Oxford is getting ready to shine. From Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November, streets, parks and doorsteps across the city will burst into colour as the 2025 Oxford Christmas Light Festival returns with three days of lantern parades, light trails, craft workshops and pop-up performances.
Thousands of twinkling LEDs, handmade lanterns and illuminated installations will bring winter cheer to neighbourhoods from Rose Hill to Cutteslowe, while a lively Victorian-style market animates Broad Street all weekend. Many activities are free and designed for all ages, with plenty you can join from home.
What’s on
City-wide lights & trails
- Switch-ons and street sparkle: Oxford’s festive lights will glow across the city centre and neighbourhood high streets all weekend.
- Lantern parades & community artworks: Expect hand-made lanterns, glowing drawings and twinkling window displays lighting up local streets.
- Cutteslowe Park Light Trail: The North Wall joins Cutteslowe Primary School, North Oxford Association and Dancin’ Oxford for a dazzling walk-through trail with pop-up activities.
- Rose Hill Parade: Film Oxford teams up with Rose Hill Junior Youth Club and Rose Hill & Iffley Low Carbon for giant moths, insect-inspired lanterns and a celebratory street procession.
- Diwali at OVADA: A joyful diya (lamp) procession led by traditional dhol drummers, finishing with art installations, food and refreshments at the gallery.
Family fun at cultural venues
- Pegasus Theatre hosts a full day of family activities – from puppet-making workshops to an interactive quest to “find the missing stars”, plus an exhibition exploring rainbows and drawing with light.
- The North Wall partners with local schools and arts groups for a sparkling outdoor programme in Cutteslowe Park.
- The Leys College Creative Arts students are building large-scale lanterns to illuminate their campus windows.
Make your own magic (at home or in person)
- Light It Up! – The Museum of Oxford shares a downloadable template to craft your own historic gas lamp at home, with festive drop-in sessions at the museum during the Christmas holidays.
- Glow Your Own – IF Oxford returns with hugely popular online workshops showing how to code and build your own programmable LED display.
- DIY décor – The festival website has easy how-tos for jam-jar lanterns and “stained glass” window art so whole streets can join the neighbourhood light trails.
Markets & pop-ups
- Victorian Market, Broad Street (all weekend): Hand-crafted gifts, seasonal food and warming treats in a festive outdoor marketplace.
- Breakfast with Santa, Covered Market (Sat 15 Nov): Father Christmas makes a special stop for a jolly morning visit.
- Christmas Light Bus (Fri 14 & Sat 15 Nov): Look out for the illuminated bus and its playful elves touring spots inside the ring road.
“The Oxford Christmas Light Festival is one of the highlights of the city’s festive calendar, and this year will be another fantastic celebration,” said Cllr Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Planning and Culture. “With a wide range of events and activities to enjoy at home or in your neighbourhood, there’s something for everyone. Visit the festival website to explore the full programme.”
How to take part
- Join in from home: Download craft templates, create your own lanterns or window art and add your home to your local light trail.
- Book ahead for workshops: Some activities (such as Glow Your Own or venue-based craft sessions) require free or low-cost booking – check times and availability online.
- Head to a neighbourhood event: Follow the light trails, watch a parade, or pop into the markets and venues listed above.
- Share the glow: Tag your photos and creations with #OxLightFest to be part of the city-wide celebration.
- Hosting an event 14–16 Nov? Email events@oxford.gov.uk with details to be included in the festival listings.
Need to know
- When: Friday 14 – Sunday 16 November 2025
- Where: Across Oxford city centre and neighbourhoods including Rose Hill, Cutteslowe, and more
- Cost: Many events are free; some workshops require booking or small fees
- Accessibility: Community events aim to be welcoming and accessible; check individual listings for venue access details
- Full programme & updates: www.oxlightfest.com
Light up a jam jar, wrap up warm, and explore – Oxford’s most luminous weekend is nearly here.
