250 Christmases in the Covered Market: A magical milestone for Oxford
A look at Oxford's historic Covered Market as it celebrates 250 years of festive magic and community spirit
This Christmas, Oxford’s historic Covered Market is set to dazzle like never before as it marks a truly remarkable milestone—its 250th festive season.
To celebrate, Oxford City Council has unveiled a programme of special events, rounding off a year of commemorative activities that have honoured the market's rich history. The festivities promise to bring a unique blend of tradition and cheer to the heart of the city.
One of the highlights was “Breakfast with Santa,” which took place on Saturday 16 November in the market’s central square. Santa roamed from 10am to midday, meeting children and spreading Christmas cheer. While it wasn’t a formal photo session, families were encouraged to come along for a magical start to the season. The Council, it seems, pulled some strings at the North Pole to bring him back after last year’s success!
Among the vibrant businesses at the Covered Market is Gulp Fiction, an indie bookshop, coffee house, and bar founded by Oliver Mason. Reflecting on the market’s festive charm, Mason shared his memories: “The Covered Market looks beautiful in the festive season. Everyone—from porters to traders to the Market Managers—takes great pride in how it looks in December. As a child, coming here was magical—the bustle and excitement of a strange, busy, lit-up place, not quite knowing what you’d find.”
Looking ahead, another exciting event is the late-night Christmas shopping and carol evening on Friday 29 November. With over 30 traders staying open until 9pm, visitors can pick up artisan gifts, decorations, and festive treats before enjoying a drink at one of the market’s bars. It’s the perfect way to mix shopping with holiday spirit.
Adding to the seasonal charm, the market has launched its 250th Christmas poster, a nostalgic design showcasing scenes from Christmases past. Look out for the poster across the city, adding a touch of festive magic to bus stops and other public spaces.
There’s also something new—a Christmas tree of wishes. Visitors can write their hopes for the market’s next 250 years and tie them to the tree, creating a collective vision for its future.
Reflecting on the year, Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “For two and a half centuries, the Covered Market has been at the heart of Oxford's festivities… I'm pleased to see a festive programme that honours the magic of the market’s past and present, and looks to its future.”
Brian Spencer, Marketing Manager for Tap Social Movement, spoke on behalf of The Market Tap, a café, bottleshop, and craft beer spot in The Covered Market, stating that “It’s hard to put a finger on it, but there’s just a certain joie de vivre in The Covered Market during the holiday season. The window shopfronts are all decked out for the season, there are all sorts of events going on, and it just feels like it becomes Oxford’s de facto hub of ‘Christmas spirit.’”
With its rich history and vibrant festive offerings, Oxford’s Covered Market remains a cherished cornerstone of the city’s celebrations.
