A City Sightseeing Oxford open-top bus covered in hundreds of twinkling lights will tour Oxford on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 November, as part of Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival (14–16 Nov). Expect festive music on board (courtesy of Get Radio), quick stop-offs, and plenty of photo moments as the bus brings the sparkle to neighbourhoods and the city centre.
When and where to see it
Times: 17:00–20:00 on Fri 14 and Sat 15 Nov. Full details and an “add to calendar” link are on the Oxford Bus Company website.
Route map & approx stop windows (subject to change): download the official festival route PDF and use the timings below as a guide
Friday 14 November — Route 1 (east & south Oxford)
- Blackbird Leys (Sandy Lane West): 17:05–17:25
- Minchery Farm (Shops): 17:32–17:45
- Rose Hill (The Oval): 17:55–18:10
- Wood Farm (Foresters Tower): 18:25–18:45
- Headington (Shops): 18:52–19:05
- Risinghurst (Downside Road): 19:15–19:30
- Barton (Underhill Circus): 19:40–19:55
Saturday 15 November — Route 2 (city centre, north & west Oxford)
- City Centre (Queen’s Lane): 17:15–17:30 → George Street: ~17:40
- Summertown/Banbury Road: ~17:47 → Oxford Parkway area: ~17:55
- Kidlington (Foxdown Close): 18:05–18:25
- Wolvercote (Papermill Square): 18:40–19:00
- Eynsham Road/Dean Court: ~19:10 → Botley (Elms Parade): 19:15–19:35
(City-centre passes incl. Westgate around 17:33.)
Tip: Arrive a few minutes early; times are approximate and the bus may pause briefly at listed points before moving on.
About the festival
Now in its 16th year, Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival runs 14–16 November with free events, pop-ups and light trails across the city, led by Oxford City Council with cultural partners. Highlights include the Victorian Christmas Market on Broad Street (13–16 Nov), The North Wall’s Cutteslowe Light Trail (Sat 15 Nov), Film Oxford’s lantern parade around Rose Hill, and Glow Your Own — IF Oxford’s online workshops to build a programmable lantern.
Festival organisers say the event is funded by Oxford City Council, with some activities supported by Arts Council England, and features partners including Oxford Bus Company and Get Radio (who provide the on-board soundtrack for the Light Bus).
Key Details
- Dates: Fri 14 – Sun 16 Nov (bus runs Fri & Sat 17:00–20:00)
- Cost: Watching the Light Bus is free.
- Map: Download the official route PDF for stop points and timings.
