Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-late-night-christmas-shopping-thurs-4-dec">Late Night Christmas Shopping, Thurs 4 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1502" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Christmas-shopping-Unsplash-Hannah-Tu.jpg" alt="Marlow late night Christmas shopping 2025" class="wp-image-199045" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Christmas-shopping-Unsplash-Hannah-Tu.jpg 2000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Christmas-shopping-Unsplash-Hannah-Tu-800x601.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Christmas-shopping-Unsplash-Hannah-Tu-1000x751.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Christmas-shopping-Unsplash-Hannah-Tu-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Christmas-shopping-Unsplash-Hannah-Tu-1536x1154.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Unsplash/ Hannah Tu</figcaption></figure>



<p>Marlow’s boutiques become even more magical than usual during December thanks to miniature Christmas trees sprucing up the shop-fronts, and ticking off your Christmas shopping among twinkling lights makes festive retail therapy especially magical. Chichi chains and brilliant local indie stores will throw open their doors for a late-nighter and the High Street will be buzzing with stalls from 6pm. Carol singers, reindeer and a Father Christmas appearance complete the festive scene, making south Bucks feel more North Pole.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Need to rest those weary feet? You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Marlow’s eateries. <a href="https://ivycollection.com/restaurants-near-me/the-ivy-south-east/the-ivy-marlow-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">The Ivy Garden’</a>s festive menu is especially indulgent (save room for the Christmas Crème Brûlée) and you’ll feel like you’re dining in a very tastefully decked out grotto. Book in at <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/review-the-oarsman-marlow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Oarsman</a> for delicious seasonal small plates and a glass or two of very fine wine, or if you fancy a top notch Indian,<a href="https://sindhurestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> Sindhu by Atul Kochhar </a>was just awarded ‘best Indian restaurant in the home counties’ by The British Indian Food Guide. </p>



<p>If you’ve got the kids in tow, you can’t go wrong at <a href="https://www.pizzaexpress.com/marlow-high-street" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">PizzaExpress</a> (Dough Balls in Blankets for all!). <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gingerwingsmarlow/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Ginger Wings</a>, owned by Heston Blumenthal’s son Jack and loved by stars like some guy called Ed Sheeran, is a hoot for fried chicken lovers too. And if you simply fancy a glass of fizz with antipasti in elegant surrounds, hit <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/la-dolce-bolla-marlow-buckinghamshire-wine-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Dolce Bolla</a> – we promise you’ve never tasted prosecco this good. Christmas shopping is truly popping down by the river.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marlow-santa-s-fun-run-nbsp-sun-7-dec"><a href="https://santasfunrun.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marlow Santa&#8217;s Fun Run,</a>&nbsp;Sun 7 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="960" height="606" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/SantaRun.jpg" alt="Marlow Santa Run 2025" class="wp-image-176005" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/SantaRun.jpg 960w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/SantaRun-800x505.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/SantaRun-400x253.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



<p>Each year on a weekend close to Christmas, Marlow becomes a sea of red as hundreds of locals (and jolly joggers from further afield) run, walk or push a buggy 5km around the streets of Marlow, dressed as Father Christmas for the Rotary Club&#8217;s charity fun run. It raised an impressive £95k last year and the organisers sights are set even higher for 2025. It&#8217;s open to all ages, and while the chance to don the Santa suit yourself this year is off the table (it&#8217;s so popular that it&#8217;s sold out already), it&#8217;s a great spectator sport. </p>



<p>Hang out at the start/finish point in Higginson Park from 8:50am when there&#8217;ll be a warm up with Paralympic rower Naomi Riches MBE and Marlow FM, then cheer on the runners from the safety of the mulled wine tent. Jam Theatre Company will entertain watchers-on on the south side of the High Street from 9:30am, then it&#8217;s prize giving at 10:30am. All that before you&#8217;ve even had brunch (hit up<a href="https://megans.co.uk/best-restaurants-in-marlow-megans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> Megan&#8217;s at Liston Court </a>for that). Ho, ho, go!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carols-on-the-causeway-tue-16-dec"><a href="https://www.marlow-tc.gov.uk/carols-on-the-causeway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carols on the Causeway</a>, Tue 16 Dec</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1800" height="1156" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Carols-on-Causeway-Marlow.jpg" alt="Carols on the Causeway Marlow 2025" class="wp-image-199038" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Carols-on-Causeway-Marlow.jpg 1800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Carols-on-Causeway-Marlow-800x514.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Carols-on-Causeway-Marlow-1000x642.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Carols-on-Causeway-Marlow-400x257.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Carols-on-Causeway-Marlow-1536x986.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px" /></figure>



