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Christmas is a magical time of year in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, with a delightful blend of festive events. The picturesque market towns and villages are beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, creating a cosy, traditional atmosphere. Our Christmas events calendar (below) includes everything from light switch-ons and pantomimes, to festive markets and Santa dashes. There’s plenty to entertain the whole family! Browse our independent shops for unique gifts, and take a break in the welcoming cafés and restaurants along the way.
Celebrate Christmas in Thame with two festive events. On Friday 29 November, join the Christmas Lights Switch-On from 4pm to enjoy live entertainment, carol singing, gift stalls, food vans, mulled wine, hot drinks and a Helter Skelter for the kids, plus spot prizes and a visit from Santa! On Christmas Eve, head to Thame Town Hall at 6pm for Carols around the Tree, where you can enjoy carols and Christmas songs with the Thame Concert Band. Enjoy a free glass of mulled wine and raise funds for local charities.
Henley-on-Thames has a variety of festive events this year. The Henley Christmas Festival, held on Friday 29 November, will transform the town centre into a winter wonderland with Christmas stalls, a fairground and late-night shopping. The new Christmas Market will run from 10 to 22 December.
Throughout December, visitors can also enjoy the Henley Living Advent Calendar. Each evening at 6:15pm, a new window or door opens for a surprise performance, raising funds for local charities.
Experience the festive charm of Wantage at the Dickensian Evening on Friday 6 December, from 4pm. Join the celebrations at the Market Place, featuring family-friendly entertainment by the Christmas tree, including a magic show and seasonal music. At 6pm, watch the Christmas lights switch on, followed by a theatre performance from Oliver and carol singing. Enjoy late-night Christmas shopping with a variety of shops and stalls. Explore more Christmas events taking place in Wantage.
Visit the historic town of Wallingford, where the Dickensian Christmas markets will evoke the spirit of a Victorian holiday from the 1 December. Children can enjoy storytelling and visit Santa’s Grotto, while adults can sample festive foods and browse the stalls. Wallingford Santa Dash is also a wonderful event that starts with a warm up in Market Place at 11.15am on Sunday 1 December. Christmas Carols by the Christmas Tree take place at 6pm on Wednesday 11 December.
Join the festive fun at the Faringdon Christmas Light Switch On in the Market Place on Saturday 30 November. From 1pm, experience the magic of the season with a delightful craft fair in the Corn Exchange, hosted by the Faringdon Art Society. Explore a variety of market stalls, visit Santa’s Grotto for a special meet-and-greet, and enjoy live music around the Christmas tree. With plenty to see, do and shop, this community celebration promises festive cheer for all ages.
Abingdon is one of the oldest market towns in England. The Abingdon Christmas-Extravaganza event marks the start of the festive period on 30 November, including a parade at noon and the official Christmas Light Switch On at 6pm. The town centre is filled with stalls offering local crafts, seasonal treats, and mulled wine.
The historic Abbey plays host to Christmas services, including carol concerts that draw locals and visitors alike.
This Christmas, Didcot is brimming with festive activities for all ages. Start with the Steam into Christmas event at Didcot Railway Centre, where kids can help Santa find his reindeer, explore steam engines, enjoy unlimited train rides and visit Santa’s grotto. The Cornerstone Arts Centre presents the magical pantomime Cinderella, featuring Cinderella and Buttons on their journey to the Prince’s ball. Don’t miss the Preview Night on Wednesday 18 December, or the inclusive Touch Tour and relaxed performances.
Celebrate the holiday season in Watlington at the Christmas Market on Saturday 7 December, from 10am. The day kicks off with Santa’s Parade, followed by food and craft stalls along the High Street and Watlington Club. Kids can visit Santa’s grotto and the raffle draw at noon will support local charities, including Watlington Wheels and the Watlington Concert Band. Just a short drive away, The Tree Barn at Christmas Common offers Christmas trees and festive gifts, open daily from 9am-5.30pm, with late hours on select dates from 23 November.
All aboard for a festive adventure this Christmas, where the magic of the season comes to life on the tracks!
At the Didcot Railway Centre, hop on at the Steam Into Christmas event, where children can help Santa find his missing reindeer by exploring the 21-acre museum, filled with historic Great Western Railway locomotives. Each young visitor receives a special passport and stocking, collecting gifts at reindeer stations before visiting Santa in his giant toy workshop, where they can choose a special present and enjoy unlimited train rides.
This Christmas, Millets Farm is hosting an array of festive events for all ages. Experience the magical, interactive theatre performance of The Stealer of Stories by WhatNot Theatre, sharing a heart-warming tale of compassion and community. Little ones can join Santa’s Elves Workshop to create their own snowman toy, and enjoy songs, stories and festive treats.
Chinnor and Risborough Railway invites families aboard the Santa Steam Specials, departing from Princes Risborough. Kids will ride to Santa’s Grotto at the North Pole station, sharing their Christmas wishes and enjoying entertainment from the Elves. Each child receives a gift, along with refreshments and memorable photos.
At Cholsey & Wallingford Railway, take a delightful train trip with Santa, where kids will be entertained by Santa’s elves and receive a special present from Father Christmas himself. Adults can enjoy a free festive drink and mince pie, while children receive a soft drink and sweet treat before boarding. The one-hour journey includes Santa’s elves, and volunteers will ensure a magical experience. Advanced booking is essential for this festive journey filled with cheer, crafts and holiday magic – perfect for creating lasting memories this Christmas!
Head to the Cornerstone Arts Centre for this year’s Christmas pantomime, Cinderella, presented by the award-nominated KD Theatre Productions. Join Cinderella on her enchanting journey from a life overshadowed by her Wicked Stepsisters to a magical night at Prince Charming’s ball, filled with laughter, stunning sets and lavish costumes. This delightful pantomime is perfect for families, offering a Preview Night on Wednesday 18 December, a Touch Tour on Saturday 28 December for visually impaired guests, and a relaxed, signed performance on Sunday 29 December.
In the surrounding countryside, there are many more family-friendly activities to enjoy, including Christmas markets, light switch on’s, Christmas tree sales, festive walks and winter wildlife events.
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South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, Abbey House, Abbey Close, Abingdon, OX14 3JE
This website has been built as a joint venture by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, as part of a project funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, invest in communities and place, support local businesses and people, and develop skills.
For more information, read the UK Shared Prosperity Fund prospectus.