Oxford’s Christmas Light Bus will return on 13 and 14 November 2026 with a new illuminated floral artwork celebrating the city and its seven twin cities.
The City Sightseeing Oxford double-decker will visit neighbourhoods across Oxford and nearby communities during the Christmas Light Festival, before returning for four evenings in December. Residents can vote for where the later trips should stop.
Oxford artist Mita Vaghela has invited the public to choose a flower to represent the city. According to Oxford Bus Company, the winning choice will join flowers representing Oxford’s seven twin cities in an installation on the side of the bus.
Where to see the Christmas Light Bus in November
The operator lists the festival outings for Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November, from 5pm to 8pm on both evenings. The wider Christmas Light Festival runs from 13 to 15 November, while the bus is taking part on its first two days.
Friday’s outing will take in Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill, Wood Farm, Headington and Barton. Saturday’s route will cover the city centre, Kidlington, Wolvercote and Botley.
Families can check the operator’s festival route map and stop timings to choose where to watch. The map distinguishes places where the bus stops from points it passes without stopping.
The festival listing describes the Light Bus as a free event.
A new artwork for the illuminated bus
The open-top bus will be decorated with hundreds of lights, with Vaghela’s installation adding a floral celebration of Oxford’s international connections.
Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, which owns and operates City Sightseeing Oxford, said: “We love supporting the Christmas Light Festival. It’s a popular community event which spreads plenty of festive joy.”
He added: “There’s extra excitement this year for what will be a fantastic spectacle thanks to the creativity of Mita Vaghela.”
Commissioned by Oxford City Council, the festival also includes a light trail in Cutteslowe Park and the Victorian Christmas Market in Broad Street. Its programme brings together community events, parades and trails.
December dates and how to vote for a stop
The bus will return on Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Friday 18 December, from 4pm to 8pm. Its final announced outing is Saturday 19 December, from 4pm to 9pm.
Voting for the December stopping locations closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 15 November. The operator plans four routes using the most popular suggestions, subject to locations being safe for the bus to visit. Final routes are due to be announced on Tuesday 1 December.
At the December stops, staff will hand out sweet treats, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Visitors should tell the team about dietary requirements.
This is a chance to see the decorated bus rather than take a sightseeing trip. The operator says visitors cannot board or travel on the bus during the December events.
Residents can find the December details and route vote on Oxford Bus Company’s website.
