Best Christmas Activities in Oxfordshire
Get into the festive spirit with our guide to the best of Christmas activities in Oxfordshire in 2023. With some many things going on at Christmas, we’ve gathered some of our favourite Christmas events in Oxfordshire below.
Blenheim Palace at Christmas
One of the best experiences for Christmas in Oxfordshire is Blenheim Palace which offers an illuminated outdoor Christmas light trail and Christmas market every year. It’s one of the top places to visit for Christmas activities in Oxfordshire.
Blenheim Palace has transformed its grounds with an illuminated Christmas trail for 2023. Join Blenheim Palace after dark and follow their illuminated trail for the chance to glimpse Father Christmas. Perfect for the whole family or as an excellent romantic weekend away, heart-shaped archways and a Lakeside walk. When you’re ready to warm up, explore the beauty of the palace rooms which have been transformed to retell the classic fairytale of Sleeping Beauty, including amazing festive decorations which have transformed The Great Hall with a magical atmosphere, including an enormous Christmas tree.
Once you’ve been whisked away to our fairytale setting, why not enjoy a cup of mulled wine and the festive atmosphere as you explore Christmas gifts at our Christmas market in The Great Court. Open from 17th November until 17th December, explore the traditional wooden chalets, lit by twinkling fairy lights, as you search for festive treats for all the family. The market is open from 10:30 am every day.
Known for its excellent attractions, a trip to Blenheim Palace is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. Just a short drive along the A34, Milton Hill House is an excellent base point to be able to explore Oxford city centre, plus everything Blenheim Palace has to offer. We are only a 30-minute drive from Blenheim Palace, offering comfortable, modern bedrooms and luxury suites.
Fun for all the family!
Bicester Village Designer Outlet
For luxury gifting and an exciting Christmas activity in Oxfordshire, why not explore Bicester Village? With a range of designer outlets and restaurants, indulge in a shopping spree and pamper yourself with an extensive selection of premium brands, it’ll be a lavish day out. Whether your passion lies in fashion, beauty, homeware, or lifestyle, with more than 160 boutiques, you’ll be sure to find something you’ll love.
An excellent Christmas activity in Oxfordshire for train fanatics, Didcot Railways Centre are putting on their Steam Into Christmas event. Available on selected weekends during December, up until Christmas eve. Book your tickets whilst they’re still available and help Santa to find his missing reindeer!
Only a 10-minute drive, our hotel in Oxfordshire is perfect for families. Exploring room bookings to see what we can offer your family.
Steam Into Christmas at Didcot Railway Centre
An excellent Christmas activity in Oxfordshire for train fanatics, Didcot Railways Centre are putting on their Steam Intro Christmas event. Available on selected weekends during December and in the lead-up to Christmas Eve, book your tickets whilst they’re still available!
Only a 10-minute drive, our hotel in Oxfordshire is perfect for families. Exploring room bookings to see what we can offer your family.
Abingdon Community Christmas Extravaganza
For something very local to us at Milton Hill House, kick off your festive fun on Saturday 2nd December at the Abingdon Community Christmas Extravaganza. Support local businesses at the Bath Street Market which opens at 9 am. A midday, enjoy the parade through the town centre and make sure to stop by the donkeys from Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary. There’s also the chance to meet Santa in Market Place. At 4pm the market will close giving you chance to enjoy one of the local restaurants before heading back outside for the Christmas lights switch-on ceremony at 5:45 pm.
Keep up to date with the latest news about the Christmas Extravaganza on Facebook.
Local Christmas Markets 2023
There’s nothing like getting into the festive spirit, than with a little bit of Christmas shopping! If you’re looking for Oxfordshire Christmas events, check out our list of Christmas markets happening in Abingdon this year.
- Christmas Fayre – Abingdon Baptist Church – 18th November, 10am – 2pm
- The Local Excellence Market – Abingdon Market Place – 25th November, 9am – 2pm
- The Local Excellence Christmas Craft Market – Abingdon Market Place – 9th December, 9am – 3pm
Where possible, all products are produced within 30 miles of Abingdon, giving you the opportunity to shop local with this artisan Christmas market.
- Christmas Market – St Helen’s Church, Abingdon – 2nd December, 10am – 1pm
- Eco-conscious Christmas Market – Earth Trust’s Fison Barn, Little Wittenham – 9th December, 10am – 3pm
Close to our hearts at The Venues Collection with our eco-conscious outlook on meetings and events, the Christmas market at Little Wittenham champions locally sourced food, drink and handcrafted gifts with sustainability and creativity at their heart.
Explore Oxfordshire at Christmas
There’s something for everyone here from our favourite Christmas activities in Oxfordshire, so why not make a weekend of festive cheer and enjoy family days out together?
Milton Hill House is a beautiful Georgian manor in Abingdon, with excellent links to the A34, M4 making it easy to get around Oxfordshire and into Oxford without paying the price of a city centre hotel! With comfortable bedrooms and delicious food available, we’re a fantastic countryside hotel option for a romantic festive weekend away or for a festive treat for all the family.
If you’re planning a trip to Oxfordshire, why not explore our things to do.
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