What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this November

Children are invited to join Halloween at Tumblestone Hollow as they weave through Stonor’s gardens and into the woodland adventure playground, completing wild and mischievous challenges along the way, to win a Magical Mayhem Certificate, together with a chocolate treat. 

Take part in the Waterperry Halloween Hunt throughout this October half term. It costs £4.50 per child with a prize. Children must be accompanied by an adult for whom the garden entrance fee applies. Open from 10.00am till 5.30pm daily.

There’s witchery afoot this autumn as the manor house and grounds at Cogges Manor Farm are transformed into The Witch’s House for a Halloween-themed October half-term. It promises to be great fun for all the family as you wander through spooky rooms and complete a series of tasks.

As Halloween creeps closer and the days shorten, there’s a chill in the air at Blenheim Palace, where ghosts, ghouls and witches get ready to deliver a whole host of tricks and treats along a spooktacular trail. Your very spookiest Halloween starts here…!

Following the success of previous festivals, the 2025 festival will see the return of some great names, poetry events, history and fiction panels, along with more free family-friendly activities.

The resident Witches and Warlocks at Oxford Castle & Prison have spent the summer poring over their arcane grimoires and scouring the lands for esoteric ingredients to help you create the very best magical brews this October half-term. Join them in the Castle crypt for a fantastic ‘potions’ experience, where you’ll learn how to make two delightfully disgusting distillations.

Chekhov’s tragicomic masterpiece, performed in a contemporary translation by Robert Icke. On the edge of what’s left of a forest, Sonya is waiting for her life to start. Her Uncle Johnny is waiting for his life to end. In the meantime, they work and work and work. What else can they do? An exquisite portrait of a dysfunctional family, Anton Chekhov’s ecological drama asks what happens to us as the environment breaks down around us. How can we cope knowing we’ve done it to ourselves?

Celebrating 50 years of Bicester Round Tables firework displays in Bicester, and going all out with the biggest ever display – Bicester Round Table Charity Firework Spectacular 2025 on 01 November. Bonfire lighting at 7.00pm and fireworks at 7.30pm

Wallingford Fireworks is annual bonfire night celebrations at the Kinecroft, with a huge bonfire and enormous firework display. The event starts Saturday 02 November at 6.00pm with a medieval torchlit procession of Guys walking through the crowd, beating drums, to light the spectacular bonfire at about 6.30pm, with added pyrotechnic effects! At around 7.00pm there will be a lower-noise children’s display, and then the incredible, award-winning, main fireworks spectacle!

The Tina Turner Experience is a full concert-style stage show, charting the hits and career of the late, great Tina Turner with powerful vocals, live band, backing singers and fabulous professional dancers with electrifying dance routines.

Jack Dee presents his comedy show – Small World, hilariously avoiding big issues to focus on life’s trivialities with his usual wit. Join Jack as he guides you through his varied life and career with his customary charm and well-known gift for talking absolute rubbish on any given subject.

Celebrate Firework Night at Minster Mill. With delicious hot food and a cosy atmosphere, this Firework Night promises to be an unforgettable experience for all. As the evening chill sets in, prepare for a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate Bonfire Night.

Bring your whole family for a fantastic family night out at Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa’s Fireworks Spectacular and enjoy an evening full of colourful explosions, sparkling skies, and plenty of bangs as we light up the night with an incredible fireworks display.

The Amy Winehouse Band presents an amazing and emotional concert celebrating Amy’s incredible songbook with the musicians who knew her best, bringing all of Amy’s hits and masterpieces from the multi-award-winning albums, Back To Black, Frank and Lioness …..‘Rehab’, ‘Valerie’, ‘Back To Black’, ‘Love Is A Losing Game’, ‘Tears Dry On Their Own’, ‘I’m No Good’ and many more.

Join The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Lock-In Live for hilarious Lions and World Cup debriefs, stories of the weirdest, darkest, greatest, and most unforgettable days. The best nights out involve a Lock In and this is no different.

