and colossal cacti.
If you prefer to stick outdoors, then head to Botanic Garden’s sister site, Harcourt Arboretum. Across 150 acres of towering trees and expansive meadows, winter brings frosted branches and flocked evergreens, and a veritable winter wonderland straight out of Narnia. Keep your eyes peeled for native birds flitting about on the hunt for food, and the occasional peacock strutting their stuff for all to see.
From 2nd December to 12th January, the 12 Trees of Christmas Family Trail offers kids and grown-ups a chance to branch out and explore the lofty heights of the arboretum’s towering trees in a whole new way. Embark on a fascinating journey along winding, accessible paths as you explore the world of festive tree traditions from around the world, earning a well-deserved prize at the end.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Oxford Botanic Gardens by bus, click here, and for Harcourt Arboretum click here.
Museums & History
Oh deer! Father Christmas and Rudolph might be holding out for snow, but the British weather has other ideas… Though many of us hope for snow, typical British weather means we are more likely to anticipate cold air and rainfall. Thankfully, Oxford is home to a whole host of museums and historical things to do while staying warm and toasty.
Back in the 70s, there was a need for a museum that specialised in Oxford’s long and colourful history. The Museum of Oxford was the answer to that call! With both permanent and temporary displays to see, the museum tells the story of life in Oxford from its prehistoric settlers right through to the modern day.
Also known colloquially as MOX, the museum is home to heaps of activities and things to do for young visitors to get stuck into. Gallery Trails offer a fun way to explore the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Choose a theme, from marmalade adventures to hidden hares, and set off around the museum. Pick a new theme on your next visit to see the collections all over again from a brand-new angle.
A regular fixture at MOX, Hands-on-History returns on 21st December, giving curious minds the opportunity to get up close and personal with the museum’s collection. Dive into Oxford’s musical history in the new handling collection, touching and using a range of objects from minidisk players to concertinas. Learn the story behind each object and their connections to Oxford’s amazing past.
Sticking with the musical theme, Little Sounds of the City with Oli Steadman from Stornoway also arrives at the museum on 21st December. From Glastonbury to canal boats, Oli Steadman has played bass here, there and everywhere. A member of Oxford’s own indie-folk band Stornoway, he’s bringing his skills back to the city for an exciting hands-on workshop. Aimed at kids aged 5 to 11 and their accompanying grown-ups, you’ll work together to create and perform a brand-new song about the city of dreaming spires, built from the sounds and stories of the city. There’s no musical experience needed, just your voice and a good dose of enthusiasm.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to the Museum of Oxford by bus, click here.
Jump into the pages of your favourite book at the Story Museum!
A magical world of traditional tales, fantastical fables and contemporary classics, the Story Museum is a hands-on exploration of literature from far and wide, guaranteed to unleash your inner big kid from the moment you step inside.
Head into the Galleries to discover the Whispering Wood’s secrets, before moving on to the Enchanted Library to choose your own adventure.
The Story Arcade is home to virtual narratives and video games galore. Young gamers can get stuck in on custom-built arcade machines to try out open-world RPGs and pixelated classics, as well as featured games created by the brilliant minds at the museum.
For kiddos 5 and under, Small Worlds is a patchwork of pretty picture books and rhyming tales brought to life. Story Guides are on hand to tell tales and sing songs throughout the five themed zones.
Currently in the Galleries is the Story Museum’s latest exhibition, Mystery Academy. Brilliant head teacher Christie Moyo has disappeared, and it’s up to the young detectives visiting the Mystery Academy to help find her. Based on the original story by Sharna Jackson, kids can explore boarding school rooms, hidden doors, forensics labs and more as they put their detective skills to the test. There’s also antique police equipment and spyware to investigate, including fingerprinting kits and waistcoat-concealed cameras. With favourite figures from classic and contemporary detective books also making an appearance, you could well end up with the next Inspector Morse on your hands by the end!
From 19th December to 1st January, things get positively ribbiting with Hoppily Ever After – The Frog Prince Musical. Prince Riberto is known throughout the kingdom for his love songs even though, due to an unfortunate run-in with a powerful sorcerer, he is currently a frog. Accompanied by his trusty employees Lily and Patrick, everything is on the line when a song commission comes in from the Queen herself.
A joyful new musical, packed with toad-ally awesome songs, big laughs and fairytale magic. Written by children’s author and musician David Gibb, it’s sure to be an un-frog-ettable show!
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to The Story Museum by bus, click here.
Dating all the way back to 1071, Oxford Castle Prison has a varied and, at times, rather eventful history. From imprisoned empresses and Civil War sanctums to ghostly monks and notorious acts of divine intervention, its walls have witnessed plenty over the centuries
Step back into 1,000 years of history on a Guided Tour of Oxford Castle Prison. Your costumed, expert guide will teach you all about the history of the site. Listen to tales of crime, punishment, power and legend as you explore ancient crypts and desperate cells. Ascend the twisting 101 steps of St. George’s Tower for panoramic views of the city and be sure to have your mugshot taken at the end for a unique souvenir.
