Last updated: 15 August 2025
Oxford Christmas Market 2025 brings Broad Street to life from 22 November to 31 December 2025 with twinkling lights, alpine chalets, and the scent of mulled wine drifting through the historic city centre. Plan your visit with confirmed dates, extended hours, and plenty of artisan gifts, local makers, and comforting street food. Wander between carol performances, cosy bars, and photo-ready views of the dreaming spires, then warm up with hot chocolate or Glühwein. Travel is easy by train or Park & Ride, and entry is free, so you can soak up the festive atmosphere and make your winter day truly magical. The Broad Street event is operated as Christmas in Oxford.
Quick‑Glance Facts
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BS – fully pedestrianised except for a cycle lane |
| 2025 Dates | Sat 22nd Nov – Wed 31st Dec (closed 25 Dec) |
| Opening Times | Market Stalls: Sun‑Wed 10 am–6 pm, Thu‑Sat 10 am–8 pm Bars/Food & Entertainment: Sun‑Mon 10 am–8 pm, Tue‑Sat 10 am–10 pm |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| No. of Stalls | 50 + alpine‑style chalets selling crafts, gifts & gourmet treats |
| Family & Dog Friendly | Yes (dogs on leads), toilets on‑site, stroller‑accessible |
What’s New for 2025?
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Longer run: 40 trading days – the biggest season yet.
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Expanded live‑music stage with nightly choirs and local indie acts. Full schedule launches in October – keep an eye on socials.
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Upstairs viewing deck at the Après‑Ski Bar for panoramic photos over the lights.
Hotels Near Oxford Christmas Market 2025
Shopping Highlights: From Oxford Makers to Global Goodies
Expect rows of wooden huts brimming with:
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Hand‑thrown ceramics & Cotswold woollen scarves – perfect Oxford souvenirs.
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Scandi & German decorations (think hand‑carved nutcrackers, straw stars).
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Eco‑gifts like beeswax wraps and zero‑waste toiletries – sustainability is a key 2025 theme.
Many traders take card but bring a little cash for smaller artisans; ATMs are on George Street.
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
The Two‑Storey Après‑Ski Bar
An alpine‑chalet complete with faux‑fur throws and marshmallow‑toasting fire‑pits. Try:
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Spiced Oxford Gin hot toddy
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Classic Glühwein or alcohol‑free berry punch
Open till 10 pm Tue‑Sat, making it the city’s cosiest pre‑theatre spot.
Street‑Food Lane
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Bavarian bratwurst & raclette
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Yorkshire pudding wraps
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Crispy churros dipped in Belgian chocolate – the market’s cult favourite.
Entertainment & Special Events
| Date | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Weeknights | Acoustic sets & student choirs under the Bodleian skyline |
| Fridays | Silent‑disco carols (wireless headphones provided) – family‑friendly at 6 pm, late session 8 pm |
| Saturdays | 7 pm snow‑machine “flurry” plus carousel light‑show |
| 24 Dec | Market closes 5 :30 pm with mass sing‑along of O Come All Ye Faithful |
Getting There & Parking
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Rail: Oxford Station → 15‑minute walk or 5‑minute cycle
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Bus & Coach: Oxford Tube/Tesco coaches stop Magdalen Street West (2‑min walk)
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Park & Ride: Redbridge (South), Pear Tree (North) and Seacourt (West) run every 10‑15 min; adult return ≈ £3 incl. parking. Great hack to dodge city‑centre congestion.
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Driving: Leave M40 at J8 (from London) or J9 (from Birmingham) then follow P&R signs – on‑street parking is scarce.
Accessibility & Facilities
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Level street‑surface, accessible toilets by the bar
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Assistance dogs welcomed; pet dogs advised weekdays when crowds thinner
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Most stalls accept contactless; free city‑centre Wi‑Fi lets you use digital wallets effortlessly. For more information click here.