Take your family and friends along to share in the joy of A Fairytale for Christmas with the greatest sing-along songs of all time including ‘The Galway Girl’, ‘The Irish Rover’, ‘Dirty Old Town’ and ‘The Black Velvet Band.’ An Irish Christmas night out you won’t forget.

Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright combines comedy and horror with a dramatic script that will leave you guessing until the very end. Familiar characters and stories mix with brand new material by the genius of creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, who will also perform in the production, as they bring their unique brand of storytelling to a theatre near you.

Anton Du Beke at the Musicals will showcase stunning dance performances, soulful vocals, and live music that will transport audiences to a world of glamour, excitement, and pure entertainment. Don’t miss this special opportunity to get close to the King of the Ballroom in 2025.

The annual Kidlington Fireworks is set to return to Stratfield Brake on Wednesday 05 November, organised by Kidlington Parish Council. Great food and refreshments will be available by Gosford All Blacks – before and after the fireworks display. Gates open at 6.00pm and the fireworks display starts at 7.00pm prompt.

The Horne Section’s Hit Show is a brand new show from the hugely talented six-headed comedy band and Alex Horne featuring comedy, songs, enthusiastic dancing, and a lot of mucking about.

In celebration of performing together for over 30 years on stages across the world, Fisherman’s Friends are going on tour, looking forward to performing old songs and new.

Welsh hip-hoppers Goldie Lookin Chain head out on tour in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their second album ‘SAFE AS F*CK’. Fans can look forward to hearing all the iconic hits, including crowd favourites like ‘Your Missus Is A Nutter’ and ‘Guns Don’t Kill People’ along with some deep cuts and hidden gems.

Bring your friends and family to Witney Lakes Fireworks 2025 for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, delicious food, and festive fun. Prepare to be wowed as we light up the skies above Witney Lakes Resort with a spectacular fireworks display bursting with colour and excitement.

Cast are back with their tour ’30 Years of All Change’, celebrating their debut album All Change. Expect to hear the uplifting melodic rush of ‘Alright’ and ‘Finetime’, their two top-ten hits ‘Sandstorm’ and ‘Walkaway’, and many more.

Jon Ronson presents Psychopath Night, an electrifying journey into the enigmatic world of psychopaths and the perplexing concept of normalcy. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of revelation, intrigue, and mind-bending insights.

Thame Fireworks Display is an annual fundraising event organised by volunteers from the three primary schools in Thame – Barley Hill, John Hampden and St Joseph’s. The money raised is shared equally between the PTFAs of each school.

A household event in Oxford’s South Park, the Oxford Round Table Charity Bonfire and Fireworks Display is widely considered to be Oxfordshire’s largest firework display for charity. Expect a traditional spectacular fireworks display, an enormous bonfire, Hebborn’s Funfair, and a fully licenced bar.

Ignite your autumn evening with a sky full of colour at this Fireworks Spectacular. The event promises to be a sensational feast for your eyes and ears, with fireworks crafted by the award-winning Illusion Fireworks team. As the night sky comes alive, it’ll be a sight you won’t want to miss.

Riverdance celebrates their 30th-year anniversary with new innovative choreography, costumes, lighting, projection and motion graphics. Do not miss your chance to see the global cultural sensation.

Join Heaven 17 in their momentous celebration of the band, the fans, and the endless classic hits they have created. Joining them is BAFTA-nominated director James Strong, who will document their touring journey and chat with some of the group’s biggest fans. 

London City Ballet returns in 2025 with Alina Cojocaru, presenting Balanchine’s Haieff Divertimento, Ratmansky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Scarlett’s Consolations & Liebestraum, and a new work by Florent Melac — a dazzling celebration of dance, artistry, and creative revival.

Critically acclaimed comedian Jen Brister returns with her new show Reactive, exploring her struggle to stay calm in an exasperating world. Known from Live at the Apollo and Mock The Week, Brister delivers sharp, relatable comedy with trademark wit and honesty.

