Festive celebrations return to Oxford this winter as Broad Street transforms into a bustling Christmas destination and seasonal events pop up across the city. Organised by Keston Events Ltd and supported by Oxford City Council, the programme runs daily from today, Saturday 22 November to Wednesday 31 December (closed Christmas Day) and blends live music, street food, family attractions and artisan shopping.
What’s on at Broad Street (22 Nov – 31 Dec)
- Live music & carols: Choirs and musicians perform throughout the season
- Community performances: Acts from local groups and schools
- Festive street food: Seasonal dishes and sweet treats
- Alpine Lodge bar: A two-storey pop-up serving mulled wine, spiced cider and winter warmers
- Family-friendly rides: Including a carousel and ferris wheel
- Artisan stalls: Unique gifts, crafts and festive finds
Open daily; check on-the-day performance times on the Council’s Christmas listings.
City-wide festive markets & late-night shopping
- The Covered Market — Late-night shopping: Thu 28 November until 10pm (individual trader hours may vary)
- Gloucester Green Market — extra hours: In addition to normal opening, Mon 22 & Tue 23 December until 4pm, and Wed 24 December until 2pm
Travel this Christmas
Oxford City Council encourages visitors to use bus, bike, Park & Ride or train where possible.
- Park & Ride: £2.50 to park for the day, with free bus travel for a family of four into the city centre. Check sites, timetables and tariffs via the Oxford Travel Options website.
- Public transport: Regular rail services to Oxford and frequent city-centre buses operate throughout the festive period (reduced services on bank holidays — check operator websites).
- Accessibility: City centre routes are step-free in many areas; Blue Badge parking and facilities are available — see Council travel pages for locations and live updates.
Quick Details
- Dates: Sat 22 November – Wed 31 December 2025 (closed 25 December)
- Admission: Free
- Where: Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BS & locations across Oxford
Council statement
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Planning and Culture, said:
“It’s Christmas in Oxford, and this year is shaping up to be another fantastic season. With the return of the event on Broad Street and festive activities across the city, there really is something for everyone. I encourage everyone to come along, soak up the festive atmosphere and support our brilliant local businesses this Christmas.”
