A dazzling festive makeover of a City Sightseeing Oxford bus will take centre stage at this year’s Christmas Light Festival, bringing an extra touch of sparkle to one of the city’s most cherished seasonal events.
The festival, first launched in 2009, will run from 14 to 16 November and marks the official start of Oxford’s Christmas celebrations.
Among the highlights is the much-anticipated Christmas Light Bus, an open-top City Sightseeing Oxford vehicle adorned with hundreds of glittering lights. The illuminated bus will weave through the city’s streets on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 November between 5.00pm and 8.00pm, before continuing to spread festive cheer in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Funded by Oxford City Council, with some events supported by Arts Council England, the festival brings together more than 25 local partners, including Oxford Bus Company. Get Radio has also joined forces with Oxford Bus Company to provide the on-board soundtrack of festive music throughout the bus’s journey.
Luke Marion, Managing Director at Oxford Bus Company, said: “We’re proud to support this important and popular community event that inspires so many people.
“By providing the Christmas Light Bus to the festival, it is our way of giving a little something back with a free and accessible dose of Christmas spirit. We’re looking forward to the festival and working with key stakeholders including Oxford City Council to help spread some festive joy.”
This year’s festival programme spans a wide mix of events, pop-ups and workshops designed to bring communities together and celebrate creativity. It also marks the moment the city’s Christmas lights are officially switched on, transforming Oxford’s streets into a seasonal spectacle.
Visitors can explore the Victorian Christmas Market on Broad Street, which features artisan stalls, festive food, Victorian-style entertainment and live music. The North Wall Arts Centre will contribute by creating a captivating light trail in Cutteslowe Park, accompanied by craft, dance, music and theatre.
Creative arts charity Film Oxford will once again lead its signature lantern parade around Rose Hill, while the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival presents its ‘Glow Your Own’ online workshop series, teaching participants how to programme a simple robotic lantern. A gallery of visitor-made light creations will accompany the workshops.
