Things to do • Banbury • Christmas 2025
Christmas in Banbury 2025: Winter Market, Santa Visits, Shopping & New Year’s Eve Guide
Banbury really comes into its own at Christmas. From the Winter Market and light switch-on to Santa’s grottos, festive food, indie shopping and New Year’s Eve parties, this guide pulls together everything you need to plan your festive season in and around Banbury.
Bookmark this page – we’ll update it as more dates and events are confirmed. If you’re running a festive event, you can also find out how to get listed.
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| Banbury Winter Market and Christmas lights in the town centre. |
Banbury Winter Market & Christmas Lights Switch-On 2025
Free entry Family-friendly
- Dates: Friday 28 November – Sunday 30 November 2025
- Times: 10:00 – 19:00 each day (check nearer the time for final timings)
- Location: Banbury Market Place & Town Centre
- Cost: Free to attend (bring cash/card for stalls)
The Banbury Winter Market is the big one – a three-day celebration that fills the town centre with festive stalls, live entertainment and the official Christmas lights switch-on. Keep an eye on Banbury BID’s updates and the town council channels for final details.
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| Banbury’s Christmas lights switch-on brings the whole town together. |
What to Expect
- Over 80 stalls with artisan gifts, crafts, festive food and drink.
- Live music from local groups such as Hook Norton Brass Band and NOA Drummers.
- Walkabout characters – think Gingerbread Man, Tinsel the Christmas Tree, stilt walkers and more.
- Plenty of hot chocolate, mulled wine, mince pies and street food.
Christmas Lights Switch-On
The market builds towards the big Christmas light switch-on and fireworks on the Sunday. Expect crowds, a countdown, and Banbury town centre transformed once the lights are switched on.
Family Fun at Castle Quay & The Light
Castle Quay Shopping Centre and The Light Banbury turn Banbury into a weather-proof Christmas playground, with indoor events, family activities and festive film screenings.
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| Castle Quay’s decorations and events make it a festive hub for families. |
Christmas Express at Castle Quay
Castle Quay runs a seasonal programme branded as the Christmas Express, with a passport trail and festive events for children and families. See the latest programme on their What’s On page.
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Christmas Express Passport Trail
Family-friendly
Dates: 1–20 December 2025
Pick up a passport from the customer service desk, collect stamps at events and participating retailers, and enter prize draws once you’ve filled it. -
Pooch Passport Trail
For dog lovers – similar concept with dog-friendly treats at selected stops.
Key Castle Quay Events (Indicative 2025 Dates)
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Christmas Express Workshop
Free event
Date: Saturday 6 December 2025
Time: 11:00 – 16:00
Expect storytelling, crafts and interactive festive activities to keep kids busy while you shop. -
Santa’s Magical Hideaway / Grotto
Book early
Dates: Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December 2025
Time: 11:00 – 16:00
Meet Santa in his magical hideaway, grab photos and let the little ones leave with a small gift. -
Winter Treats Station
Free treats
Date: Saturday 20 December 2025
Time: 11:00 – 15:00
Free mini hot chocolates and cookies for kids – look out for chefs on stilts handing them out.
Festive Films & Workshops at The Light
The Light Banbury runs a Christmas film season with festive classics and family favourites throughout December. Browse listings and book tickets on their cinema page.
- “Polar Express” Pyjama Party screenings – kids turn up in PJs, receive a “golden ticket” and chocolate treat.
- Weekend Christmas craft sessions in the foyer, usually 11:00–15:00.
- One-off events like bauble decorating, wreath-making and festive sip & paint nights.
Always double-check exact dates, times and ticket prices on Castle Quay and The Light’s official websites closer to your visit.
Festive Food, Music & Indie Gifts at Lock29
Sitting on the canal and connected to Castle Quay, Lock29 is Banbury’s indie food hall and events space – perfect if you’re looking for street food, local traders and live entertainment with a Christmas vibe.
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| Lock29 mixes independent food, drink and retail with seasonal events. |
Festive Events at Lock29 (2025)
Find the most up-to-date listings on the Lock29 events page. Highlights usually include:
- The Rock Project Banbury – Christmas Gig – young local musicians performing live.
- Rock Choir at Lock29 – big harmonies and Christmas tunes in the food hall.
- The Great Elf Drop – Santa’s helper “Elfie” visiting for games, photos and festive antics.
- Make Your Own Christmas Tree Decoration Workshop with Zilfarni Soaps & Scents.
- Comedy nights and live music from local artists to soundtrack your festive shopping.