<p>Love to belt out a carol with a side of mince pies? The annual Carols on the Causeway, run by the Town Council, is a joyful chance to air out the pipes. Gather around the Christmas tree in the town square at the foot of the high street and sing accompanied by the Marlow Town Band. The serenading and stalls get bustling from 6pm so it&#8217;s the perfect post-work and after-school treat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oops-you-missed-it">OOPS, YOU MISSED IT</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-merry-marlow-christmas-sat-22-nov-0"><a href="https://listoncourtgardens.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Merry Marlow Christmas</a>, Sat 22 Nov</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/SantaGrotto.jpg" alt="A Merry Marlow Christmas 2025" class="wp-image-176003" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/SantaGrotto.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/SantaGrotto-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/SantaGrotto-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Liston Court Gardens is a hidden gem tucked off the <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/liston-court-gardens-marlow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Street </a>that doubles up as a fab community events space, offering a seasonal programme of everything from street food to live music and yoga. Naturally, it&#8217;s big on festive fun too, and this year&#8217;s market, called A Merry Marlow Christmas, popped up on <strong>22 Nov </strong>from 10am – 4pm. </p>



<p>Stallholders sold everything from locally produced cheese and food hampers to handmade clothes, plus Christmas wreaths and flowers. There was elegant jewellery from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ceramic.ox/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ceramic Ox</a>, sustainable candles by<a href="https://www.instagram.com/florence_and_bee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Florence and Bee,</a> and beautifully patterned homewares by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ink_well_designs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inkwell Designs </a>, just to get the wishlist started. There was plenty to keep younger members of the family amused too; Santa&#8217;s Grotto for a chat with the jolly man in the red suit (£3 per child) and a reindeer food making station. Niche, but handy at this time of year. Throw in street entertainers, street food, mulled wine by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/infinity_wines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Infinity Wines</a> (warm Ribena this isn&#8217;t) and live music, and it jingled all the way home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compleat-angler-christmas-market-sat-22-nov-0"><a href="https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/compleat-angler/venue/christmas/christmas-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Compleat Angler Christmas Market</a>, Sat 22 Nov</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1320" height="1316" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Compleat-Angler-Christmas.png" alt="Compleat Angler Marlow Christmas Market 2025" class="wp-image-199037" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Compleat-Angler-Christmas.png 1320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Compleat-Angler-Christmas-800x798.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Compleat-Angler-Christmas-1000x997.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Compleat-Angler-Christmas-400x400.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1320px) 100vw, 1320px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/compleatanglerofficial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@compleatanglerofficial</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Marlow&#8217;s landmark Compleat Angler hotel occupies a commanding spot at the gateway to the town next to its famous suspension bridge &#8211; so it&#8217;s perfectly placed to kick off the town&#8217;s run of festive fun. The Christmas Market on the afternoon and evening of <strong>Sat 22 Nov</strong> ran from 2pm – 8pm with stalls offering everything from wreath-making displays to hog roasts and the opportunity to sample some festive wine or gin. There was also a complimentary mug of hot chocolate on arrival for an extra cosy welcome.</p>



<p>Real-life Dashers and Prancers flew in from Lapland for a reindeer meet-and-greet too. We hope you brought along the reindeer food you prepped at A Merry Marlow Christmas earlier (they really thought this through).</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on-near-me/christmas-markets-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The best Christmas fairs and merry markets in Bucks, Oxon and beyond</a></li>



<li><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/christmas-afternoon-tea-near-me-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tuck in! The best festive afternoon teas in Bucks &amp; Oxon</a></li>



<li><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/la-dolce-bolla-marlow-bar-review-buckinghamshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: La Dolce Bolla bar, Marlow</a></li>
</ul>


Festive Marlow: 3 unmissable events for your diary

You may also like