Christmas Lights in Oxfordshire
Whatever the reason we guarantee that Oxfordshire will have something for everyone this festive season
Oxfordshire is a beautiful county with plenty of things to see and do throughout the year, but there is something truly special about experiencing Christmas in Oxfordshire. With the festive season quickly approaching, it is time to start planning your Christmas in Oxfordshire.
Christmas Light Displays
One of the most festive things during the Christmas season are the beautiful light displays, illuminations and the spectacular switching on events. Here’s our pick of the top Christmas light events in Oxfordshire, which are sure to add a special glow to your festive season.
Experience the warm glow of magical Christmas lights with the Waddesdon Manor Winter Light Trail. As soon as the darkness draws in the gardens will come to life with dramatic light displays throughout the illuminated tree canopies. This outdoor extravaganza takes place Wednesday-Sunday until Monday 3rd January.
On Saturday 27th November between 5.30pm and 6.30pm the town square of Woodstock will come alive with carols, a short panto and a Christmas lights switch on. This is a great event to start the festive season with late night shopping and the Woodstock Festive Fayre running alongside this fun evening.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year when over a million lights, lasers and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun through the Palace’s picture-perfect gardens.
For a moment of reflection pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze up at larger-than-life illuminations and don’t forget to catch a glimpse at Father Christmas along the way.
The crew of talented independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer.
The Cogges Christmas Light Trail offer festive evenings and Christmas cheer every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 27th November, with entry to the beautiful manor house included. We recommend a visit to the café, where you will be able to enjoy warm drinks and treats
This mesmerising light show features magical seasonal films and pictures beamed onto the Castle Quay façade from 5.pm every evening. The wintery films are designed to highlight the ornate stonework of the building and with beautiful accompanying music they are a sight not to be missed this Christmas.
Christmas steam trains & trails
Magical Christmas trails are always a great way to get everyone into the festive spirit, with fun steam train rides also proving to be very popular. Here in Oxfordshire, there are a variety of great Christmas trails and train rides to experience, with the following being just a few examples.
Departing from Princes Risborough, Santa will welcome everyone onboard before travelling to the North Pole Station where guests can enjoy refreshments and a visit to Santa’s workshop to collect their special present. The magical steam train ride is guaranteed to be fun, with Santa and his elves visiting children in their carriages throughout the train journey.
Climb aboard this vintage train and relax in your private compartment as you embark on a journey to meet Santa and his reindeer at the beautifully decorated Victorian train station. With gifts for children, family entertainment and a full museum to explore, this is an event for the whole family to enjoy.
Santa has lost his reindeer and they are scattered throughout the beautiful Waterperry Gardens. Young children will love to explore the trail and find Rudolph and his friends before collecting their special Christmas gift at the end, in this magical experience that runs until 23rd December.
Your magical journey will begin with THE POLAR EXPRESS™ arriving at Cholsey and Wallingford Railway to begin your special adventure to the North Pole and back again. You’ll meet all the beloved characters from the iconic film, including the Conductor, some very talented chefs, a man no-one seems to be able to see except you, and of course, Mr Claus himself. The whole family (dressed in your pyjamas for the full Polar Express experience) will experience a theatrical extravaganza on board a steam train as you head to the North Pole.
Wishing you a fabulous Christmas
We hope you have enjoyed our list of the best things to do in Oxfordshire during the festive season. As always, the best way to experience both the historic city of Oxford and the many beautiful towns and villages is to go out and explore, and we promise you will find something great to do! If you would like to find out more about spending Christmas in Oxfordshire, contact our team today and we will always be happy to share our local knowledge with you.