Indie Christmas Shopping at Lock29
Lock29 is also a handy spot for stocking fillers and unique gifts – check out their traders list:
- The Garden Studio – limited edition art, prints, coasters and mugs.
- World of Fudge & Sweets – handmade fudge and toffee gifts.
- Essence Home – sustainable, colourful home décor pieces.
- Zilfarni Soaps & Scents – handmade soaps, wax melts and home fragrance.
Combine Castle Quay and Lock29 with the Winter Market for a full festive day out without needing to move the car.
Where to See Santa in Banbury (2025)
From shopping-centre grottos to pub breakfasts and hotel afternoon teas, here’s where you can spot the big man in red around Banbury.
Santa’s Magical Hideaway – Castle Quay
- Location: Inside Castle Quay Shopping Centre
- Dates: 13 & 14 December 2025
- Time: 11:00 – 16:00
- Includes: Meet & greet with Santa, photo opportunities, small gift for children
Breakfast with Santa – The Hanwell Arms
- Venue: The Hanwell Arms, Rotary Way, Banbury
- Event: Family breakfast with Santa visiting tables, photos and small gifts
- Info: Check their menus page and Christmas section for dates and prices each year.
Breakfast with Santa – The Easington
- Venue: The Easington, Oxford Road, Banbury
- Event: Breakfast with Santa (pre-booking required)
- Indicative price: Around £11.99 per person (check current 2025 pricing on their site or Facebook page)
Afternoon Tea with Santa – Whately Hall Hotel
- Venue: Whately Hall Hotel, Banbury town centre
- Date: Usually a Sunday in mid-December (confirm current year)
- Price: Approx. £26 per adult, £14 per child (3–12 years)
- Includes: Festive afternoon tea plus a visit from Santa
Festive Menus, Christmas Parties & Christmas Day Lunch
Planning a Christmas party, office meal or a festive lunch with friends? These pubs and hotels around Banbury put on special menus and party nights each year.
Whately Hall Hotel – Christmas Programme 2025
Whately Hall releases a full Christmas brochure covering party nights, festive lunches and Christmas Day.
- Christmas Party Nights – Fridays & Saturdays from late November to 20 December.
- Parkside Christmas Buffet Party – buffet-style festive dining.
- Festive Afternoon Tea – late November to 23 December.
- Festive Lunches – three-course lunches in the run-up to Christmas.
- Christmas Day Lunch – multi-course lunch with all the trimmings.
The Hanwell Arms – Festive Menus & Christmas Day
The Hanwell Arms offers a full festive programme – see their Festive Menu, Christmas Day menu and Christmas overview for full details.
- Festive Set Menu – from 10 November – 2 January (excluding 25–26 December).
- Christmas Day Menu – pre-book only; three-course Christmas Day lunch.
- New Year’s Celebrations & New Year’s Day – special menus for the holiday period.
There are plenty of other local pubs and restaurants that run festive menus too – from cosy village pubs to central Banbury favourites. Check your local for “Festive Menu” details from early November onwards.
New Year’s Eve in Banbury
Whether you’re after a full sit-down dinner, a cosy pub night or a late club session, Banbury has options for ringing in 2026 in style.
Zinc & Fever Banbury – Clubbing Until 4am
- Venue: Zinc & Fever Banbury, 49 High Street, Banbury
- Event: New Year’s Eve Party
- Time: Typically 20:00 – 04:00 (check their events page)
- Highlights: DJs, dance floor, VIP booths and bottle packages
Cromwell Lodge Hotel – Pub-Style New Year’s Eve
- Venue: Cromwell Lodge Hotel, Banbury
- Includes: NYE menu of starters, mains and desserts plus full bar
The Falcon at Warmington – Country Dining
- Venue: The Falcon, Warmington (short drive from Banbury)
- Event: New Year’s Eve Dining
- Includes: Fizz on arrival, three-course menu and live music until around 00:30
Whately Hall – New Year’s Eve Dinner
- Event: New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner
- Venue: Whately Hall Hotel
- Includes: Champagne, buffet-style gala dinner and DJ until after midnight
Where to Shop for Christmas Gifts in Banbury
From big-name high-street stores to independent boutiques and farm shops, Banbury is a handy base for ticking off your Christmas list.
Castle Quay Shopping Centre
Castle Quay is Banbury’s main shopping centre, with more than 50 stores including fashion, toys, homewares and tech. Look out for:
- High-street fashion retailers for winter outfits and partywear.
- Toy shops for last-minute presents and stocking fillers.
