As we head towards Christmas there are events and activities aplenty to get you in the festive mood with illuminated trails starting this month to kindle your enthusiasm for the season ahead
Tis the season to set eyes all aglow and nothing does that like the wonder of an illuminated trail. The illuminated outdoor Christmas Trail in the grounds of Blenheim Palace is one of the highlights of the festive calendar. Wander the picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer to discover a place where new memories are made as a multitude of glowing lights and Christmassy sounds fill the air with festive fun. Inspired by the natural world and festive themes, the illuminations have been created by internationally renowned artists and are guaranteed to add extra magic to the festive season. Wander through thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles, shimmering tunnels of light and vibrant woodland lakeside displays. November 15th to January 1st. Booking essential Christmas at Blenheim | Festive Light Trail & Christmas Market
The family-friendly illuminated lights trail at Cotswold Farm Park is a wonderous night-time experience, showcasing marvellous creations, installations and illuminations. The lights will guide you on an enchanting stroll through the park after hours along the picturesque trail. Enjoy thousands of light on Nov 22nd-24th, Nov 29th-Dec 1st, 6th-8th, 13th-15th, 18th-23rd and 28th-31st. Book at A Magical Enchanted Light Trail On The Farm | The Cotswolds
Step into Greys Court, sparkling with Christmas decorations from November 23rd to January 5th and take part in the children’s festive trail around the grounds. Join a candlelight tour of Greys Court and get into the festive spirit on December 5th, 11th & 19th when a knowledgeable guide will take you on a tour of the house with a mince pie and glass of mulled wine.
At the home of the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre at Coleshill, explore the makers market to discover artisan gifts handmade by local crafts people and craft course providers. Browse locally handmade crafts, gifts, and much more. Bring the kids along to enjoy some festive children’s activities too on Sunday, 24th November.
Come home for Christmas at Nuffield Place this year with a visit to the home of Lord and Lady Nuffield. Filled with real Christmas trees and car themed decorations throughout the house; it will be festive day out not to be missed from November 30th to January 5th, selected dates.
If meeting Santa is on the wish list then head to Cogges Manor Farm, Witney, December 6th-23rd. Book at Christmas at Cogges | Cogges to meet the main man, take a seat for story time and take home a gift. Visit for the ‘Later’ session where the Festive Light Trail brings magic to the grounds, and some surprises! With lashings of festive cheer, mulled wine and seasonal treats, Christmas starts here.
There’s a Christmas crisis at the North Pole aka Millet’s Farm! Mervin Sneakybottom, the very mischievous elf, has swiped Santa’s Nice List! Now they’re in a tinsel tangle trying to figure out which children deserve presents. Can you help sort this mess out? Join an elf-tastic adventure where you’ll complete fun festive tasks to prove you belong on the Nice List so Santa can deliver your presents on Christmas Day! November 16th-December 24th. Book at The Christmas Grotto at Millets Farm | Webbs Garden Centres
Join the Christmas Trail at Oxford Castle & Prison to travel up to a thousand years back in time with Santa’s little helpers. Meet the man in red and enjoy some festive activities, November 26th to December 23rd.
Steam into Christmas at Didcot Railway Centre and help Santa find his missing reindeer, November 30th and selected dates in December. The reindeer have escaped and are lost, he needs them to deliver all the presents on Christmas Eve. You’ll receive a special passport and stocking as you enter as well as a small gift at each reindeer station. On December 17th book for a very special one-man show, A Christmas Carol features Gerald Dickens, Charles’ great great grandson. Book at Didcot Railway Centre
Take a train trip with Santa at the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway this Christmas and be entertained by Santa’s elves. Younger travellers will receive a present while adults can tuck into a mince pie with a festive drink before departure. Booking essential at Santa Express. Dates in November & December.
Help find Rudolph and friends who are lost in Waterperry Gardens from November 23rd to December 24th. Shop for handmade gifts at the November Christmas Market 23rd & 24th and December 7th & 8th.
Bertie Slippers will have the whole family laughing as he brings the Christmas cheer with his magic, balloons, and puppet show to Hobbs of Henley Santa cruises, December 21st, 22nd & 23rd. Father Christmas will be holding court in his grotto, bearing gifts for all the good girls and boys. Visit Santa Cruises with Hobbs of Henley ~ Hobbs of Henley to book.
The annual Follow the Stars – Macmillan Carols will take place in the splendour of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford on Friday 6th December at 8pm. The popular fundraiser features a special evening of your favourite carols and choral music performed by the world-class voices of the Oxford Bach Soloists. This year they will be joined by the wonderful actors Shaun Evans, Jason Isaacs, Toby Jones and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (all subject to change) for a festive collection of literary readings. Book your tickets soon as this wonderful event regularly sells out quickly. Visit Follow The Stars | Tickets Oxford
Step back in time and experience the magic of the Victorian era at the beloved Oxford Victorian Christmas Market. Join the fun on Broad Street for a festive celebration like no other. Join the fun on Broad Street for a festive celebration like no other. Enjoy live music, browse artisan traders, and eat delicious festive treats. Plus, don’t miss out on the captivating street entertainment, featuring a live DJ compere and a Victorian stilt man roaming the market. Broad Street will come alive with joy and merriment, come and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere. November 14-17th.
Christmas is taking over Wallingford on Sunday, 1st December when artisan stall holders will be spreading festive cheer with all manner of gifts to shop. Embrace the festive season on December 11th and go along and sing carols by the tree in Wallingford Market Place.
The Abingdon Community Christmas Extravaganza is one of the town’s highlights on Saturday, 30th November with a full day of fun, activities and events for all to get involved in. Shop at the Christmas market to find gifts, artisan food, charity stalls and crafters and say hello to the donkeys from Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary. There’s entertainment throughout the day from a variety of local dance troupes and musical groups, not forgetting Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers. The popular parade takes place from midday while the entertainment continues. Catch the main act FREE 4 ALL at 5pm before the start of the lights switch on ceremony at 5.45pm with the big switch on at 6pm. For more, visit Programme
Gather round the Christmas tree in Wantage from 4pm on Friday, 6th December for the start of the popular Dickensian Evening. The lights go on at 6pm before an evening of entertainment with carol singing, local bands and a performance of an extract from Oliver by Jigsaw. There are also events going on at Wantage Parish Church, Vale & Downland Museum and Wantage Library. Full details at What’s On | Love Wantage list of events around Wantage
The lights are going on in Witney Market Square on Friday, 29th November, 4-7pm, thanks to the wonderful folk of Witney Rotary Club who help facilitate this.
The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis near Wantage is offering a fixed price Festive Dining Menu from November 29th until Christmas Eve from £35pp. Private dining rooms available for larger groups. Wreath-making courses available 29-30 November. Stuck for a present idea? Buy a Greyhound Gift Voucher for a range of dining or stay experiences. All details at Home – The Greyhound Inn or call 01235 771969 to discuss your requirements.
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without that great British tradition, the panto… oh no it wouldn’t and there are plenty to choose from with Sleeping Beauty at the Oxford Playhouse, Nov 22nd to Jan 5th; Snow White at the Kenton in Henley, Dec 14th to 30th and Cinderella at the Cornerstone, Didcot, Dec 18th to 31st. Not to mention all the local groups around the region who will be taking to the stage too. More to come in our panto special next month!
