Christmas cheer is descending upon Oxfordshire as towns prepare for their annual holiday markets and events. This weekend, Wantage kicks off the festivities with its much-anticipated Christmas market, taking place on Sunday, December 1, from 10 am to 3 pm, right in the heart of the Market Place.
This event will feature more than 40 stalls offering everything from artisanal crafts and beautiful decorations to delicious hot food and festive drinks. Attendees can expect to find Christmas gifts, books, poetry, art, candles, jewelry, and even crocheted and knitted items among the vibrant stalls. The market promises to be alive with the spirit of the season.
Live music will also be part of the festivities, bringing together local talent to entertain the crowd with performances by the Wantage Silver Band, The Hornbrokers, Josh Mundell, and several others throughout the day. For families, there are activities for kids, including free face painting and balloon modeling, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Visitors can take advantage of free parking at district council car parks, with the nearest option located at The Beacon, Portway, OX12 9BX, making access easy for those coming to celebrate.
Meanwhile, Wallingford is also gearing up for Christmas with its market and festive events returning this year. Scheduled for the same day, December 1, the Wallingford Christmas market promises to be another community highlight, coupled with visits from Santa’s sleigh and the popular Santa fun run, which is set for its eighth year.
Wallingford's celebration will feature five hot food vendors, three sweet treat suppliers, and several craft stalls, showcasing handmade gifts. This year, the market will also include live music and even festive donkey visits, adding to the town's holiday atmosphere. The fun run, known as the Santa Dash, invites participants dressed as jolly old St. Nick to jog, walk, or run through the streets, helping raise funds for local charities.
All of these festive events come after some tumultuous weather. The annual Christmas lights switch-on was postponed to November 30 due to Storm Bert, which caused disruptions across the region. Despite this setback, the holiday spirit remains strong, and communities are eager to come together for these celebrations.
The deputy mayor of Wallingford, Steve Holder, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming events, stating, "This is shaping up to be a wonderful event to bring the community together, and we're looking forward to seeing you there." He emphasized the importance of community support, noting how much it means for the success of these festive gatherings.
Beyond the markets, residents of Oxfordshire can expect numerous other events leading up to Christmas. Various local organizations and communities are planning to host festive gatherings, concerts, and entertainment throughout the season, ensuring there's plenty to look forward to.
The festive atmosphere is not only about shopping and food; it’s also about bringing the community together, promoting local talent, and creating shared memories. These holiday markets and events not only support local vendors but also deepen community ties, providing spaces for creative expression and family fun.
The Oxfordshire Christmas markets represent much more than just shopping opportunities. They serve as platforms to celebrate local craftsmanship, promote small businesses, and offer entertainment for all ages. With everything going on, it's unmistakably clear: Oxfordshire is ready to embrace the joy and warmth of the holiday season, proving once again why local traditions are so cherished.
So, whether by enjoying seasonal delicacies, picking out unique gifts, or simply soaking up the cheerful atmosphere, residents and visitors alike are gearing up for what promises to be another memorable holiday season. The Oxfordshire community is all set to welcome families, friends, and neighbors to share moments of joy and laughter at these wonderful Christmas events.