The Stylistics remain the real deal, fabulously entertaining and musically breathtaking, plying audiences with the hits that made them a household name. With their charisma, style and harmony, The Stylistics – Airrion Love and Herb Murrell (from the original line up) with Barrington ‘Bo’ Henderson and Jason Sharp – have evolved into one of the best-selling Philadelphia groups ever. 

Step back in time and experience the magic of the Victorian era at the beloved Oxford Victorian Christmas Market! Join us on Broad Street for a festive celebration like no other. Enjoy live music, browse through artisan traders, indulge in delicious festive food and drinks, and be captivated by exciting street entertainment.

The stars of ‘The Rat Pack – Swingin’ at the Sands’ will be bringing the ultimate Christmas party to the UK this festive season featuring all the usual most-loved Rat Pack staples including New York, That’s Life and My Way as well as singalongs to a range of festive favourites such as Winter Wonderland and White Christmas.

Jim Jefferies is one of the most popular and respected comedians of his generation, entertaining audiences across the globe with his provocative, belief-challenging, and thought-provoking comedy and he brings his comedy show – Son of a Carpenter.

Visit Blenheim Palace for an adventure through the State rooms at The Palace of Oz, the road of yellow brick sprinkled with Christmas magic, a magical tale of wizardry, witches, sparkling shoes and the power of friendship.

The festival has been taking place since 2009. It’s evolved over the years from a single evening’s event in the city centre to a full three day weekend that includes light and sound installations, a festive market, music, dance and lots of free activities in venues across the city, and more recently to light trails and events in residential areas of the city.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace returns bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever. Featuring dazzling new installations, festive food, and the chance to see Father Christmas, the Illuminated Trail transforms the palace gardens into a spectacular wonderland of light, colour, and Christmas cheer.

Lottery Winners are known for their energetic live shows and blistering indie-pop melodies with heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply with fans across generations.

Eliza Carthy and Jon Boden bring an unforgettable evening of music and merriment. Join them for a night of festive cheer, timeless music, and a heartfelt celebration of tradition.

Mark Watson marks 20 years in stand-up with a fast-paced, thought-provoking new show. The Taskmaster star and Baby Reindeer actor tackles humanity’s uncertain future, bad language, and the UK sausage industry — all delivered with his trademark wit and manic charm.

Award-deserving German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn brings his comedy show Acid Wehn with an unbiased look and talks about climate change, a topic sure to delight audiences.

Bring your family and friends along to share in the joy of A Fairytale for Christmas, featuring songs of all time, including The Galway Girl, The Irish Rover, Dirty Old Town, and The Black Velvet Band’ – an Irish Christmas night out you won’t forget.

Webbs Garden Centre, located at Millets Farm, will once again be hosting its Santas Grotto event from November through to Christmas Eve. Get your snow boots ready and join Snowball Sammy and friends at the North Pole. They’ll be time for some elftastic jokes before you head through to the reindeer stables, meet Santa in his cosy living room, then head to Mrs Claus’ kitchen.

Kick off the festive season with Breakfast with Santa at Oxford Covered Market by enjoying breakfast from any of the Market’s cafés or food stalls, offering everything from cosy pastries to hearty breakfasts in the morning. From 10.00am, Father Christmas will be on hand to meet children, help them write their Christmas letters, and collect them in his special North Pole post box.

by Beautiful Brands brings together a curated collection of the most inspiring independent brands and emerging designers under one roof at the stunning Examination Schools on the High Street.

Discover a treasure trove of beautiful gifts, stylish fashion, unique homewares, fine jewellery, and thoughtful stocking fillers – all carefully chosen to make your Christmas shopping truly special.

Now in its eight year at Abingdon Airfield, Illusion Fireworks returns with the Abingdon Bonfire & Fireworks. Expect a massive bonfire, fiery fireballs, a huge fairground, entertainers & fire breathers, a children’s firework display, a high-powered light show, and the UK’s biggest firework display to music!

