Broad Street is one of the most photographed stretches in England, with the Bodleian Library, Sheldonian Theatre, and Blackwell’s bookshop all within a few steps of each other. Each December the Oxford Christmas Market sets up right in the middle of it, which makes for a backdrop most markets in the UK simply can’t compete with.
Oxford Christmas Market 2026
Dates and Location
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Oxford dates: 21st November to 31st December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Oxford City Council
Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Location: Broad Street.
Opening times:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10am to 6pm.
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Attractions: Alpine Lodge bar, carousel, Ferris wheel, and live music.
Father Christmas: 2nd to 28th December at Burton Taylor Studio.
Transport: Train, bus, bike or walking.
Parking: Park & Ride – £2.50.
Recommended tour: City Walking Tour is great for first-time visitors.
Reason to visit: Historic location. An opportunity to support local makers and food producers.
Food specialities: Bratwurst, hot roast rolls, artisan fruit mince pies.
Where to stay: Malmaison is near Broad Street.
Convenient Hotels
Oxford city centre is easy to explore on foot, but if walking is a challenge, the bus service can get you where you need to go. There isn’t a single best area to stay in Oxford, but the Malmaison is a good option if you want to stay centrally near Broad Street.
Read our complete guide to the UK Christmas Markets.
Event Location
What to Expect
The market on historic Broad Street has plenty to experience. Explore the city’s sights by day, and visit the market in the evening for a drink. Or, come earlier to catch brass bands and choirs. This year’s market will highlight local producers and shops, offering a chance to find gifts while enjoying entertainment and food.
A lot is going on this year, so it’s helpful to plan your schedule early to avoid missing the most popular events and experiences. Please let us know in the comments which one you attended and your feedback on the experience.
Oxford Christmas Events & Activities
- Community gift wrapping
- The Christmas Orchestra
- Carol services
- Festive workshops
- Oxford Botanic Garden Christmas Fair
- The Covered Market
- Independent Oxford Christmas Market
- Meet and Greet
- Pingu
- Wallace & Gromit
- The Grinch
- The Gruffalo
Read the complete list of events.

Sustainability Tips
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Avoid using plastic and buying items made of or packaged in plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Explore beyond the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
—
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
More details on the 2023 market here:
https://www.oxfordshirelive.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/oxford-christmas-market-go-ahead-8719756
and here:
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23879125.oxfordshire-christmas-markets-2023-year/
This is not true. The original organizer pulled out because they refused to run the market if bike lanes were kept open. But the Christmas Market is still happening on Broad Street in 2023, and running from 30 November to 23 December.