There is so much to see, do and enjoy in Oxfordshire this Christmas, so we’ve gathered together our guide to the best festive entertainment to book now.
War Horse, New Theatre Oxford, Tue Dec 10 – Sat Jan 4 – this unforgettable theatrical experience takes you on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama is filled with stirring music, songs and astonishing life-sized horses as Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the Cavalry, shipped to France and caught up in enemy fire. If you didn’t catch it in the West End, book in here https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/war-horse/new-theatre-oxford/
Sleeping Beauty, Oxford Playhouse. Until Sunday January 5. Described as a ‘juggernaut of a panto’, Princess Aurora pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep for 1000 years, waking up in 1985, READ BOUT IT HERE as Walter The Wicked travels in a time machine to ensure she doesn’t become Queen. Luckily for Aurora, her former school friends are there to rescue her, alongside Nelly The Nurse and invisible fairy Marco. Book here: https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/sleeping-beauty
OSJ – What a line-up – from carols and Handel’s Messiah to NYE celebrations, and the coup d’etat – Michael Palin’s The Music In My Life at The Sheldonian, READ ABOUT IT HERE its all going on in Oxford and Dorchester this Christmas. Plus the incredible Orchestra Of St John’s has launched The Big Christmas Challenge to raise money for its community projects in Oxfordshire in community hospitals, and Music for Autism concerts in SEN schools. Do donate and book for these amazing concerts. https://www.osj.org.uk/forthcoming-concerts/
Hansel & Grettel, North Wall – Creation once again brings you the perfect panto alternative – transforming the famous fairy tale into a glorious all-singing-all-dancing Christmassy romp in the forest full of music, jokes and laughter. READ ABOUT IT HERE Throw in some original music, hilarious choreography, a 10 minute megamix, and a host of enticing characters; from birds and animals to goblins, and you can expect a great night out for all ages. Dec 1 – Jan 4. https://creationtheatre.co.uk/show/hansel-and-grettel/
Hurry Up Father Christmas! Burton Taylor Studio, Dec 4 – 29 Aimed at children aged 3-6, this perfect festive treat for young audiences, welcomes Mr Tick Tock and Father Christmas. Written by the wonderful Helen Eastman of Dear Father Christmas fame, this is the sixth Christmas show she has created and you can join Ivy, an elf, and Mr Tick Tock in Father Christmas’ sleigh shed. Full of clocks, presents and lots of snow globes, all set in the North Pole, young theatregoers will enjoy stories, songs, activities and adventures, while helping to get the sleigh on its way. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/hurry-up-father-christmas
The Cultural Programme‘s classical music series kicking off with the Castalian String Quartet performing in the Holywell Music Room on Nov 26 (as well as Jan 30, and May 9 2025). One of the most exciting and in-demand quartets on the world stage, in 2019 the Royal Philharmonic Society named them Young Artist of the Year, and they’re residents of Oxford University, thanks to the Cosman Keller Art & Music Trust. https://oxfordculturalprogramme.org.uk/whats-on/
Jack and The Beanstalk, The Theatre Chipping Norton until Jan 12. Join Jack on his magical and hilarious adventures to the Viking kingdom of Smorgasbord READ OUR REVIEW HERE alongside a talking cow and a band of musical horned helmets, as he searches for true love and world peace! https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk
Bampton Classical Opera‘s Saint Beornwald concert on Saturday December 7. The eclectic programme of music is based around two majestic works by Mozart and Poulenc for piano and wind, played by artistic director Jeremy Gray and the wind instruments of the Orchestra of Bampton Classical Opera. READ ABOUT IT HERE Kieron-Connor Valentine and André Bertoncini sing songs and arias including Y Gwanwyn Du, I Dreamed a Dream (from ‘Les Misérables’), Paper Wings: A Route to the Sky and of course White Christmas to get us all in the festive spirit. BOOK HERE
Anton Lesser’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ accompanied by Orchestra of the Swan, Friday December 6, 7.30pm, Sheldonian Theatre. Famous actor Anton Lesser stars in this candlelit one-man show of Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic, combining unforgettable storytelling with captivating music from Orchestra of the Swan. All of the much-loved (and feared) characters are brought to life in the atmospheric setting of Oxford’s spectacular Sheldonian Theatre. BOOK HERE: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hambletts-ltd/anton-lessers-a-christmas-carol/e-eqdrog
