Bucks &amp; Oxon

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-see-some-christmas-lights">See some Christmas Lights</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Christmas-in-oxford.jpg" alt="Christmas in Oxford" class="wp-image-200378" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Christmas-in-oxford.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Christmas-in-oxford-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Christmas-in-oxford-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Christmas-in-oxford-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Christmas in Oxford</figcaption></figure>



A self-guided tour around <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/travel-guides/insider-guide-best-things-to-do-oxford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford city centre </a>means plenty of scope for hot chocolate stops while you take in the sparkling light displays around Broad Street. <a href="https://www.christmasinoxford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas in Oxford</a> is totally gratis and runs until 31 Dec, with free live music courtesy of local bands, choirs and DJs, plus roaming entertainers and beautifully decorated stalls for window shopping. Oxford University’s colleges have their glitzy gladrags on too – <a href="https://www.bnc.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brasenose</a>, <a href="https://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christ Church</a> and <a href="https://www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter </a>are all highlights.&nbsp;



Other Christmas lights to linger over include <a href="https://www.henleytowncouncil.gov.uk/town-news/visit-henley-this-christmas-whats-on-for-2025-festive-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henley’s festive displays</a> (this year&#8217;s illuminations were switched on by supermodel Jerry Hall) and <a href="https://visit-henley.com/advent-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Living Advent Calendar</a>, on until 24 Dec. At 6:15pm each evening, a new “window” or “door” opens somewhere in town to reveal a surprise 20-minute performance – it could be anything from a song to a story or dance. It was the first event of its kind in the UK when it started back in 2011 and it’s as magical as ever.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Marlow-Christmas-Market-scaled.jpg" alt="Marlow Christmas market" class="wp-image-199060" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Marlow-Christmas-Market-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Marlow-Christmas-Market-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Marlow-Christmas-Market-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Marlow-Christmas-Market-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Marlow-Christmas-Market-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Marlow-Christmas-Market-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



Over in Bucks, <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/buckinghamshire/marlow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marlow</a>’s Christmas lights and festive window displays make for an extra-sparkly sunset stroll. And if it’s raining, head to <a href="https://www.centremk.com/whats-on/events/starlight-square/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starlight Square</a> at Centre:MK in <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/buckinghamshire/milton-keynes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milton Keynes</a>. Middleton Hall is all aglow and kids can write a wishlist to drop into Santa’s Post Box while you’re there.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enjoy-some-free-music">Enjoy some free music</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1042" height="1298" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Lissie-Allsopp-Christmas-jazz.png" alt="Lissie Allsop Christmas jazz Hughenden Manor" class="wp-image-200410" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Lissie-Allsopp-Christmas-jazz.png 1042w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Lissie-Allsopp-Christmas-jazz-642x800.png 642w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Lissie-Allsopp-Christmas-jazz-803x1000.png 803w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Lissie-Allsopp-Christmas-jazz-321x400.png 321w" sizes="(max-width: 1042px) 100vw, 1042px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lissieallsopp/?hl=en-gb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@lissieallsopp</a></figcaption></figure>



