Local Events in 2026: What’s On in Oxfordshire Near Worton Park
Our guide to the best Autumn, Winter and Christmas events taking place across Oxfordshire in 2026.
At the start of the year, we launched our “Local Events in 2026 You Can Attend While Staying at Worton Park” blog. Now, with summer drawing to a close and thoughts turning towards Autumn and Christmas, we’re revisiting it and filling in some of the gaps for the rest of the year.
There are loads of seasonal events taking place across Oxfordshire over the next few months. We’ve searched across the county to find something happening for almost every weekend, so whenever you’re staying at Worton Park, there should be something to explore.
We’ve catalogued the main events in Oxfordshire for Autumn and Winter 2026, but there are plenty more things happening, including theatre shows, comedy gigs, live music, markets, family-friendly events and more. It’s all about finding what’s right for you.
Save this blog post and check back regularly, as we’ll be updating it as more events and dates are announced!
August Bank Holiday Weekend
The August Bank Holiday marks the last days of the summer holidays and is an extremely popular time to head out and enjoy all the local amenities and attractions before the school year begins. Each of the following are great for a day or evening out!
28th - 30th August
28th - 31st August
29th - 30th August
29TH - 31st August
31st August
The Big Feastival
Henley Country Craft & Food Show
Woodstock Live
Foodies Festival Oxford
Cowley Road Carnival
September
Summer may be over, but there is still so much to do in Oxfordshire and the local area. September offers a calmer pace with countryside events, food festivals, classic car showcases, and historical tours. It’s also perfect conditions for walking, cycling and exploring.
3rd - 6th September
5th September
7th - 8th September
12th - 13thth September
13th - 15th September
17th - 20th September
19th September
26th - 27th September
Blenheim Palace Salon Privé
Moreton Show
St Giles Festival
Oxford Open Doors
Witney Feast
Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
Oxford Canal Festival
Thame Food Festival
October and Halloween
October brings Autumn to the forefront as the leaves change colour and paint the countryside in claret, ochre, and gold. This month is perfect for Autumnal walks in local townS and villages, arboretums, and the changing countryside. As the month unfolds, look out for Oktoberfest celebrations, harvest and food festivals taking place in the local area.
The last week in October is half term and spooky week. Throughout the month, businesses will be gearing up toward Halloween, so there is plenty to enjoy. This list is not exhaustive so you’ll find plenty of other Halloween activities at most other attractions nearby. Please check out their websites for more using our Things To Do Page. Also, look out for smaller businesses like Glebe Farm and Bunkers Hill, which will announce their own pumpkin picking events closer to the time.
Every Day
3rd - 4th October
3rd - 4th, 10th - 11th, 22nd -31st October
3rd - 4th, 10th - 11th, 22nd -31st October
9th - 18th October
10th - 11th, 17th - 18th, 24th - 31st October
16th - 18th, 23rd - 30th October
17th October
22nd October - 1st November
23rd - 31st October
23rd October - 15th November
24th October
31st October
Oxford Ghost Tour
Banbury Canal Festival
Rectory Farm Pick Your Pumpkin
Millets Pick Your Pumpkin
Oxford Food & Drink Festival
Halloween at High Lodge Farm
Pumpkins By Night
Bampton Autumn Food & Gift Fair
Halloween at Blenheim
Ghost Fest at Oxford Castle & Prison
Illuminated Evenings at Fairytale Farm
Harcourt Arboretum Autumn Fair
Oxford Gaming Market
November
November is a cosy, atmospheric month, beginning with Bonfire Night and moving into festivities with Christmas light switch-ons and seasonal markets later in the month. It’s also the last month of Autumn when the trees are at their most colourful.
Locally, you can find a plethora of bonfire night events with more to be announced over the coming months (we’ll update this guide when they do). You then don’t have to wait long until the Christmas celebrations, which start a week later!
5th November
6th November
7th November
7th November
12th - 15th November
13th November - 3rd January
21st November - 31st December
26th - 29th November
27th - 28th November
27th November - 4th December
28th November
29th November
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Kidlington Fireworks
Fireworks Night at Witney Lakes
Bicester Round Table Charity Firework
Oxford Round Table Firework Display
Oxford Victorian Market
Christmas at Blenheim 2026
Oxford Christmas Market
Witney Christmas Market
Woodstock Festive Fair
Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping
Burford Christmas Market
Banbury Light Switch On
Cutteslowe Light Trail
December and Christmas
December is a magical month where Christmas is in full swing! The festivities continue all throughout the month, so make sure you check out some of the big attractions like the Oxford Christmas Market and Blenheim Palace to experience festive markets and seasonal food and drink. By this time, all the local towns and villages will be lit with Christmas lights and trees, creating cosy, atmospheric spots perfect for exploring, shopping, and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.
Like Halloween, many local attractions have Christmas-themed events including grottos, decorative displays, and other activities. Make sure to check them out when planning your visit ahead of your stay.
4th & 17th December
5–6 December
5–6 December
12th December
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Worton Hall Christmas Parties
Christmas Fair at Oxford Botanic Garden
Waterperry December Christmas Market
Banbury Christmas Tractor Run
Christmas Carols and Trail at Christchurch Cathedral
Christmas and Late Night Shopping at the Westgate
Christmas and Late Night Shopping at the Oxford Covered Market
Bicester Village Christmas
This guide really only scratches the surface of all the incredible things happening in the local area, with more events being planned for 2026 as we speak. We hope you find this guide helpful and that it inspires you whether you’ve already booked and are looking for weekend activities, or are deciding when to visit for the rest of 2026.
After a day of festivals, garden walks, or cultural adventures, you can return to the comfort of our peaceful Oxfordshire holiday cottages. With a range of properties to suit different group sizes, get in touch and let us help you plan a truly memorable stay.