This is the tenth annual Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival – it takes place over three days in the heart of the city and features loads of FREE festive events for families! This year’s theme is ‘Undiscovered Oxford’ showcasing some lesser known aspects of the city.
Here are Mumbler’s top picks for families. Friday seems to be the busiest day, but there is lots going on all weekend. It’ll be really magical just to walk around the main outdoor sites – Bonn Square, Gloucester Green and Oxford Castle – and take in all the street performances and art installations.
Lantern Parade
When: Friday 16th November 6.30 – 7.30pm
Where: Oxford City Centre – Starting at The Covered Market, ending at Gloucester Green
FREE – Everyone welcome.
Winding its way through the streets of Oxford’s city centre, the parade will involve approximately more than 400 people from schools across Oxford, community groups and local bands. Best viewing points on the parade route are at Radcliffe Square, Cornmarket, Queen Street and Gloucester Green.
Sing at the Ashmolean
When: Friday 16th November 5pm-8pm AND Saturday 17th November 12-4pm AND Sunday 18th November 12-4pm
Where: Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, OX1 2PH
FREE – Everyone welcome.
Join the Ashmolean for festive songs and celebration. A special weekend of faith, folk and song celebrating the communities of Oxford. Come and join us for a dazzling weekend of activities, music, storytelling, talks and craft for all ages.
Alice & Bob’s Whopping Christmas Cracker Show/Party
When and where:
Friday 16th November 2018
2:15pm Broad Street, OX1 3BG
4:00pm Bonn Square, OX1 1LQ
Saturday 17th November
12:45pm Broad Street OX1 3BG
4:15pm Gloucester Green OX1 2BU
FREE – Everyone welcome.
Alice & Bob will be popping up and performing across the city, spreading Christmas cheer and a taste of the whopping Christmas Party at Pegasus this festive season.
Christmas Card Collages
When: Friday 16th November 6pm – 9pm
Where: Weston Library, Bodleian Libraries, Broad Street OX1 3BG
FREE – Everyone welcome.
Drop in on our family friendly activities for the Christmas Light Festival. Create quirky Christmas cards, explore the exhibitions and browse unusual Christmas presents at the Bodleian gift shop. Visit the café for mulled cider, mince pies and seasonal treats and enjoy some carol singing by the Oxford Bach Choir at 7pm and 8pm.
WISH
When: Friday 16th November 5:00pm, 5.30pm & 6:00pm
Where: The Market Square, Oxford Castle Quarter, OX1 1AY
FREE – Everyone welcome.
The Story Museum proudly presents its 2018 family Christmas show WISH. Join us on a magical, musical journey with much-loved classic stories told afresh by multi-talented actor/musician Tristan Pate. Different venue – same Story Museum ingredients: great storytelling, music, song, joining-in and fun for all the family
Christmas Light Festival at the Museums
When: Friday 16th November 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Where: Pitt Rivers Museum and Natural History Museum, Parks Road, OX1 3PP
Booking required – click here
Discover the museums after dark! Projection artists Luxmuralis turn the front of the Museum of Natural History into a living light sculpture. Book your ticket to come inside for festive treasures and torchlit tours in both the Pitt Rivers Museum and the Museum of Natural History.
(Unfortunately it looks as though this has already ‘sold out’.)
Drop-in Light Party
When: Friday 16th November 5.30pm-7:30pm
Where: Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, New Inn Hall Street, OX1 2DH
FREE – Everyone welcome.
Explore your undiscovered talents and abilities and learn to let your light shine! A free drop-in ’Light Party’ aimed at primary school aged children and their families. Come along for crafts, games and refreshments.
Ice Throne
When: Friday 16th November 4:00pm-10:00pm AND Saturday 17th November 4:00pm-10:00pm
Where: Oxford Castle & Prison, 44-46 Oxford Castle, OX1 1AY
FREE – Everyone welcome.
Made using chisels and saws of steel forged in the Japanese Samurai tradition, a beautiful glistening ice throne takes centre stage at the Castle. Take a seat and a memorable selfie – #icethrone #oxlightfest18
Undiscovered Oxford @ The Micro-Museum
When: Saturday 17 November 12pm-4pm
Where: Micro-Museum at the Gallery, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1BX
FREE – Everyone welcome.
Discover things you never knew about Oxford in our family gallery trail, and join in with a fun and festive craft activity. There are even prizes to be won!
So this should keep us all very busy this weekend! I hope you have a wonderful time with your family if you make it along!
Source: https://www.oxfordschristmas.com/
WISH and Alice and Bob’s Whopping Christmas Cracker Party/Show are both Christmas shows taking place in Oxford over December. For more info about them, other festive shows and pantos and all things Christmas in Oxford this year – check out the Christmas pages on Mumbler here!
November 2018
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