What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this December

The smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA is back at New Theatre Oxford. Enjoy the ultimate feel-good factor at the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical in Oxford. Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA.

Embark on an extraordinary musical journey with The Wailers as they commemorate the 40th anniversary of their acclaimed album, Legend, featuring timeless classics such as ‘One Love,’ ‘No Woman, No Cry’, ‘Redemption Song,’ and ‘Three Little Birds.’

Detroit rockers Electric Six are back with their unique blend of garage-rock, disco, punk, and exhilarating live show.

Alfie’s new tour show Fair Cop tackles rising crime, culture wars, AI and global warming with sharp humour and seasoned policing insight. Blending pragmatism with laugh-out-loud storytelling, he dismantles doomsday thinking and egotistical bullies alike. Saddle up for a witty, uplifting ride through chaos, comedy and common sense.

The Scummy Mummies bring their hilariously chaotic Christmas show back to the stage, delivering festive filth, sketches, songs and stand-up. Perfect for parents, carers or anyone needing a wild night out, it’s a joyous celebration of humour, honesty and holiday madness.

Sexbomb delivers a dynamic, one-night-only tribute to Sir Tom Jones, led by acclaimed impersonator Andy Wood and backed by a full live band. With over two hours of iconic hits and 35 years of worldwide performances behind him, Andy brings unmatched energy to this unmissable, fun-filled celebration of a music legend.

Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden and Emmy winner Martin Freeman lead The Fifth Step, David Ireland’s gripping new play. Exploring recovery, confession, and fragile friendship, this provocative production directed by Finn den Hertog was filmed live from London’s West End at @sohoplace.

St Agnes Fountain return this December, continuing their much-loved tradition of festive tours filled with inventive musicianship, warmth and humour. Now performing as a trio after the loss of David Hughes, Chris Leslie, Chris While and Julie Matthews keep the cherished “Aggie” Christmas spirit alive with magical live shows and beloved seasonal favourites.

Jack and the Beanstalk is the Pantomime you’ve ‘bean’ waiting for. Expect a jovial Jack, a punch-packing princess, a feisty fairy, a silly sibling, a witty widow, a slippery servant, a kind-hearted king… and a cow with some beef. Oh… and a very large magical plant, of course!

Wheatus mark 25 years of Teenage Dirtbag with a UK tour in 2025, performing their entire debut album live each night. Fans can also request favourites from the band’s three-decade career, continuing a long-loved tradition at their headline shows. A celebratory, interactive experience for longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Roopa Panesar’s ATMA brings a powerful live journey through love, loss, grief and joyful union. Blending Indian classical music with jazz, this evocative performance unites sitar, tabla, double bass, guitar and electronics in a rich, soul-stirring soundscape.

WiFi Wars is a live comedy game show where you all play along: Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles, and quizzes to win the show, and prizes. It is hosted by comedian Steve McNeil (team captain on UK TV’s hit comedy/gaming show Dara O’Briain’s Go 8 Bit) and aided by Guinness World-Record-Breaking tech whizz, the award-winning Rob Sedgebeer!

Oxford Coffee Concerts, held since 1986 at the historic Holywell Music Room, offer superb Sunday morning chamber music. This week features Borodin: Scherzo in A flat major, Rachmaninoff: Vocalise, op 34 no 14 (arr P Cassidy), Smetana: String Quartet no 1 in E minor (“From My Life”), with pre-concert coffee nearby.

Immerse yourself in an evening of Schubert’s greatest chamber masterpieces as three distinguished musicians unite to perform his Piano Trios in B-flat and E-flat. These late works, completed just a year before the composer’s death, overflow with lyrical richness, emotional nuance, and moments of profound, radiant beauty.

Ukraine-born virtuoso Vadym Kholodenko delivers a thrilling programme featuring Beethoven’s monumental Hammerklavier Sonata, Lyatoshinsky’s expressive Three Preludes and the full original Paganini Études by Liszt. A rare chance to hear one of today’s most electrifying pianists in music of brilliance and daring.

Experience Tony Christie up close as he brings his Great Farewell Unplugged Tour to the stage, performing timeless hits, fan favourites and Nashville-inspired reimaginations in a heartfelt, unforgettable evening from one of music’s most enduring voices.

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves, but their lipstick is rebellious red. Think you know the rhyme, think again… Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE!

Maddi Sharkey brings her new show Socials to Henley for one night only—mixing 90s bangers, sharp comedy and a wild look at social media. A festive, high-energy night out full of laughter, nostalgia and unforgettable moments.

Waterperry Opera Festival returns from 12 to 14 December 2025 at Oxford’s historic Holywell Music Room. This magical Winter Season features three festive performances, ranging from inspiring oratorio to lively jazz and family-friendly favourites. Audiences can look forward to an uplifting programme filled with seasonal warmth, wonder, and musical delight.

Peter Pan is a brand-new pantomime adventure sees the infamous Captain Hook on a mission for revenge. Backed by his all-singing, all-dancing pirate crew, the heartless and hated hot-head of Henley has concocted a dastardly plan to steal Fairyland’s happy thoughts. Featuring dazzling costumes, spectacular choreography, special effects, a hilarious script, bags of audience interaction, sweets, and who knows, maybe even the odd water gun or two!