James B Partridge’s The Big Christmas Assembly 2025 brings festive nostalgia and heartwarming joy to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Join the beloved singer and BBC favourite for a night of Christmas classics, singalongs, and childhood memories, celebrating music, community, and the magic of the season.

The Oxford Etsy Team Christmas Market is back, once again, in the stunning setting of the Oxford University Examination Schools. With over 80 local makers and sellers, there will be a mix of handmade home accessories, jewellery, stationery, ceramics, clothes, artwork, prints, vintage items and accessories. There will also be a performance from a local choir.

Jason Manford is back with his brand new standup live show, A Manford All Seasons, his latest comic offering set to hit the road, and is sure to be expert observational comedy mixed with comic gold. Expect comedy and endless laughs.

The Stylistics remain the real deal, fabulously entertaining and musically breathtaking, plying audiences with the hits that made them a household name. With their charisma, style and harmony, The Stylistics – Airrion Love and Herb Murrell (from the original line up) with Barrington ‘Bo’ Henderson and Jason Sharp – have evolved into one of the best-selling Philadelphia groups ever.

Join The ELO Experience – Electric Light Orchestra on their show which will include the greatest hits from an extensive and impressive back catalogue spanning over 45 years, blending rock rhythms with classical influences.

FRIENDS! The Musical Parody is a sidesplitting musical comedy packed with iconic moments from all ten seasons of the beloved television series. Featuring an entirely original musical score, the show follows the escapades of the world’s most famous group of twenty-somethings.

Men Speak Up – A Men’s Mental Health Evening is an inspiring and deeply moving evening hosted by Oxfordshire’s Philip Briscoe, founder of the Mid-Life Men podcast, which aims to break the stigma around men’s mental health. Featuring real-life stories, live interviews, music, and guests including endurance athlete Ben Smith, charity founder John Houston, James Grimes, and Jeff Moore, the event encourages men to speak openly and find strength in vulnerability.

Brighton-based alternative musician & multidisciplinary creative James Marriott heads out on his 2025 UK Tour.

Proper crafty Liam Rattagher and his dodgy brother Noel are conjuring up a masterplan to take over the world. They want things to be just how they like them… bland! Can our hero Dick Whittington get rid of all the dull and make Britannia cool again? Maybe, but they’ll need a bit of the help from a magical cat and a gang of unlikely sidekicks.

Rhod Gilbert, the multi-award-winning comedian, is bouncing back with a brand new live show, Rhod Gilbert & the Giant Grapefruit. Hilariously dark, passionate and way too personal, this is classic Gilbert, squeezing every last drop out of life’s latest curveballs… with a little help from an old adversary.

Experience an enchanting Christmas fair at Waddesdon Manor. Browse various hand-selected artisan stalls in charming wooden chalets. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of Christmas, and discover the perfect gifts and seasonal treasures for your loved ones.

Entry included with Christmas Grounds admission or Christmas House & Grounds admission

Dr John Cooper Clarke’s sense of humor resounds throughout his career, and this latest live show is a mix of classic verse, new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs, and chat. This is him at his brilliant, and hilarious best – a chance to see a living legend at the top of his game.

Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic detective. Starring Tom Chambers (Father Brown, Strictly Come Dancing) as Inspector Morse, this original story written for the stage is a must-see for fans of compelling detective stories and thrilling mysteries.

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.

Swing into the festive season with The Rat Pack Christmas Concert, the UK’s official No.1 tribute show. Celebrating 25 years, David Alacey, Tim Harwood, and Ashley Campbell recreate Sinatra, Martin, and Davis in a glamorous Las Vegas-style celebration packed with timeless hits and Christmas classics.

Bye Bye Baby is a jaw-dropping tribute to the musical phenomenon ‘Jersey Boys’ and the timeless, iconic music of ‘Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons’. Get ready for the festive season with one of the UK’s best tribute shows, complete with energetic and stylish choreography.

An electrifying live experience, A Celebration of the Music of Coldplay captures the sound, spirit, and spectacle of one of the world’s biggest bands. Expect Xylobands, lasers, confetti, and a euphoric setlist featuring hits like Yellow, Viva La Vida, and Paradise.

