Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival is set to return to the city from 18 to 20 November, with this year’s festival bringing even more events created by artists and residents to locations across the city.
Building on the popularity of Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival of the last few years, the 2022 festival will be popping up in new areas as well as lighting up some favourite places.
A new interactive LED artwork will be on display at Blackbird Leys Community Centre, a dazzling LED light display and live music in Florence Park, lantern parades in Rose Hill, Cutteslowe and West Oxford, light celebrations in Cowley, East Oxford and free virtual Hunt for the Lost Toys in the city centre.
Immersive exhibitions, choirs, performances and Christmas markets with fine foods, gifts and refreshments take place over the entire weekend.
As well as activities in local communities, the city centre will host several festive activities for people to enjoy. A Victorian Market will bring the magic of Christmas traditions to Broad Street, with traders in Victorian costumes and traditional gifts and treats on offer. Elves will feature for little explorers on the ‘elf trail’, and traditional festive lights will brighten the city streets.
Fusion Arts, Film Oxford, IF-Oxford and North Wall Arts Centre are working with local artists to host lantern-making workshops for schools, community groups and drop-in sessions for families and individuals across the city making lanterns for parades or to light up schools, homes and hubs.
The Oxford Christmas Light Festival event will be kept up to date with details of workshops and events.
Councillor Shaista Aziz, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Communities and Culture, said: “Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival is a wonderful example of the way cultural activity can unite people and strengthen our communities.
“Families can create together, friends can meet up and explore together, whole neighbourhoods can get involved and enjoy being together. The magic of the festival is an opportunity for delight and celebration, and to enjoy every part of our exceptional city.”
“Anyone travelling from outside Oxford can benefit from our new Park & Ride promotion with the bus companies and avoid the Christmas traffic. Kids travel for free on a group ticket, and there are new lower prices for other passengers too.”
Karen Starr, the Festival Coordinator, added: “More communities are involved in this year’s event than previously and it’s really exciting to see the festival grow and be established more widely across the city.
“If there are people or organisations who are planning an event or activity for Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival, but haven’t yet let us know, you can still take part. We’re ready to welcome you into the programme.”