- Seasonal pop-up stalls in the run-up to Christmas.
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| Mix high-street brands with indie shops for Banbury Christmas shopping. |
Being directly connected to The Light and Lock29 means you can easily combine shopping, food and a film in one trip.
Banbury Old Town – Indie Shopping
Banbury Old Town, including Parsons Street and the surrounding lanes, is known as “The Home of Independent Shopping”. It’s perfect for more personal, one-off gifts:
- The Artery – art supplies and creative kits, ideal for crafty types.
- Watermans Jewellers – local jeweller for something special.
- A Little Bit More – clothing and accessories boutique.
- The Crafter’s Collective – handmade items and craft gifts.
- Sheila’s Sweets / Sheila’s Shakes – old-school sweet shop and shakes (great for hampers).
- Church Lane Gallery – local art and crafts in a pretty setting.
Indie Gift Traders at Lock29
As mentioned above, Lock29’s traders are brilliant for small gifts:
- The Garden Studio – small art pieces and home gifts.
- World of Fudge & Sweets – artisan fudge boxes.
- Essence Home – sustainable décor and home accessories.
- Zilfarni Soaps & Scents – candles, bath products and more.
Wykham Park Farm Shop & Other Local Favourites
A short drive from town, Wykham Park Farm Shop is well worth a visit for:
- Local meats, cheeses, chutneys and seasonal produce.
- Ready-made gift hampers or DIY hamper ingredients.
- Fresh, local Christmas foods you won’t find in supermarkets.
Other local indie favourites like A Quirky Corner and Sheila’s Sweets are perfect for unique, locally-minded presents.
Day-Trip Christmas Markets Near Banbury
If you’re happy to travel 30–45 minutes, there are several bigger Christmas markets and events within easy reach of Banbury.
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Oxford Christmas Market (Broad Street)
A German-style chalet market with food, gifts and live music. Typically runs from late November through to just before New Year. -
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market & Light Trail
Expect artisan stalls, an illuminated light trail in the grounds and themed palace interiors. -
Cogges Manor Farm Christmas Market
Usually held over a weekend in late November with artisan traders and family-friendly activities.
Check each venue’s website for exact 2025 dates, ticket prices and parking information before you travel.
Practical Tips: Parking, Transport & Booking
Parking
- Castle Quay Car Parks: Ideal for the Winter Market, Castle Quay, The Light and Lock29. Follow signs from main routes into town or check Castle Quay info.
- Other Town Centre Car Parks: Look for council-run car parks close to Market Place if you want a shorter walk.
Public Transport
- Train: Banbury Station is a short walk from the town centre and Castle Quay.
- Buses: Local bus services stop close to the town centre – check times for reduced holiday schedules.
Booking & Timing
- Book Santa experiences, party nights and Christmas Day lunches as early as possible.
- Double-check dates, times and prices on official websites before travelling.
- For the Winter Market and light switch-on, arrive early if you’re bringing kids or want a good view.
Christmas in Banbury – FAQ
When is the Banbury Winter Market in 2025?
The Banbury Winter Market is scheduled for Friday 28 November to Sunday 30 November 2025, with the Christmas light switch-on taking place on the Sunday.
Is the Banbury Winter Market free?
Yes – the market and light switch-on are free to attend. You’ll only pay for food, drink and anything you buy from the stalls.
Where can I see Santa in Banbury?
You can see Santa at Castle Quay’s magical hideaway, at Breakfast with Santa events at pubs like The Hanwell Arms and The Easington, and at Afternoon Tea with Santa at Whately Hall Hotel. Dates and times vary, so always check and book ahead.
What’s on in Banbury on New Year’s Eve?
For a big night out, Zinc & Fever runs a late New Year’s Eve party until the early hours. For something calmer, consider Cromwell Lodge, Whately Hall or The Falcon at Warmington for sit-down NYE dinners.
Where’s best for Christmas shopping in Banbury?
For high-street stores, head to Castle Quay. For indie and handmade gifts, explore Banbury Old Town, Lock29 and local favourites like Wykham Park Farm Shop, A Quirky Corner and Sheila’s Sweets.
Are You Running a Christmas Event in Banbury?
If you’re organising a Christmas market, Santa visit, workshop, live music night or New Year’s Eve event in Banbury or nearby, we’d love to hear from you.
- Send us your event name, date, time and location.
- Include ticket prices, booking link and a short description.
- Add a high-quality image if you’d like to be featured.
Get your event listed on Banbury Weekender and help more local people discover what’s on this Christmas.