The Gruffalo, The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, Dec 5-24. Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world! And don’t miss the Crafty Time sessions for children aged 2-10 every weekend throughout the run! https://www.themillartscentre.co.uk/shows/gruffalo-2024/
Christmas at Blenheim – Choose from Neverland, The Light Trail, Great Skate and Christmas Market. Until Jan 1, (market finishes on Dec 22) Blenheim has gone all out this year with a myriad of options to help celebrate the festive season READ OUR REVIEW HERE, from an indoor Peter Pan to the outdoor light fantastic spectacle, a trip across the ice or the chance to buy your Christmas gifts, take your pick or do them all in one go. BOOK HERE
Cinderella at Cornerstone, Didcot – Dec 18 – 31. Cinderella dreams of a more magical and exciting life far away from her Wicked Stepsisters. Luckily, she has her ever-faithful companion, Buttons, to brighten her days. When the dashing Prince Charming decides to throw a grand ball to find his future wife, Cinderella sees her chance, and with a wave of the Fairy Godmother’s wand and some pumpkin spice, anything is possible! BOOK HERE
Cinderella Ice-cream Seller, Story Museum until Tuesday December 31. This brand-new musical is a tale of perseverance, princes, palace balls, glass slippers and ice-cream, written and composed by author and musician David Gibb. Following Cinderella’s happy-ever-after, her chain of ice-cream parlours become a huge success. Share her rags to riches story with storytelling, live music, and theatrical magic. Book here https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/cinderella-ice-cream-seller
Oxfordshire Christmas Markets. Christmas shopping looming? There are Christmas markets stretching county-wide between now and Christmas so read our guide here and take your pick! TOP 10+: Oxfordshire’s Christmas Markets in Oxford, Banbury, Botley, Blenheim, Chalgrove, Chipping Norton, Deddington, Woodstock and Witney!
The Elves and The Shoemaker, December 11 – 24, Pegasus. Popular, Oxford-based puppet company Wild Boor Ideas has joined forces with Pegasus Theatre this Christmas to put on a show for children aged 2- 7 years and their families in a performance packed with puppetry, clowning, songs, interaction, silliness and lot of puns, designed for early readers. http://www.pegasustheatre.org.uk
Follow The Stars, Macmillan Carols, Christ Church Cathedral, Dec 6, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, is returning once more with a star-studded cast of celebrities including Toby Jones, Shaun Evans, Jason Isaacs and Gugu Mbatha-Raw who will be enchanting us with their literary readings, interspersed with breathtaking musical performances by the Oxford Bach Soloists, conducted by Stephen Grahl, and gloriously uplifting carols. https://www.ticketsoxford.com/events/follow-the-stars-macmillan-carols-3
A Sherlock Holmes Christmas, December 9-21 at The Source at The Old Courthouse off St Aldate’s in Oxford. a new comic adaptation of Conan Doyle’s most festive detective stories. Join Wild Goose Theatre for a Christmas party like no other, as Dr John Watson regales us with two of his most festive Sherlock Holmes tales. Expect thrilling chases, genius deductions, and plenty of laughs. https://wegottickets.com/f/13656/
Little Robin Red Vest, Bicester Leisure Centre, Dec 21-24. Enjoy Filskit Theatre‘s brand-new adaptation of Jane Fearnley’s picture book aimed at children aged 2-6 and their families about Little Robin rewarded by Father Christmas for his kindness using original songs, puppetry to share this heartwarming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving. https://www.themillartscentre.co.uk/shows/little-robin-red-vest/
Mollie’s Christmas-themed drive-in cinema show, Thursday December 5, 5pm Home Alone, 8.30pm The Holiday Get into the Christmas spirit with a series of festive movies – drive-in, park up and settle in for an evening of big-screen entertainment from the comfort of your own car at Mollie’s popular American-style, open-air cinemas at its site in Buckland, Faringdon. Tickets include a Mollie’s movie meal – with a choice of Chicken Tenders or a Chicken, Plant of Beef burger served with house fries and a soft drink. https://mollies.com/mollies-movies-halloween/
