Visiting Oxford this Christmas
Visit Oxford this Christmas – easy, affordable and full of festive magic
Whether you’re meeting friends, finding gifts or enjoying the lights, make your trip into Oxford stress free this holiday season. With great value travel options that get you right into the heart of the city’s festivities, it’s never been easier to enjoy all the sparkle of Oxford’s Christmas season — from the twinkling lights of Broad Street to the bustle of the Covered Market.
With Park & Ride, buses, trains and cycle routes, you can leave the car behind, avoid the temporary congestion charge and just relax and enjoy the holiday cheer.
Park & Ride – the easiest way to visit Oxford this Christmas
For just £2.50 parking for up to 16 hours, a family of four can enjoy a free bus ride straight into the city centre.
That’s great value and no stress — just park, hop on, and get festive!
Find your nearest Park & Ride:
Redbridge (South Oxford) – perfect for visiting the Ice Rink or Westgate Oxford shopping centre
Seacourt (West Oxford) – ideal for Broad Street, the Ashmolean and the Christmas Light Bus
Peartree and Oxford Parkway (North Oxford) – easy access to the Covered Market and historic High Street
Thornhill (East Oxford) – great for theatre trips and late-night shopping
Find your nearest site and plan your route
By bus
Many bus services connect Oxford and surrounding towns directly to the city centre, with frequent stops close to the main shopping areas and attractions. Operators like Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach and Thames Travel all run regular services — with real-time updates available via their apps.
Tip: Services often run later in the evening during the festive season, making it easy to enjoy the lights and still get home comfortably.
By train
Oxford is easy to reach by train from London, Reading, Bicester, Banbury and beyond — with services arriving at Oxford Station, just a short walk from the city centre, or at Oxford Parkway, which links directly to Park & Ride buses.
Tip: Off-peak and group tickets can make festive travel even better value.
Find out all about getting to Oxford by train
By bike or scooter
Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Oxford. With cycle lanes, bike racks across the city, and e-bikes and e-scooters available to hire, it’s a quick, green and fun way to reach the Christmas sights.
Bring your own bike, or hire an e-bike or e-scooter.
Tip: Many Park & Ride sites include cycle parking, so you can combine driving with cycling for a lower-carbon journey.
Find out about cycling and scooting in Oxford.
Oxford’s Christmas highlights
Here are just some of the things waiting for you in Oxford this Christmas:
The Covered Market – shop for unique gifts and local treats under the glow of festive decorations.
Oxford Ice Rink – glide into the season with a fun day out for all ages.
Broad Street – soak up the atmosphere at the Christmas market
The Christmas Light Bus – Watch this open-top bus decked out in twinkling lights as it makes its way around the city.
Festivals, Fairs and Markets - Check out the city’s best Christmas events with this handy guide