The time of year has arrived when many are wondering when Christmas lights are being switched on in the towns across Oxfordshire for the 2026 festive season.
We've rounded up all of the biggest events kicking of the festive season this year, in towns across the county and in Oxford city.
In Oxford, the city council are putting on a full Christmas Light Festival from Friday, November 13 to Saturday, November 15.
The city will be a-glow with light parades, trails and installations, with sparkling street decorations and window displays counting down to Christmas.
The Kidlington Christmas light switch on will take place on Thursday, November 26, from 5pm to 7pm, with lights switched on at 6pm on the High Street.
In Bicester, the Christmas lights switch on event runs from 2pm to 7pm on Saturday, November 28, with 'seasonal cheer, entertainment and a magical atmosphere for all ages' promised at the Sheep Street event.
The Banbury Winter Market returns on Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 November this year, with more than 80 stalls, live entertainment, the big light switch on and appearances from festive characters.
If all goes according to plan with the High Street's planned reopening, Witney Christmas lights switch on will take place in Market Square on Friday, November 27 at 6pm, in an evening event sponsored by the Rotary Club.
In Woodstock. A Night of a Thousand Candles will take place on Saturday, November 28 from 5.30pm to 7pm, with live music, carols, a market and a panto outside the Town Hall.
Chipping Norton Town Council said the town's market, choir performances and lights switch on will take place on Friday, November 20 between 4pm and 6.30pm outside the Town Hall.
The Faringdon Christmas light switch on takes place on Saturday, November 28 and starts from 11am with a Christmas Market, plus a craft fair, Santa's Grotto, market stalls and music around the Christmas tree.
The traditional Wantage Dickensian Evening will take place on Friday, December 4, from 4pm to 9pm with the lights switched on at 6pm in Market Place.
Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, November 28 in the town centre, with an all-day market in Bath Street, live music and entertainment, a main stage act in Market Square and the official light switch-on and firework display at 6pm.
No Christmas light switch on has yet been announced for Didcot, but Wallingford Christmas Fayre with a full market, Santa's Grotto and light switch on takes place on Sunday, December 6.
As well as towns across Oxfordshire, some destinations are also hosting their own illumination events.
Blenheim Palace Illuminated Lights Trail 2026 returns bigger and brighter this year, from November 13 to January 3, and includes a chance to see Father Christmas, ice skate and shop at a Christmas market.
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