Oxford Christmas: A Magical Time In A Historic City

Oxford Christmas: A Magical Time in a Historic City

Oxford Christmas: A Magical Time in a Historic City

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Oxford Christmas: A Magical Time in a Historic City

Oxford, a city steeped in history and tradition, transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. As the nights grow colder and the days shorter, the streets of Oxford come alive with twinkling lights, festive markets, and a rich array of Christmas events. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting for the holidays, Oxford at Christmas is a truly magical experience that will leave you feeling merry and bright.

History of Christmas in Oxford

Christmas has been celebrated in Oxford for centuries, and the city has a rich tradition of festive traditions and customs. The first recorded Christmas celebration in Oxford dates back to the 12th century, when the city’s medieval residents would gather in the streets to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

In the centuries that followed, Christmas traditions in Oxford evolved and flourished. The city’s famous collegiate system, which includes some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, played a significant role in shaping Oxford’s Christmas customs.

Each college, or ‘house’, as they are known locally, would host its own Christmas festivities, which would include lavish feasts, musical performances, and gift-giving. These traditions continue to this day, with each college hosting its own unique Christmas celebrations.

Oxford Christmas Market

One of the highlights of the Oxford Christmas calendar is the annual Oxford Christmas Market. Held in the city’s historic Broad Street, the market features a wide range of festive stalls selling gifts, crafts, and food.

Visitors to the market can expect to find unique and handmade gifts, including jewelry, ornaments, and decorations. There are also plenty of opportunities to sample festive foods, such as mulled wine, mince pies, and gingerbread.

Ice Skating in Oxford

Ice skating is a popular festive activity in Oxford, and the city hosts several outdoor ice rinks during the holiday season. The main ice rink is located in the city center, on Broad Street opposite the Ashmolean Museum.

The rink is open from late November to early January, and there are plenty of opportunities to skate during the day or in the evening, under the twinkling lights of the city.

Oxford’s Colleges at Christmas

Each of Oxford’s colleges is unique, and they all host their own festive celebrations. Some of the colleges that are worth visiting during the holiday season include:

• Christ Church College: This college is famous for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and grand dining hall. At Christmas, the college is transformed into a winter wonderland, with a giant Christmas tree, festive lights, and a special Christmas menu.
• University College: This college is one of the oldest in Oxford, and it hosts a unique Christmas celebration each year. The college’s famous courtyard is transformed into a festive market, with stalls selling gifts, crafts, and food.
• Magdalen College: This college is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, and at Christmas, it hosts a range of festive events. These include a Christmas carol service, a festive dinner, and a special Christmas market.

Oxford’s Famous Ashmolean Museum at Christmas

The Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest and most prestigious museums in the world, is a must-visit during the holiday season. The museum hosts a range of festive events, including a special Christmas exhibition, festive crafts workshops, and a Christmas market.

Music in Oxford at Christmas

Music plays a big role in Oxford’s Christmas celebrations, with a range of festive concerts and events taking place throughout the city. Some of the highlights include:

• Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra: This world-renowned orchestra performs a special Christmas concert each year, featuring all of the festive favorites.
• The Choir of New College Oxford: This famous choir performs a range of Christmas carol services throughout the city, including a special service at New College Chapel.
• The Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra: This talented orchestra performs a special Christmas concert each year, featuring music from around the world.

Getting to Oxford

Oxford is located in the heart of the UK, and there are plenty of ways to get to the city. The best way to get to Oxford is by train, with regular services running from London and other major cities.

If you’re driving to Oxford, there are several car parks located throughout the city, including the Park and Ride car park on the outskirts of the city.

Accommodation in Oxford

There are plenty of places to stay in Oxford, from budget-friendly B&Bs to luxury hotels. Some of the top options include:

• The Oxford Castle Hotel: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of the city, and features stunning views of the castle and its surroundings.
• The Macdonald Randolph Hotel: This hotel is one of the most famous in Oxford, and has been welcoming guests for over 150 years.
• The Old Parsonage Hotel: This boutique hotel is located in a stunning 17th-century building, and features plush rooms and a delicious restaurant.

Eating and Drinking in Oxford

Oxford is a city that loves its food, and there are plenty of great places to eat and drink during the holiday season. Some of the top options include:

• The Grand Café: This historic café has been serving coffee and cakes to Oxford residents and visitors for over 200 years.
• The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant: This modern restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Ashmolean Museum, and features stunning views of the city.
• The Oxford Hotel’s restaurant: This restaurant is located in the heart of the city, and serves up delicious seasonal meals, including a special Christmas menu.

Shopping in Oxford

Oxford is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of high-end boutiques, independent shops, and markets. Some of the top places to shop include:

• The Covered Market: This historic market has been in operation since the 18th century, and features a range of independent stalls selling gifts, crafts, and food.
• The Oxford High Street: This bustling high street is home to a range of high-end boutiques and department stores, including Selfridges and Topshop.
• The Westgate Shopping Centre: This modern shopping center features a range of high-end brands, including John Lewis and Marks & Spencer.

Tips for Visiting Oxford at Christmas

If you’re planning to visit Oxford at Christmas, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Book your accommodation well in advance: Oxford is a popular destination during the holiday season, so it’s essential to book your accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Plan your itinerary carefully: There’s a lot to see and do in Oxford at Christmas, so make sure to plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your visit.
• Wrap up warm: It can get very cold in Oxford during the winter months, so make sure to wrap up warm and wear comfortable shoes.
• Get into the festive spirit: Oxford is a city that loves its Christmas traditions, so be sure to get into the festive spirit and join in with the celebrations.

Conclusion

Oxford at Christmas is a truly magical experience, with a wide range of festive events, traditions, and customs to enjoy. From the historic colleges and their unique Christmas celebrations, to the festive markets and ice skating rinks, there’s something for everyone in Oxford during the holiday season.

Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting for the holidays, Oxford at Christmas is a must-visit destination that will leave you feeling merry and bright.

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