A few festive favourites to visit this year with friends, families and loved ones.
Oxford Botanic Garden, Rose Lane, Oxford
The historic Oxford Botanic Gardens just off Oxford’s High Street is the perfect location for a Christmas Fair. Bringing together a festive celebration of local craftsmanship and seasonal delights you will find over 50 stallholders offering a vast array of delightful products, all making perfect Christmas gifts. From artisan gifts and handmade crafts with several botanical themed products and natural skincare items you will also find delicious locally produced food, preserves and festive treats.
Atmospheric live music will be performed and there is a Christmas grotto for children to enjoy along with garden trails. And if you get peckish you can enjoy hot drinks and festive baked goods or mulled wine in the conservatory, all made by local food traders.
6-7 December, from 10am - 5pm with last entry at 4pm. To book your tickets visit obga.ox.ac.uk/event/christmas-fair-2025
Waterperry Gardens, Nr Wheatley
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, you can really get into the Christmas spirit at Waterperry Gardens. Not only do they have a Christmas Market between 6-7 December (10am- 4pm), they also are inviting children to help Rudolph find his friends.
The Market brings together a number of artisan Arts and Craft Stalls, all with gorgeous handmade gift ideas and festive food and drink, all located under cover in the plant area. You can also visit the Gallery, Gift Barn and Christmas Shop as well as Waterperry’s scrumptious Tea Shop. Entry to the Christmas Market is free but does not provide entry into the gardens.
Children can help Rudolph find his friends who are lost around the gardens until the 24 December from (£4.50 per child with a prize, to be accompanied by an adult for whom the normal garden entrance fee applies).
Visit waterperrygardens.co.uk for more information.
Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames
Once the family home of Brunner family, Greys Court is a picturesque 16th century mansion surrounded by tranquil gardens under the care of the National Trust. This beautiful house is the perfect place to enjoy a nostalgic Christmas inspired by the joy of Victorian theatre.
Until 4 January you can immerse yourself in a Festive wonderland of theatrical decorations inspired by the characters of Lady Brunner’s grandfather Henry Irving along with the magic of Victorian theatre. The interior has been festooned and adorned with trees, garlands and twinkling lights whilst scents of spices from Lady Brunner’s kitchen add to the atmosphere. The theatrical theme extends to the gardens where wreaths, twinkling lights and oversized baubles add sparkle to the day.
Children can also enjoy the Christmas trail in the gardens. Entry is free to National Trust members, tickets are required for non-members, find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk.
Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading
Christmas at Basildon Park runs until 4 January. The 18th century house sits elegantly amidst 400 acres of parkland and gardens, and this year is the perfect place to experience the enchantment of ballet. The beautifully decorated house and gardens feature classic ballet elements and festive themes to create a wonderful Christmas spirit.
The house was purchased by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s and their extraordinary vision brought Basildon Park back to life following its de-requisitioning after the World War II. There is a collection of fine furniture and carefully selected Old Masters, all of which make the perfect backdrop to glorious Christmas decorations.
Entry is free to National Trust members, tickets are required for non-members, find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk.
Sudeley Castle and Gardens, Winchcombe Gloucestershire
Take a drive across the border into Gloucestershire to experience Sudeley Castle’s 10th Anniversary Spectacle of Light and see of England’s most historic castles transformed into a glittering wonderland of colour. This year’s trail takes guests on a journey through the myths and mysteries of Camelot, complete with an iconic glowing sword installation, enchanted woodland, magical beasts, awe-inspiring projections and lots of surprises around every corner to bring the Arthurian tale to life.
Along with immersive lighting displays, stunning projections, and an illuminated trail through Sudeley Castle’s historic grounds and gardens, visitors can also enjoy a selection of festive food and drink stalls to enjoy within their visit.
Pre-book tickets at everymantheatre.org.uk/sudeley
The National Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS
Running on selected evenings until the 31 December, the National Arboretum is a wonderful location to be part of a dazzling festive experience. This magical after-dark trail returns for 2025 with brand-new lights, spectacular installations, and festive fun for the whole family.
Created by the award-winning producers behind Christmas at Kew, this is an absolute must-see. Wander through the illuminated arboretum where twinkling lights bring the stunning setting to life. New installations for 2025, include Laser Lights, Mycelium Network, Fireworks Trees and Wicker Animals plus keep your eyes peeled for Father Christmas joining guests on the trail.
You’ll find everything you need for a magical night to remember including festive fairground rides and delicious food and drink.
For more information visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/Christmas.