Banbury Winter Market will sparkle with festive cheer from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 November 2025 with over 80 Stalls, live entertainment, the big Light Switch-On, special appearances from the festive Gingerbread Man, Christmas Tree, and live performances from Hook Norton Brass Band, and music from Radio Horton.

Talon return with Busy Being Fabulous ‘25/26, celebrating the timeless hits of the Eagles including Hotel California, Take It Easy, and Desperado. Revered by peers and adored by fans, this world-class seven-piece band continues to soar as one of the UK’s premier touring shows.

Travel on Santa’s steam train to see the Great Man-in-Red in an enhanced Workshop and Grotto at his North Pole station, where the train will halt for a while for refreshments and a much-anticipated visit to see Santa – chat with him and take some great photos for the album – and pick-up that important very first Christmas present.

The Christmas Market at Cogges Manor Farm will return to the Cogges Barns with a carefully curated collection of local traders offering a selection of artisan arts and crafts, unique gifts and homewares, accessories and delicious treats. And you can select your own beautiful Christmas trees for sale in the festive forest.

This year, the market features 24 exceptional artists, designers and craftspeople coming together to showcase their exceptional talent. You’ll find a diverse and vibrant selection of handmade treasures, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass, printmaking and basket weaving. As well as some more unusual craft forms, including bookbinding and paper art.

The Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza kicks off the festive season in Abingdon. It’s a family-focused festive event in the heart of the town where the community comes together as one.

Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza will be back to kick-off the festive season in Abingdon. It’s a family-focused festive event in the heart of the town where the community comes together as one. Expect a Christmas market on Bath Street, a parade through the town centre, as well as music and other entertainment from the stage on the Market Place and a performance area on Bath Street.

Sprinkled with extra Christmas magic this year, wander through Bicester’s Christmas Shopping Market for sweets, treats, and much more to begin your Christmas festivities, taking place on Saturday 29 November. Join in for a magical day packed with Christmas shopping, festive treats, live entertainment, and the sparkling moment when the town is lit up.

This family-focused festive event in the heart of the town brings the community together as one to kick off the festive season. The event will start at noon with activities and festive stalls to enjoy. There will be lantern-making workshops during the day, followed by a lantern parade after dark. The festive lights will be switched on by the Town Mayor at 6.00pm.

Join Indie Oxford at Tap Social’s taproom in Botley on Saturday 29 November from 11.00am to 5.00pm for an awesome Christmas Market jam-packed with delicious Tap Social pizza and drinks, fun kids’ activities, and raffle prizes up for grabs.

The lantern parade meets at 5.15pm at Carterton Community College. Lights switch on at 6.00pm in the Market Square. Expect live music, stalls with crafts, gifts and refreshments, funfair rides, meet the Reindeer, a snow globe and, of course, And, of course, Father Christmas will be in his grotto.

Starting with the Christmas Market from 11.00am, expect a Craft Fair in the Corn Exchange arranged by the Faringdon Art Society, Santa’s Grotto in the Market Place, Market stalls in the Market Place, music around the Christmas Tree and much more. The light switch-on will take place at 5.00pm.

Residents and visitors are warmly invited to a Night of a Thousand Candles in Woodstock. Come see the Christmas lights switched on and enjoy a great family event to start the festive season. See Woodstock at its best with late shopping, great restaurants and pubs, the Woodstock Festive Fayre, live music, a short panto (oh yes, there is!), school choir, food and drink and Father Christmas.

Santa’s Christmas Party is a 45-minute, interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds, after which the adventure continues as each child gets the chance to receive a special present from Father Christmas in our popular meet, greet, and treat!

This winter, discover the magic of the festive season with The Christmas Orchestra, a unique concert experience touring the UK this Christmas. Experience uplifting nostalgia with compositions from your favourite Christmas films, as well as popular sing-along classics to ignite your festive spirit. The concert is performed live by a chamber orchestra supported by a full sound production and lighting show.