From the 5th to 23rd December, join Mrs Claus down in the castle’s crypt for A Magical Christmas Storytelling Experience with Santa at Oxford Castle Prison. Rather than things that go bump in the night, the underground vault will instead be lit up for the festive period, with Mrs Claus sitting down to tell seasonal stories and lead Christmas crafts for all nice list members to enjoy. Make a decoration that’ll be a centrepiece on the tree for years to come, add a Christmas wish to the Wishing Tree, and write a letter to Santa. And when all’s said and done, Santa will be making an appearance, with a small present for every kiddo to take home.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to Oxford Castle Prison by bus, click here.
Theatrical Performances
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to the theatre, would it? . Whether you have a budding young thespian on your hands, are looking for some side-splitting laughs, or you simply want to enjoy a show, there’s plenty on offer for the festive period. From classic panto to much-loved stories brought to life, here’s what’s worth having on your festive radar.
Since 1934, the New Theatre has been a hub in Oxford for great evenings out. With Art Deco charm in spades, the New Theatre is all sweeping gold, red and cream detailing, with plush carpets and comfy seats adding a little old-school glamour.
From 15th December to 2nd January, Annie will be coming to the new theatre for this year’s festive musical. With Brookside actress Claire Sweeney taking on the iconic role of Miss Hannigan, this glorious revival of the classic show is not to be missed. In 1930s New York, little orphan Annie’s life is flipped on its head when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire Mr Oliver Warbucks. Searching for her true family, Annie’s story is set against the backdrop of some of musical theatre’s most famous scores, from Hard-Knock Life to Tomorrow; you’ll be singing them all on the bus home!
For the grown-ups, embrace the spirit of Ireland with Christmas in Ireland. From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights, on 9th December, join an incredible cast of musicians and singers for some classic Christmas-time hits, from Driving Home for Christmas to Dirty Old Town and, of course, no festive playlist is complete without Fairytale of New York. It’s a feel-good mix of laughter, reflection and seasonal joy, with the promise that for one night, nobody is a stranger.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to the New Theatre Oxford by bus, click here.
Opened in 1923 by J. B. Fagan, the Oxford Playhouse has welcomed some seriously big names over the years, including Judi Dench and Ian McKellen. Today, its programme spans everything from local community performances to touring productions and its much-loved annual panto.
Mirror mirror on the wall… which panto is the most magical of them all? This year’s Oxford Playhouse Pantomime is the one and only Snow White! In the West Oxford Enchanted Wood, Snow takes guests on a journey where fairytale magic meets modern technology. While Queen Narcissa hungers for power, holding contempt for the natural world, Snow White and her friends must work together to save the forest and restore balance. From 20th November to 3rd January, expect boos, cheers, dazzling dance numbers and plenty of “he’s behind you!”s moments.
For a more relaxed performance, check out Little Robin Red Vest, coming to the Playhouse between 2nd December and 3rd January. Enjoy this popular children’s book brought to life as part of a chilled afternoon at the theatres Burton Taylor Studio. With just one week until Christmas, Little Robin washes seven warm vests for the cold nights to come. As he goes about his day, he meets many shivering animals in need, to whom he gives vests, but by the end he’s none left for himself. That is, until a mysterious friend shows up to reward his kindness. With original songs and puppetry, this heartwarming tale of friendship is perfect for little theatregoers aged 2 to 6 and their families.
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to the Oxford Playhouse by bus, click here.
Celebrating their 30th year, Creation Theatre is Oxfordshire’s largest producing theatre company. Never too concerned with convention, the company puts innovation, education and inspiring children at the heart of what it does, whether that’s online, on stage, through clever workshops or by giving classic tales a thorough shake-up.
From 28th November to 3rd January, step into a magical, merry adventure with Alice in Winter Wonderland, a new twist on an Oxford classic. Alice is full of Christmassy questions but, unfortunately for her, Dad doesn’t have all the answers. As her curiosity whisks her away to Wonderland, Alice discovers a jubilant world of strange and silly characters. From Queens stuck on tradition to dodo birds insisting they’re not turkeys, plus a classic Mad Hatter’s tea party, discover a world of musical magic, larger-than-life personalities and Christmas laughter, all unfolding at The North Wall Theatre in Summertown.
The North Wall Arts Centre is a place for artists and audiences to come together to share art and creativity in all its many forms, and this Christmas is no exception!
On 21st and 22nd December, kids aged 8 to 11 can head to the Drama Studio for YouthLab: Lantern Making. For two days, they’ll work with creative experts to create beautiful willow lanterns, the perfect addition to at-home holiday decorations. All materials, including the lights, will be provided; all they have to do is show up and get creating.
For the older kids, aged 12 to 17, look no further than YouthLab: Intro to Directing! If they have a love of theatre, or an interest in bossing people about (creatively), then this could be the class for them! Also, on 21st and 22nd December, this two-day course covers how to approach a play, run a rehearsal room and direct actors, taking ideas from the page to the stage.
Both workshop groups will get the chance to watch Alice in Winter Wonderland, so they’ll be getting two experiences for the price of one!
Journey Planner: To plan your journey to the North Wall by bus, click here.
