Oxford Christmas Light Festival 2019: Our Top Picks

Festival dates this year: Friday 15th – Sunday 17th November

The famous Oxford Christmas Light Festival is back for 2019! Taking place over 3 days and featuring light and sound installations, a festive market, music, dance and loads of free activities in venues across the city. It can be tricky knowing where to start, right? Read on for our guide to the unmissable bits of this year’s festival!

 

‘Discovery’ is the theme this year – inspired by scientific discovery and the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Be prepared to see Oxford’s streets and buildings in a new light as commissioned artworks and presentations take over the city for this special weekend!

 

Visit the festival’s website here for more events and information.

Don’t Miss

With designs inspired by the festival’s ‘Discovery’ theme, Schoolchildren and community groups have been working with selected artists to create lanterns to light up the city centre. Starting from The Covered Market, the Lantern Parade will be joined by bands including Spark! who provide illuminated, mesmerising high impact drumming.

 

Stop off at Broad Street’s festive market during the weekend for a pick-me-up at the food and drink stalls where you’ll find excellent freshly prepared winter warming fare. Take the opportunity to browse the craft stalls for a unique artisanal gift or stocking filler to get your Christmas shopping off to an excellent start.

Lantern Parade

Lantern Parade

Friday 15th / 6:30-7:30pm

Free, everyone welcome

Festive Market

Festive Market

Friday 15th / 12:30-10pm

Saturday 16th / 10am-10pm

Sunday 17th / 10am-6pm

 

Lights and Installations

All weekend, Oxford will be transformed into an explosion of colour, sound and activity. Discover illuminated buildings and ethereal sculptures across the city, including interactive light installations. On Broad Street, a live acoustic music stage will greet you, surrounded by Christmas lights and festive cheer.

Ghost Caribou

Ghost Caribou

Friday 15th / Saturday 16th

Free, everyone welcome

Enter the Zooniverse

Enter the Zooniverse

Friday 15th / Saturday 16th

Free, everyone welcome

ICON

ICON

Friday 15th / Saturday 16th

Free, everyone welcome

Space Walk

Space Walk

Saturday 16th

Free, everyone welcome

Illuminating Oxford

Illuminating Oxford

Friday 15th / Saturday 16th

Free, everyone welcome

Celestial Sound Cloud

Celestial Sound Cloud

Friday 15th – Sunday 17th

Free, everyone welcome

Lactolight

Lactolight

Friday 15th – Sunday 17th

Free, everyone welcome

Music Stage

Music Stage

Friday 15th – Sunday 17th

Free, everyone welcome

 

Events

The weekend will be alive with magical events and interactive workshops for the whole family, so get involved!

Oxford Research Unwrapped

Oxford Research Unwrapped

Friday 15th

Free, everyone welcome

November Late Night Diversity

November Late Night Diversity

Friday 15th

Free, everyone welcome

Light Night Tales

Light Night Tales

Friday 15th

Free, everyone welcome

Spark!

Spark!

Friday 15th

Free, everyone welcome

Lantern Making Workshop

Lantern Making Workshop

Saturday 16th

Free, everyone welcome

Light Festival at the Bodleian Library

Light Festival at the Bodleian Library

Friday 15th

Free, everyone welcome

 

Trails

Follow a trail around the city to fully explore the Festival. Follow a star, stick to a small trail around a museum or challenge yourself to a full expedition! There is something for everyone.

Star Trail!

Star Trail!

Friday 15th / Saturday 16th

Free, everyone welcome

Phil Kline's Unsilent Night

Phil Kline's Unsilent Night

Saturday 16th 

Free, everyone welcome

Discover Oxford Family Trail

Discover Oxford Family Trail

Saturday 16th

Free, everyone welcome

Let Yourself Glow

Let Yourself Glow

Sunday 17th

Free, everyone welcome

Visitor Information Centre

Oxford Visitor Information Centre is the main information hub for all things Christmas Light Festival. Pop in to pick up the latest printed details on festival events and activities, find out more about the city and county and get tips to make the most of your visit!

 

Opening times over the weekend:

Friday 15th, 9.30am-5.30pm

Saturday 16th, 9.30am-5.30pm

Sunday 17th, 9.30am-5.00pm