Christmas Places in Oxford

As part of the Oxford Christmas Light Festival, Broad Street steps back in time for the Victorian Christmas Market, a festive gathering of traders, crafts and seasonal food with an old-fashioned feel. Browse gifts and treats from local makers and producers, warm up with something hot to drink, and enjoy the street's spectacular historic backdrop. It's a lovely way to kick off the Christmas shopping season. Runs Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 November: 10am to 7pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Free entry.

Instead of a single lights switch-on, Oxford celebrates the start of the festive season with a whole weekend of light, as the Oxford Christmas Light Festival spreads across the city. Expect illuminated installations, performances and family activities, with community highlights including the Rose Hill lantern parade on Saturday at 5pm and the Cutteslowe Light Trail from 4pm on Saturday. It's a joyful, creative celebration that brings neighbourhoods together and shows off the city in a new light. Runs from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November. Most events are free.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace is one of the most spectacular festive days out in the country. After dark, the illuminated trail winds through the palace's historic parkland and gardens, with glittering light installations, glowing trees and dazzling displays reflected in the lakes. By day, a festive Christmas market brings gifts, crafts and seasonal food and drink to the palace grounds, making it easy to combine some shopping with the magic of the trail. The Illuminated Trail runs on selected dates and times from 13 November to 3 January, with the Christmas market open until 20 December. Tickets are timed and should be booked in advance.

Oxford Playhouse's own pantomime this year is Snow White, the timeless fairytale of a kind-hearted princess, a jealous Wicked Queen and a magic mirror that never lies. The Playhouse panto is famous locally for its big-hearted storytelling, terrific live music and brilliant comedy, with plenty of chances to cheer, boo and sing along. It's a festive tradition for many Oxford families. Runs from 20 November to 3 January, typically with shows at 11am and 4pm or 2pm and 6pm. Audio-described and captioned performances take place on 2 January.

Oxford's Christmas Market fills historic Broad Street with twinkling wooden stalls, framed by the Sheldonian Theatre and the city's honey-coloured colleges. Browse handmade crafts and gifts, tuck into festive street food and mulled wine, and enjoy live music as you soak up one of the most atmospheric Christmas settings in the country. It's perfect for an evening stroll with friends or a festive family day out in the city. Open daily from 21 November to 31 December: 10am to 6pm Sunday to Wednesday, and 10am to 8pm Thursday to Saturday. It closes at 5.30pm on Christmas Eve and is closed on Christmas Day. Free entry.