The Christmas break is coming, and ahead of schools finishing for the year, you may be looking for some unique things to do together as a family.
We’ve gathered five of our favourite things to see and do in and around Oxford during the festive season, proving you can find family fun that the adults enjoy just as much as the little ones.
Waterperry Gardens
9-10 December
Get into the Christmas spirit at Waterperry Gardens with a number of Arts and Craft Stalls with gorgeous handmade gift ideas and festive food and drink all nestled in its new home under cover in the plant area with Christmas shopping from Waterperry’s Gallery, Gift Barn and Christmas Shop and festive events for the children. So, wrap up warm and come and have a browse.
Museum Of Natural History
21 December-7 January
The Dodo’s Christmas Trail. Just drop in to take part at the Museum of Natural History and find all things festive in their collection with the help of one of their most famous exhibits, the Dodo. From 21 December to 7 January. For all ages. Free.
oumnh.ox.ac.uk/event/dodos-christmas-family-trail
History Of Science Museum and Pitt Rivers Museum
Until 31 December
© BBC HBO Bad Wolf
A final chance to enjoy the props and costumes from last Christmas’ BBC adaptation of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials integrated into the very displays that inspired the Oxford author. Free, and no booking required.
The Perfect Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Until 1 January
Now firmly established as an unmissable diary date, Blenheim’s Christmas illuminated light trail brings together a multitude of twinkling lights, seasonal sounds, and festive fun. Discover heart-shaped arches glittering in the moonlight, glowing tunnels filled with stars and an eight-metre sphere filled with over 20,000 moving lights (which are just a handful of this year’s installations). You will also see the return of the ever-popular dancing reflections in the colourful Cascades after an enchanting Lakeside walk.
The Bodleian’s Weston Library
Until 21 January
Looking for inspiration to gift a book for Christmas? Alphabets Alive! brings the magic of books and alphabets to life, featuring more than 150 works – including manuscripts, prints, posters, and sculptures. Trace how the centuries-old ABC book for teaching children to read continues to influence modern-day alphabet books. Free.
