With Christmas just around the corner it’s time to get into the festive spirit with a variety of exciting garden based events in and around Oxfordshire.
From buzzy Christmas markets to magical garden illuminations, there is no better way to kickstart the festivities than with a series of exciting seasonal activities. Great fun for all the family, take a tour of Oxfordshire’s most established landscape gardens and estates whilst you indulge in a variety of festive foods and mulled beverages. So, grab your mittens and wrap up warm as we head out into Oxford’s most glorious gardens for heaps of family fun this festive season.
Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum
Located in Oxford’s city centre you can find the delightful Oxford Botanic Garden, who will soon be hosting their annual Christmas Fair. Running from 2nd-3rd December, over the course of these two days local craftspeople will be gathering together to form a wonderful festive marketplace full of bespoke homewares, organic products and Christmas gifting. With local food and drink also on offer, neighbouring suppliers such as the Jericho Coffee Traders will be popping up to provide a delightful spread of locally made produce. A fair that you don’t want to miss, there is even opportunity for your little ones to explore the gardens as they embark on a magical Christmas Pudding trail.
If you’re looking to expand your horticultural knowledge this season then Oxford Arboretum’s Ornamental Tree Planting Course is a wonderful place to start. Taking place at the Harcourt Arboretum, throughout this course you will be taught a handful of helpful horticultural tips to use when growing your own ornamental trees by their expert team of arborists. Make sure to grab your tickets now!
Waddesdon Manor
A glorious estate situated in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Waddesdon Manor is a fabulous location to visit all year round but is a must-see visit especially during the Christmas period. This year discover Christmas at Waddesdon and admire their breathtaking illumination displays as you stroll around their beautifully landscaped gardens. Starting from 22nd November until 17th December, Waddesdon will also be hosting a wonderful Christmas Fair. Located at the front of the house, make your way to an avenue of Christmas trees as you browse an array of festive stalls for a spot of Christmas shopping.
Feeling rather peckish during your visit? Then make sure to head over to Waddesdon’s scrumptious Food Village. Housed within a cosy collection of wooden huts, treat your tastebuds with freshly made pizzas, churros and a handful of other festive sweet treats. Make sure to secure your tickets now to begin planning your trip today.
Waterperry Gardens
Just outside of Oxford city centre you can find the charming Waterperry Gardens. Encompassing a grouping of beautiful gardens, there are a variety of activities taking place at Waterperry that will guarantee to put a smile on your little ones faces this festive period.
This year Rudolph has landed at Waterperry and needs a helping hand to find the rest of his reindeer friends! To help him find them make sure to head on over to the Find Santa’s Reindeer trail. With entry at £3 per child, this fun activity will be running from Saturday 25th November up until Saturday 23rd December.
For some tasty festive treats and handmade gifts make sure to head on down to Waterperry’s Christmas Market. Taking place on the weekend of 25th-26th November, this market is a great way to get you and your loved ones into the Christmas spirit. Filled with arts and crafts to food and drink stalls, this market is the perfect place for gifting inspiration suitable for all the family.
Not quite able to make these dates? Not to worry! Waterperry will be hosting another Christmas Market again later in the year on the 9th & 10th December.
Blenheim Palace
Located in the historic market town of Woodstock, discover the beautiful rolling grounds of Blenheim Palace estate this Christmas. Showcasing their annual Christmas light show, glide throughout their breathtaking landscape gardens this festive season and experience Blenheim beneath the moonlight like never before. And make sure to keep an eye out for Father Christmas along the way too!
When your tummies begin to rumble or if you’re in need of a refreshment then don’t forget to make your way down to the Great Court for their delightful Christmas Market. Filled with a collection of seasonal stalls, the Blenheim Palace Christmas Market is a wonderful way to lift your spirits and kickstart the festivities with authentic gifts and locally made produce.
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