The local stateleys are swinging this festive season; catch jazz singer<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/hughenden/events/ddd79115-e4b3-4563-abfe-9f1814187743" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Lissie Allsopp at Hughenden Manor</a> from 21 – 28 Dec. There’s free carol services galore across both counties throughout the holidays; join <a href="https://eynsham.org.uk/org-event.aspx?eid=23741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eynsham’s Christmas Carol Celebration</a> at 7pm on 21 Dec or trot along to Nine Lessons and Carols at <a href="https://www.st-giles-church.org/christmas-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Giles’ Church </a>in Oxford at 6:30pm on the same date. There’s carols around the tree at 10:30am on Christmas Eve with free refreshments and festive spirit on tap too. Trilling into 2026, <a href="https://www.oxfordbachsoloists.com/event/christmas-oratorio-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford Bach Soloists Christmas Oratorio</a> on 3 Jan is free for under-18s. The Guardian heaped last year’s performance with praise, so it’s a hot ticket.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-crafty-with-the-kids-nbsp">Get crafty with the kids&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Kids-crafting-at-Christmas.jpg" alt="Kids crafting at Christmas" class="wp-image-200379" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Kids-crafting-at-Christmas.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Kids-crafting-at-Christmas-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Kids-crafting-at-Christmas-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Kids-crafting-at-Christmas-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Crafty kiddies will enjoy <a href="https://www.modernartoxford.org.uk/whats-on/holiday-workshop-in-the-cards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In The Cards at Modern Art Oxford</a> on 20 Dec; the collage workshop takes inspiration from Suzanne Treister’s current exhibition at the gallery and will put a whole different spin on your family Christmas cards. It’s a free drop-in which is always welcome at this hectic time of the year. Also free is the niche but nice <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/event/light-it-up-paper-gaslamp-making-in-person/2025-12-22/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paper Gaslamp Making sessions at the Museum of Oxford </a>on 22 and 29 Dec, where kids and their grown-ups can make their own paper lamps and learn about the historic gas lamps of Oxford. It’s giving Narnia.&nbsp;



There’s free children’s crafting over at <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/cliveden/events/db51b908-0572-44d1-8735-edd8c81c9987" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cliveden </a>until 31 Dec, where little ones can make their own Nutcracker or Sugar Plum Fairy in the estate’s Doll House. The Nutcracker theme extends to the gardens too, so make time for a twinkly winter walk with a fair few fairytale surprises along the way. Making a plan for Jan? <a href="https://www.ashmolean.org/event/free-family-new-year-workshops" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ashmoleon </a>in Oxford is running free family workshops on 3 and 4 Jan for kids and their grown-ups to build winter homes for objects they&#8217;ve found in the museum. They just need to be small enough to fit in your hand – more mini dwellings than grand designs.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-see-some-cracking-art">See some cracking art</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1141" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Hockneys-Dogs-Mychael-Barratt.jpg" alt="Hockneys Dogs Sarah Wiseman Gallery" class="wp-image-199417" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Hockneys-Dogs-Mychael-Barratt.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Hockneys-Dogs-Mychael-Barratt-800x609.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Hockneys-Dogs-Mychael-Barratt-1000x761.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Hockneys-Dogs-Mychael-Barratt-400x304.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">‘Hockney’s Dogs’ by Mychael Barratt at the Sarah Wiseman Gallery </figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://www.wisegal.com/exhibitions/123-christmas-cracker-festive-collection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Christmas Cracker Exhibition </a>at the Sarah Wiseman Gallery (until 3 Jan) makes for a unique gifting no-brainer – drop hints as you take in the spectacular edit of art, jewellery and ceramics. Or rock up after the 25th to peruse the art in peace.



<a href="https://www.ionahousegallery.org/?srsltid=AfmBOooPyWN374Nn1Hu17DzAM94L8BOBStTFWppGeoCOee7xOjFVrzoe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iona House in Woodstock </a>is looking to our newest Muddy region, <a href="https://scotland.muddystilettos.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scotland</a>, for its winter exhibition (until 18 Jan). <a href="https://www.jolomo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Lowrie Morrison </a>OBE’s Scottish landscape paintings are especially breathtaking. <a href="https://www.thenorthwall.com/whats-on/oxford-printmakers-co-operative/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Oxford Printmakers Co-operative (OPC)</a> returns to The North Wall this Christmas too with a colourful array of current members’ work.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-set-off-on-a-trail">Set off on a trail</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1268" height="714" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Winter-Walk-Stowe-Gardens.jpeg" alt="Winter walk Stowe Gardens" class="wp-image-200417" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Winter-Walk-Stowe-Gardens.jpeg 1268w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Winter-Walk-Stowe-Gardens-800x450.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Winter-Walk-Stowe-Gardens-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Winter-Walk-Stowe-Gardens-400x225.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1268px) 100vw, 1268px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stowe Gardens</figcaption></figure>