The Banbury Christmas Lights Switch On is a family-focused festive event in the heart of the town where the community comes together as one to kick off the festive season. Enjoy thrilling funfair rides, great food, and a stellar line-up of musical acts and performers, all the before the grand finale where the lights are switched on to a blast of fireworks!

Ballet Theatre UK presents A Christmas Carol, a spellbinding festive ballet set in Dickensian London. Follow miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as ghostly visitors lead him on a journey of redemption and discovery in this magical tale of transformation and the true spirit of Christmas.

Join legendary comedian Harry Enfield for an unforgettable evening of laughter and reflection as he revisits 40 years of comedy, revives classic characters like Loadsamoney and Kevin the Teenager, and answers audience questions with trademark wit and charm.

Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway and savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 21-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s. Steam trains will operate on at least one of the centre’s two demonstration lines, allowing you to take unlimited rides.

Join W*nkernomics, masters at skewering the buzzwords, bureaucracy and bulls**t of the modern workplace with their unique blend of observational comedy and dark satire as they bring their hilarious new show to Oxford.

UH OH. Phil Wang’s back with a new stand up show, and he’s older than ever before. You know him from one series of Taskmaster, one episode of Would I Lie to You, and one minute of Wonka.

The Lord Mayor of Oxford, in partnership with the Oxford City branch of the Royal British Legion, is set to host a Remembrance Sunday Service at the War Memorial in St Giles’ to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts. The Mayor will be joined by military units, uniformed organisations, community groups, civic dignitaries, residents and visitors from across the county to mark Remembrance Sunday.

Musical maestro Jools Holland and his famous Rhythm & Blues Orchestra return with their 2026 Autumn/Winter tour of 30 sensational dates across the UK. Join them as they continue to dazzle, involve, and impress audiences with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and their exuberant live performances.

Tony Hadley is one of the UK’s most iconic voices to perform songs from Sinatra, Bennett Presley, and more swing and crooner greats. Join The Christmas Big Band Tour 2026 for the perfect night out just before Christmas.

Marquee Square Heroes: Brief Encounter revisits Marillion’s classic mid-80s era with immersive live tribute performance show. Expect the passion, precision and power that made this era of neo-progressive rock so unforgettable.

Thank ABBA For The Music is an epic two-hour ABBA-fest that captures all of the magic and excitement of one of pop history’s most phenomenal bands. Featuring all of ABBA’s greatest hits including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Super Trouper, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! SOS, Take A Chance On Me, Voulez-Vous and of course, Waterloo and many more.

Mark Simmons, known from Mock The Week, BT Sport, and ITV, returns in 2026 with Jest To Impress. Expect razor-sharp one-liners, spontaneous audience-driven jokes, and the continued success of his acclaimed podcast Jokes With Mark Simmons.

Heathers the Musical returns to the stage, following Veronica Sawyer’s journey through high school hierarchy, friendship and rebellion, as she’s swept into the ruthless world of the Heathers and the dangerous influence of mysterious outsider J.D.

Professor Alice Roberts brings a groundbreaking live show, From Cell to Civilisation, exploring humanity’s origins, tracing evolution from the first life on Earth to modern civilisation through archaeology, genetics and science, blending storytelling with theatrical visuals to uncover who we are and where we come from.

Bellowhead celebrate the 20th anniversary of their full-length debut album Burlesque in 2026. The 11-piece folk outfit made a watertight case for ‘big being beautiful’ with the release of Burlesque which features songs including London Town, Frog’s Legs and Dragon’s Teeth and Rigs of The Time.

Watch a special screening of the classic film, The Holiday, with the musical score performed live by a full orchestra.

This substantial retrospective of the photographer’s work shows the stages of Summerfield’s creative evolution through comprehensive installations inspired by his five major publications as well as other significant bodies of work. The exhibition also offers a glimpse of both the physicality and mastery of Summerfield’s unique and idiosyncratic relationship with the craft of photographic print making.