As soon as winter sets in around Oxford, this beautiful city turns into a wintery wonderland with Christmas lights and decorated trees, Christmas markets, and pop-up winter events. Whether you’re spending Christmas in Oxford as a local, visitor, or expat having trouble going back home for the Holidays in the hectic post-pandemic reality, here are some ideas for you to make the best of the local Christmas festivities and get yourself in the cosy Holiday spirit we all love right in the city.
Explore the Oxford Christmas Market
The Oxford Christmas Market returns to Broad Street this year. Until 18 December, the heart of the city is filled with the atmosphere of carolling, performances of local bands and choirs, including the Oxford Gospel Choir, Kidlington Concert Brass, and the Rock Choir, traditional crafts, and smell of mulled wine and cinnamon. It is the number one go-to festivity in the city of Oxford. Take your friends with you to wander around the market, soak in the magical atmosphere, and shop for gifts for loved ones.
Go for a wintery walk
It’s not just the events in Oxford that make the time feel festive. Its architecture is magical all year round, and especially so in wintertime. The streets adorned with Christmas light fixtures are a beautiful setting for a romantic walk. But don’t forget about the plenty of green spaces and scenic spots to enjoy. Port Meadow is one that is mostly missed by tourists. With river Thames flowing through the heart of it, it offers lots of space and beautiful views to take in. Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum is an attractive alternative, offering a break from winter weather in the Rainforest House among other things.
Check out Oxford Castle and Prison
The castle and prison site are a classic Christmas staple in Oxford. The millennium-old site offers towers to climb, panoramic views of the city, and candle-lit crypts to explore. In the run up to Christmas, you can take an atmospheric lantern-led tour there.
Spend an evening at Waddesdon Manor or Blenheim Palace
Although not strictly in Oxford, the historic sites offer a spectacular Christmas full of garden light installations and illuminations, displays and decorations in and out of the Manors, topped with Christmas fairs. Spend an evening discovering the glittering gardens, looking for Father Christmas along the way, and warming yourself up with great street food, mulled wine, and hot chocolate.
Join in on Christmas Carolling
Christmas carolling is a big affair in Oxford, not only in the streets. It’s probably best experienced listening to the choir in the famous beautiful setting of the Christ Church Cathedral.
Create family vibe
Staying at home can be festive too. After all, the Holiday atmosphere also comes from within and is easy to create around us. Especially if you can enjoy a vetted coliving community that becomes your family whenever you’re there. If you’ve stayed at one of our Hives, you’ll know that special feeling of togetherness. Light some candles, decorate a Christmas tree, bake cinnamon cookies, perhaps wear an ugly sweater and join in on one of the social events like a quiz night, or just gather together around the dining table with a cup of hot cocoa. You have all the best conditions here to create beautiful memories for life by bonding with incredible people. Enjoy.
B-Hive Living is a wellness-focused coliving brand operating properties in Oxford and Bicester, UK, and now expanding internationally. We drive social change by exploring and promoting the concept of living well. We place it at the heart of our coliving design for a more connected, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle for our residents.
