Oxford’s annual Christmas light festival celebrating the city and its cultural life will be returning in November. Glorious illuminations in hubs around Oxford’s communities, activities created with and by residents, families and schools and events to enjoy together across the city will fill a weekend of fun from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th November 2024.

Does Oxford have a Christmas lights switch on event?

Oxford doesn’t have a big city centre Christmas lights switch on event and instead has a weekend light festival with light trails and entertainment across the city in multiple locations.

There’s a large programme of Christmas light events right across Oxford and you can find all the Christmas Light switch ons in Oxfordshire too.

Fantasy Futures – 11th to 24th November

Oxford Victorian Christmas Market – 14th to 17th November

Step back in time and experience the magic of the Victorian era at the beloved Oxford Victorian Christmas Market! Find the Christmas market on Broad Street for a festive celebration like no other.

Cowley Winterlights Festival – Community Party  – Friday 15th November

A fantastic evening filled with live music from local musicians and a family-friendly DJ set by Euton Daley. Enjoy delicious food prepared by Oxford Community Action, along with warm drinks, festive lights, face painting, and creative activities for all ages.

Sagacity: Periodic Table of Emotions – Friday 15th November

This interactive exhibit is part of Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival, where buildings across the city are aglow and you can wander among a variety of light displays.

Stories in The Story Museum Cafe – Friday 15th November

Enjoy hot chocolate, mulled wine and storytelling in the cafe as Oxford celebrates Christmas Light Festival from 17:00 – 19:00.

Cuttleslowe Park Light Trail – Saturday 16th November

The Cutteslowe Light Trail is a self-led adventure in Cutteslowe Park, where you can admire a magical lantern display, watch a shadow theatre performance, listen to music, get crafty, dance in the sensory baby disco, take a selfie with a giant Santa and take part in Zumba in the dark.

Light Festival at The Pegasus – Saturday 16th November

Join Pegasus for a day of free activities, including a walking tour with intrepid explorers from Whatnot Theatre, shadow puppetry workshops with Wild Boor Ideas, the Glow Gallery with IF-Oxford Festival of Science and Ideas, open-mic night Queer Voices, and an exhibition of art and poetry.

Diwali Glow – Saturday 16th November

OVADA holds a special event celebrating Diwali. The warehouse space will be transformed with giant rangoli patterns and diya lamps. A procession from the city centre will arrive at OVADA led by dhol drum players and dancers to be welcomed by traditional Indian sweets, snacks and more.

Rose Hill Creative Lights Forest Festival – Saturday 16th to Sunday 17th November

The Creative Lights Festival has been an annual celebration in Rose Hill for the past three years, with the community coming together to take part in free digital and art activities, culminating in a lantern parade around the estate.

Breakfast with Santa at The Covered Market – Saturday 16th November

Grab some breakfast and bring your mini human to meet with Santa in the market. He’ll be on hand to help the little ones write their Christmas wish letters. There will also be a special Christmas post box to post them in.  Find all the best places to meet Santa in Oxford.

Blackbird Leys Winter Lights Family Event – Saturday 16th November

Join in a range of exciting on going activities:

• The Bodleian Library will run print workshops with the amazing Albion Press
• Have a go at making ceramic decorations with ceramicist Wendy Wilbraham
• Join in lantern making crafts, led by Multaka
• Discover the joys of linocuts and prints with artist duo Robin and Rosie
• Take some time out in the quiet reading corner
• Enjoy the playful melodies of live musician and jazz pianist Dom Faber

Barton Creation Avatar – Saturday 16th November

DSO Singing Signing Choir – Saturday 16th November

The choir is made up of children and adults with Down syndrome (from primary school age upwards) plus their siblings and parents. Singing popular, crowd pleasing songs, we also love to raise awareness and to show off our inspiring young people by performing at public events.

West Oxford Light Festival – Sunday 17th November

View the shadow lights, get fun glow in the dark makeup, create illuminated headdresses and lanterns, see the illuminated trees, lantern procession led by Sol Samba around West Oxford.

Oxford Lights Craft Afternoon – Sunday 17th November

Enjoy a light-filled winter afternoon with crafts and activities for the whole family. Create, explore and meet some Guide Dogs along the way!