Christmas is looking jam packed this year with so much festive fun being sprinkled around Oxfordshire with theatre, pantos, music, concerts, classical, carols and more. So here’s our Christmas Entertainment Guide in chronological order, but remember to get booking because some shows are selling out already!
Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival, November 14-16 involves events, pop-ups, workshops and visual spectacles taking place all over the city. Street parades, lanterns, a breakfast with Santa, Victorian Market, Leys in Light, a Diwali procession and Christmas Light Bus will be illuminating the city using hand-made lanterns, light parades, LED displays, glow in the dark drawings, twinkling fairy lights and more, with plenty of light themed activities to get involved in. Join in the fun in person or online, with most events completely free. Full details at www.oxlightfest.com
Beauty and the Beast, The Theatre Chipping Norton, Nov 19 – Jan 18. In the small French town of Saint Saucisson, Madame Hex, a magical entrepreneur with an iron grip on the townsfolk, is seeking revenge on scientist and inventor Pierre. This hilarious slant on this well-loved story sees his daughter Marie sets out on a journey via a mysterious Beast, scientists, evil enchantresses and the utterly brilliant Dame Fifi Fromage! All will be revealed in this wondrous tale with original songs and magical costumes, guaranteed to have the whole family enthralled! There’s even a baguette fight! (Oh yes there is!). BOOK HERE
Dick Whittington, Oxford Playhouse, Friday 21 November – Jan 4. Panto season is nearly upon us as Dick Whittington and her magical cat Fairy Bowbells hit the 90s in Toby Hulse’s latest show, bursting with sparkle, laughter, and a vibrant Britpop bangers from the iconic era of Oasis, the Spice Girls, The Pet Shop Boys and Steps in this brand-new take on the classic tale. Get ready to be transported to Oxenford’s Top Pop, where you’ll meet rival pop bands Boy Bland and 4EVA with Daisy Ann Fletcher ias Dick ‘Dot’ Whittington, joined by rate king baddie Robin Hemmings. But hurry because some days are already selling out. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/dick-whittington
The Rat Pack: Christmas in Vegas, The Mill Banbury, Wednesday Nov 26. Swing into the Christmas season with The Rat Pack and their famous Christmas Concert. Together they amaze audiences with their recreation of a vintage Christmas at The Sands with Sinatra, Martin and Davis in this sensational show which brings the style, glamour and excitement of the Las Vegas heyday to vivid life. Including all the great hits, My Way, Mr Bojangles, New York New York, Amore, Fly Me To The Moon and seasonal classics such as Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow and of course White Christmas.e. BOOK HERE
Bye Bye Baby Christmas Show, The Mill, Banbury, November 27. A renowned tribute to the musical phenomenon ‘Jersey Boys’ and the timeless, iconic music of ‘Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons’. This Christmas-inspired show features the same incredible four-part harmonies, and roof raising falsetto associated with one of the most successful groups of all time, featuring Christmas favourites alongside some of Valli’s greatest hits. https://www.themillartscentre.co.uk/shows/bye-bye-baby-christmas-show/
Creation’s Nutcracker, North Wall, November 29 – January 3. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a little Creation magic, this year in the form of an exciting rendition of The Nutcracker. Expect wonder, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief as Marie’s beloved toy nutcracker comes to life, and a world of battles, bravery, and beautiful chaos ensues. Toys come to life in a sugary wonderland amidst much jollity, thrills, dreams, music, dancing and wonderful story-telling, in this show full of festive bops, and humour. A magical treat for every generation. Age guidance 5 – 105! https://creationtheatre.co.uk/show/nutcracker/
A Christmas Carol – Ballet Theatre UK, The Mill Banbury, November 30. Step into the heart of a traditional Victorian Christmas… With a beautiful score of festive carols, breathtaking costumes, and stunning choreography, this heartwarming production is brought to life by a full company of talented dancers making the perfect festive treat for the whole family. BOOK HERE
A Night of Carols – Dec 1 at Dorchester Abbey and Dec 14 at Jacqueline Du Pre building, Ding, dong, merrily on high! OSJ Voices will raise the roof in this festive evening of wide-ranging music celebrating Christmas. Carols include A child is born in Bethlehem, Adam lay abounded, Deck the halls and Ding Dong merrily on high, alongside many others. Book at https://www.osj.org.uk/osjevent/a-night-of-carols-7pm-at-dorchester-abbey-3/ and https://www.osj.org.uk/osjevent/a-night-of-carols-7pm-at-the-jacqueline-du-pre-building-oxford/ respectively.
