Arts & Culture

The festive season will soon be upon us and the Christmas holidays are just around the corner.

You might be struggling to think of things to do with the little ones to keep them busy over the winter break; but there’s an abundance of fantastic, family friendly activities here in Oxfordshire – which both the kids, and the parents, will love!

One of the earliest events is Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival which will run from November 20-22 throughout the city centre. On Friday there will be the much loved lantern parade with a spectacular building projection in Broad Street, as well as live music and dance in Gloucester Green. The weekend continues with an abundance of cultural activities reflecting the festival’s theme of ‘Light and energy’, and with a Christmas Market in Broad Street offering stocking fillers and festive delights.

You could head down to Millets Farm for one of their many events this winter, Including¬†Owl Evenings¬†(where you have the chance to see their owls flying free in the darkness) and¬†ice skating¬†on their real ice rink (their real ice rink is open seven days a week, and on select days you’ll be able to skate with the Millets Farm Snowman).

Cogges Farm is the perfect place to visit and keep the kids entertained for the entire day. You can explore the gardens, have a go at traditional cooking on the Victorian range and try on costumes from 1000 years of Cogges’ history. On Friday 11 December they have their¬†Carols by Candlelight; an evening that will feature traditional carol singing with a folk twist, as well as festive readings, mulled wine and mince pies.

Of course a favourite to visit (for children and parents alike!) will be the Cotswold Wildlife Park, which is open throughout the entire festive season. Each day you’ll be able to see the penguins or lemurs being fed, take a trip round the park on the train or visit the Skymaze (the thrilling adventure playground). Getting into the Christmas spirit, the park will be decorated with Snowmen and stunning seasonal displays and the winter garden will be open if you want to walk off those mince pies!

Over at the New Theatre you’ll be able to catch their Christmas production of Annie, featuring Jodie Prenger (known for winning BBC’s I’d Do Anything television series) as Miss Hanningan. On December 30th there will also be a Relaxed performance of the show; which is a performance designed for patrons who may be concerned about attending a regular performance and may find visiting a theatre daunting.

No festive season is complete without a visit to the man himself, Father Christmas, and he will be Santa will be waiting to meet your little ones at¬†Blenheim¬†Palace‚Äôs¬†Pleasure Gardens, or you could experience¬†Fairytale Farm’s¬†Christmas extravaganza and visit Santa in his fairytale grotto (after a spot of cookie decorating and a mulled wine for Mum and Dad!)

The Story Museum is getting into the festive spirit with Narnia Storytelling each Friday in the run up to Christmas. Back by popular demand, the session will be complete with wardrobe, sleigh and Turkish delight. Alternatively, at the Ashmolean you can go on their winter adventure trailand take an adventure through their galleries.