Where to Stay
Luxury (5‑star)
| Hotel (★ = walk to Broad St) | Why stay? |
|---|---|
| The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels — ★ 3 min | Victorian landmark opposite the Ashmolean; spa, classic Morse Bar cocktails. |
| Old Bank Hotel — ★ 5 min | Art‑filled rooms and rooftop terrace with Radcliffe Camera skyline views; Quod brasserie downstairs. |
| Old Parsonage Hotel — ★ 7 min | 17th‑century townhouse, fireside library lounge and complimentary city‑bike loan. |
Boutique & 4‑Star Gems
| Hotel | Walk | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Malmaison Oxford | 7 min | Sleep in a converted Victorian prison; buzzy brasserie & cocktail bar. |
| Vanbrugh House Hotel | 2 min | Intimate Georgian hideaway; 22 individually styled rooms with rainfall showers. |
| voco Oxford Spires by IHG | 15 min riverside stroll / 5 min bus | Resort‑style spa, indoor pool & free parking on leafy Abingdon Rd. |
| Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre | 5 min | Modern AC‑cooled rooms and rooftop terrace for dreamy spire photos. |
Good‑Value & Hostels
| Property | Walk / Transit | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford | 20 min bus (X3/X13) or 12 min drive | Free parking, EV chargers and on‑site grill – handy if you’re road‑tripping. |
| Central Backpackers Hostel | 10 min | Budget‑friendly dorms & rooftop terrace; 24‑hour access and guest kitchen. |
Price guide (mid‑December 2025):
Luxury £260 – £420, Boutique £170 – £250, Value/Hostel £29 – £140. Rooms disappear fast once market dates go live, so book early while free‑cancellation deals are plentiful.
Insider Tips to Beat the Crowds
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Arrive for golden hour (about 4 pm) – soft light, shorter queues, magical photos.
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Thursdays = late shopping until 8 pm but fewer weekend tourists.
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Download the stage schedule (released October) so you can time your visit for choirs or DJ nights.
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Dress for English drizzle: waterproof boots, layered thermals, pocket umbrella – the market runs unless weather is severe.
Beyond the Market: Oxford at Christmas
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Victorian Christmas Market (14th‑17th Nov 2025) – Dickensian vibes, 50+ period‑costumed stalls
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Sheldonian Theatre carol concerts & Bodleian Library Tree – both a 3‑min stroll east
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Ice‑skate on the Westgate rooftop rink, then warm up with rooftop fondue.
Sustainable & Responsible Visiting
Bring a reusable mug (many stalls offer 20p discount), take public transport where possible, and respect the surrounding colleges whose term ends early December.
Final Thoughts
Oxford Christmas Market 2025 blends medieval streets with alpine cheer, creating a festive atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the UK. With confirmed dates, extended hours and new entertainment, this year is set to be the most magical yet. Ready to wander beneath the spires and fairy‑lights? Start planning your trip now – the countdown has begun!
Oxford Christmas Market 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When does Oxford Christmas Market 2025 start and finish?
The 2025 market runs Saturday 22 November – Wednesday 31 December 2025, closing only on Christmas Day (25 December).
Q2. Where is the Oxford Christmas Market held?
All the chalets, stage and food court line pedestrian‑friendly Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BS, right in the historic city centre.
Q3. What are the opening times for 2025?
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Sunday & Monday: 10 am – 8 pm
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Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm
Stalls, bars and entertainment follow the same schedule, with a 5 :30 pm close on Christmas Eve.
Q4. Is Oxford Christmas Market free entry or do I need tickets?
Entry is completely free and ticket‑less; just turn up and browse. Bring cash or a contactless card for food, drinks and gifts.
Q5. Can I bring my dog to the market?
Yes—well‑behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout the market, and assistance dogs have full access.
Q6. Is the market wheelchair accessible?
Broad Street is level and wheelchair‑accessible; accessible toilets are provided on‑site.
Q7. How do I get there by train or bus?
Oxford rail station is a 15‑minute walk / 5‑minute cycle from Broad Street. Direct coaches (Oxford Tube, Airline) stop on nearby Magdalen Street West, two minutes on foot.
Q8. Where’s the best place to park for the Christmas Market?
Use Oxford’s Park & Ride sites (Redbridge, Pear Tree, Seacourt). Buses leave every 10‑15 minutes and drop you a short walk from the market, avoiding costly city‑centre parking.
Q9. What food and drink can I expect?
Expect an international line‑up: German bratwurst, Yorkshire‑pudding wraps, churros, hog roast, mulled wine, craft hot chocolate and Oxford‑distilled gin toddies—plus veggie and gluten‑free options.