Join experimental art-rock group Stereolab as they bring the celebration of their 35th anniversary as a band.

Oxford Coffee Concerts, held since 1986 at the historic Holywell Music Room, offer superb Sunday morning chamber music. This week features Schubert: Rondo Brillant in B minor, op 70, D 895, Brahms: Violin Sonata no 2 in A major, op 100, Respighi: Violin Sonata in B minor, P 110, with pre-concert coffee nearby.

That 80s Christmas Rock Show delivers over two hours of iconic rock anthems, power ballads and festive 80s classics from legends like Bon Jovi, Queen, Journey and more. Expect high-energy performances packed with lasers, smoke, vintage audio and huge fun for all ages—plus incredible vocals, killer solos and an 8ft snowman.

International cabaret icons Dillie Keane and Barb Jungr reunite for a sparkling festive performance filled with rich harmonies, sharp humour and inventive seasonal songs. Featuring classics from Tom Waits to John Legend, it promises a joyous and memorable Christmas night out.

Diva of the Decades brings powerhouse vocals, dazzling choreography, and timeless hits to audiences across the UK. Led by Shelley Davina and a stellar cast, this one-night-only celebration of iconic divas promises an unforgettable night of music, energy, and spectacle.

Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh presents a new production of Miss Saigon as Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical is reborn. The soaring score features original hit songs including; The Heat is On in Saigon, The Movie in My Mind, Last Night of the World, and The American Dream.

Slade bring their legendary pop-rock sound and flamboyant energy to the stage, performing classics like ‘Far Far Away’ and ‘Cum On Feel the Noize.’ With six decades of hits, they deliver a thrilling, high-octane show loved by fans worldwide.

Not the Rolling Stones bring the sound, style and swagger of the legendary rock ’n’ roll band to life in an electrifying tribute show. With top-class musicians and iconic hits, they deliver an unforgettable live experience that feels astonishingly close to the real thing.

Little Red Riding Hood is a a brand new, laugh-out-loud pantomime adventure full of magic, music and mayhem. Special performances include an 18+ After Dark Panto for grown-up giggles, and a Relaxed Performance designed to provide a welcoming, inclusive experience. Expect fairy magic, sweet treats, royal banquets, and plenty of surprises along the way.

Founder member, lead singer, songwriter, and producer Mark Shaw and his band will perform songs from the first two Then Jerico albums including all the hit singles and selected b-sides and tracks from all his albums.

Tom Fletcher’s Who’s in Your Book? series comes to life in a brand-new musical packed with songs, laughter, and festive fun — the perfect introduction to live theatre for little ones this Christmas.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show is heading back out on tour in 2025 to celebrate 50 years of the iconic Pink Floyd album ‘Wish You Were Here’. Featuring the songs “Have a Cigar“, “Wish You Were Here” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond“, The Australian Pink Floyd will perform the album in full alongside Pink Floyd’s greatest hits.

Join globally renowned adventurer, Chief Scout to millions of young people, TV host and No.1 bestselling author Bear Grylls for an unforgettable evening of stories, survival, and inspiration – a fun, thrilling, and family-friendly live show for adventurers of all ages. Bear Grylls: Never Give Up is packed with survival stories, unseen footage and behind-the-scenes adventures, as the world-famous explorer shares powerful lessons on courage, resilience and determination for families and young adventurers.

Yotam Ottolenghi invites you to celebrate the release of his highly anticipated new cookbook, Simple Too, an irresistible companion to the era-defining Simple.

This Christmas, experience the heart, humour and spirit of Ireland, with Christmas in Ireland featuring hits like ‘Driving Home For Christmas’, ’ Dirty Old Town’ and ‘Fairytale Of New York’ performed live by an outstanding cast of musicians and singers

Whether you’re organising the work Christmas party, planning that festive night out with friends, or simply treating yourself to the perfect pre-Christmas warm-up, join James B Partridge for The Big Christmas Assembly 2026 – the nostalgic, feel-good festive singalong that brings your childhood Christmases flooding back. Packed with more festive classics, throwback mashups, and laugh-out-loud stories than you can throw a glitter-glue halo at.

After selling over 250,000 tickets on his critically acclaimed 2025/26 UK & Ireland tour, Greg Davies – star of shows such as Taskmaster, The Inbetweeners, The Cleaner, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Man Down and Cuckoo – is heading back out on the road in 2026/27 to satisfy the overwhelming demand to witness the Full Fat Legend at the very top of his game.

Come and jingle your bells at the Christmas Comedy Club and get ready for festive fun with three of the funniest comedians giving you a great time, with drink offers also available.

Pat Suet-Bik Hui & the Three Perfections showcases the Hong Kong-born artist’s mastery of painting, calligraphy, and poetry, presented alongside works by her teacher Lui Shou-Kwan and other historical examples. The exhibition highlights Hui’s contemporary approach, blending abstract ink and colour washes with poetic inscriptions exploring love, loss, and life’s quiet joys.