Fancy walking in the air? <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/stowe-gardens/events/7e54df5e-80ef-4c50-bdde-ce2b26039364" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Community Stowemen trail</a> at Stowe Gardens near Buckingham features a lovely lineup of locally made snowmen, with free activity books for kids to jolly up a Christmas holiday stroll. You’ll need a National Trust card, or if you’re not a member, go along on 22 Dec when it’s free entry for all.&nbsp;



Little elves will love the<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/hughenden/events/2cea330c-2665-4e7c-8acf-bfc3e9d1189f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> North Pole Post Trail at Hughenden Manor</a> near High Wycombe until 4 Jan. It’s a glorious voyage following a letter on its merry way to Father Christmas; there’s Insta-worthy photo ops and games to entertain all at every turn. At Upton House, a smidge over the Warwickshire border, the winter <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/upton-house-and-gardens/events/9730a221-992c-4797-acb8-03ab90aad717" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sense and Explore trail </a>will stop kids in their tracks in a good way; they’ll investigate all the al fresco surprises of the season. The house and gardens are decorated with tales from Aesop’s Fables too, so their imaginations will be firing all the more.&nbsp;



For free frolics a hop over the Buckinghamshire border in Tring, there’s an <a href="https://www.bbowt.org.uk/events/2025-09-04-ickle-owl-augmented-reality-trail-college-lake-4-sept-24-oct-2-nov-21-dec" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ickle Owl augmented reality trail </a>at College Lake until 21 Dec. Just download the Ickle Owl app before you arrive and set off on an interactive adventure to find him once you arrive. You can warm up in the café afterwards with free gingerbread man decoration sessions on 20 and 21 Dec.&nbsp;



If it’s pouring, make a date at<a href="https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum</a>, where the <a href="https://prm.ox.ac.uk/event/wonderful-winter-trail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Wonderland trail </a>will take kids on a hunt for hidden snowflakes, learning all about different snowy environments as they go. Until 30 Jan. For those aged 5+, there’s a <a href="https://oumnh.ox.ac.uk/event/all-i-want-for-christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas trail</a> at Oxford’s Museum of Natural History until 4 Jan that’ll have your smalls searching for lost presents for a dodo. As you do.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-a-christmas-hero">Meet a Christmas hero</h2>



If you’d rather not fork out for a grotto, head to the Westgate in Oxford for a <a href="https://www.westgateoxford.co.uk/en/festive-character-kids-meet-and-greets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free festive character meet and greet.</a> The Grinch is popping in on 20 Dec and The Snowman and The Snowdog are in residence on 21 Dec – book your slot between 12pm – 3pm here. There are SEN sessions at 11am each day too.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-on-a-jingle-jog">Go on a jingle jog</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Forest-run.jpg" alt="Lady running in forest" class="wp-image-200384" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Forest-run.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Forest-run-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Forest-run-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Forest-run-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Blow away the post-Christmas Day cobwebs at the <a href="https://greatbrookrun.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Brook Run</a> in Chadlington on 27 Dec. As the name implies it’ll have you splashing through a wet and muddy brook but it’s not PB-chasing territory – it’s a mile-long fun run for those aged 11+ and you’ll see a lot of creative fancy dress as you puff along. It’s free to enter but a £10 charity donation is encouraged. It sets off from <a href="https://thetiteinn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tite Inn</a> and there’ll be a nice local ale waiting for you at the finishing line.&nbsp;



Slightly more intrepid is the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/stowe-gardens/events/cd7fb6c7-7a9e-4a6a-83af-1d30e93016cf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trust 10k run at Stowe Gardens</a> on 28 Dec. You’ll cover some gorgeous ground and dogs on leads are welcome, as are kids aged 14+.&nbsp;



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<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/xmas/jack-beanstalk-panto-review-aylesbury-waterside/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: Jack and the Beanstalk, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre</a></li>



<li><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on-near-me/new-years-eve-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">25 NYE ideas for a brilliant night in Bucks &amp; Oxon</a></li>



<li><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/this-month/things-to-do-buckinghamshire-oxfordshire-near-me-december/">That’s a wrap! 75+ things to do in Bucks &amp; Oxon this December</a></li>
</ul>

Free things to do in Bucks & Oxon during the Christmas holidays

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