The world premiere of Before the Millennium, Dec 1 – 21 December, OFS – Set at a Woolworths Christmas party on Oxford’s Cowley Road in 1999, the play follows best friends and Pakistani migrants Zoya and Iqra as they look forward to the turn of the century. But when a new colleague arrives with unsettling knowledge of their past, the countdown to midnight takes on a startling new meaning. Blending nostalgia, music and sharp humour, this is a festive story of friendship, migration, memory, and the choices that shape our futures by Oxford’s award-winning writer Karim Khan. Book here https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/before-the-millennium/
Where’s Father Christmas? Burton Taylor Studio, December 3 – 28. From the team that brought you Hurry Up Father Christmas! and Dear Father Christmas, get ready for another magical Christmas show for little ones from writer Helen Eastman as the BT is transformed into a festive present wrapping room. Meet Petra the Elf and Mr Coverall, who are working hard to wrap presents in time for the big day! Except that Father Christmas has gone missing. Will he be back in time to deliver all the presents? Enjoy a joyful mix of stories, songs and activities in this hour-long show – the perfect introduction to theatre for children aged 3-6. You might even meet Father Christmas himself… if you can find him! https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/wheres-father-christmas
“Follow The Stars”, Dec 5, Christ Church Cathedral – Macmillan Cancer’s 29th annual Carol Concert is a festive celebration of world-class talent including leading lyric soprano Sophie Bevan MBE who is widely celebrated as one of the of her generation. Sophie herself was treated for cancer a few years ago, so her involvement with this Macmillan fund-raising event has particular resonance. she will be joined by celebrated actors Abigail Thaw, Sally Phillips, Ben Bailey Brown and broadcasting legend Angela Rippon. The music will be performed by Oxford’s pre-eminent vocal ensemble, the fantastic Oxford Bach Soloists, conducted by Stephen Grahl, the Director of Music at Trinity College Cambridge. So see in Christmas in style while supporting this wonderful charity. Book at www.ticketsoxford.com
Oxford Botanic Garden Christmas Fair, Dec 6-7 There’s plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend including live music, festive craft activities, and trails to explore. Browse at over 50 thoughtfully selected stalls offering a wide variety of festive gifts and don’t miss the chance to make a winter wish with Mother Christmas at her Magical Grotto. Warm up with mulled wine in the conservatory and enjoy delicious hot food from local food traders. Book here https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/event/christmas-fair-2025
Steam into Christmas, Didcot Railway Centre, Weekends of 6-7, 13-14, 20-23 There’s been a Christmas disaster — Santa’s reindeer have escaped, and he needs your help to find them before Christmas Eve! Join a magical festive adventure through the museum which is home to Great Western Railway steam locomotives, carriages, wagons, buildings, and fascinating artefacts — as you help Santa track down his missing reindeer at special reindeer stations hidden around the site. Every child will receive a special passport and a Christmas stocking on arrival. At each reindeer station you find, you’ll collect a small gift as a reward for your detective work. Your journey ends with a visit to Santa’s giant toy workshop, where you can tell him what’s on your Christmas list and choose your own present from his festive selection! Ticket include unlimited train rides on the demonstration line throughout the day. BOOK HERE
Crafternoon; Dec 6 12-3pm, Weston Library. A free, drop-in for families and a cosy afternoon of crafts, suitable for all ages. Make quirky collaged cards, sparkly baubles and printed paperchains ready for the festive season, plus storytelling and a festive rhyme-time for the littlest elves. BOOK HERE
Book now to avoid disappointment!That 80s Christmas Rock Show, The Mill Banbury, Dec 6. The ultimate rock tribute to the glorious decade which taste forgot. With over two hours of rock anthems and power ballads celebrating legends like Heart, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Kiss and many more, all with the backdrop of 80s TV/film themes. BOOK HERE
A Little Look At… Winter Animals, Museum of Natural History, Dec 8, 10.15am-10.45am. Find out how animals cosy up for winter on this guided walk around the Museum. Free. Drop-in. Recommended for children aged 2-5. https://www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk/event/a-little-look-at…-winter-animals-2
Supermarket Scrooge, Pegasus Theatre, Dec 10 – 24 is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol set in a 90s supermarket. The story follows the journey of Wilameana Scrooge, the owner of Scroogeways, as she discovers there’s more to Christmas than making money. Live actors and puppet characters bring the spooky tale to life with Wild Boor Ideas’ puppet characters such as a cheeky Brussels sprout as the Ghost of Christmas Past, a chatty wrapped gift as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and a silent frozen turkey playing the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come. With live actors, amazing sing-along songs and lots of audience participation, it’s a fabulous, fun outing for 2-7 year olds and their grown ups. Book at https://pegasustheatre.org.uk/show-listing/
The Nutcracker, The Mill Banbury, Dec 17-24. The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company is delighted to present their dazzling festive favourite for the whole family! With stunning dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, beautiful costumes and crystal clear storytelling, this is a Christmas show not to be missed! BOOK HERE
Beauty and The Beast, Didcot Cornerstone, December 18-31. Enjoy a spellbinding adventure filled with laughter, love, and enchantment, as this timeless tale comes to life on stage with a festive sparkle! Expect dazzling scenery, glittering costumes, magical special effects, toe-tapping musical numbers, and real live panto pooches. With plenty of laughs and audience participation, this is a heartwarming festive treat for the entire family. https://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/beauty-and-beast
A Present For Jack, The Story Museum, Dec 20-30 – In this brand-new festive musical, written and composed by David Gibb for children and families, young Jack is on a very special mission to find the perfect song as a present for his dad. To inspire him, he shares the legendary tales that made his father famous — from climbing beanstalks and outwitting giants to chasing fortune and finding love. Packed with festive sparkle, magical storytelling, traditional tales, joyful original songs and brilliant live music, it’s a seasonal treat by Little Seeds Music for the whole family. Age 5+. Book at https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/a-present-for-jack
There’s A Monster In Your Christmas Show, Bicester Leisure Centre, Dec 23 – 29. Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved Who’s in Your Book? series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show! A high-energy 55-minute adventure featuring lively original music, expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a festive show packed with interactive moments. There’s A Monster in Your Christmas Show @ Bicester Leisure Centre » The Mill Arts Centre
Launton Village Players’ Treasure Island, Feb 19-22, Cooper School Performance Hall, Bicester – A traditional family pantomime suitable for all the family with a fantastic original script, packed with comedy, magic, audience participation and live music. There are free puzzle sheets for children, as well as free glowsticksso they can join in with the magic in the second half! All profits will be donated to the Hummingbird Centre, a cancer support and therapy centre in Launton. Suitable for all ages and a fantastic opportunity to keep your children entertained over half term. Tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk/lvp
