The 2024 Oxford Christmas Light Festival took place from 15th to 17th November, while the Victorian Christmas Market on Broad Street has opened.
This year’s festival featured the theme “The Art of Connectivity”, celebrating the “diversity and creativity” of the community through partnerships with various cultural organisations. Among the highlights were the Lantern Parades, including “Diwali Glow” by OVADA, a local art gallery, and the West Oxford Light Festival, hosted in collaboration with the West Oxford Pantomime Association.
The Victorian market features a live DJ, a roaming Victorian stilt man, and traders selling mulled wine, Baileys hot chocolate, chestnuts, and other Christmas classics.
Diwali Glow began with a parade led by dhol drummers from Westgate City Center to the OVADA warehouse, followed by activities, decorations, and food to mark the celebration of Diwali. The West Oxford Light Festival also offered a lantern procession around Botley Park.
The City Council published an interactive map of all events. Festival-goers could explore extended reality experiences such as “Fantasy Future” and “Guardians of Oxford” by TORCH, as well as attend the Winter Lights Family Event, Oxford Lights Crafternoon at the Weston Library, and Breakfast with Santa at the Covered Market, where children had the chance to write letters to Santa. Reuben College also presented an interactive light display called the “Periodic Table of Emotions”, and musical performances took place at a dance stage in Gloucester Green.
The City Council-funded festival traces its origins to Oxford University’s medieval tradition of organising communal Christmas celebrations in the City Centre, designed to bring together students and townsfolk.
In addition to the festival, many colleges will celebrate Christmas with free Christmas Carol Choir performances and The Oxford Playhouse will also perform a pantomime of Sleeping Beauty, beginning 22nd November.
