When winter rolls in, West Oxfordshire properly leans into Christmas. We’re talking twinkly lights, mulled wine, kids singing carols slightly off-key (the best kind) and stalls stocked with gifts you actually want to give. If you’re staying here for the season or hosting guests, these fairs are the perfect way to soak up village charm and support local makers.

But here’s the real magic: every market is just a short hop from a proper, characterful pub. Because once you’ve shopped, admired and maybe over-sampled the free sweet treats, you definitely deserve a fireside seat and something comforting to eat.

Let’s pair them up...

Witney Christmas Market (27-30 November) → Then head to: The Plough Inn, Alvescot

The fair: Witney’s Christmas Market sets itself up around Marriots Walk in the town centre, with rows of over 30 charming wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, artisanal candles, festive wreaths and local produce. It’s lively but relaxed and great for families. Expect crafts, sweet bakes and plenty of mulled wine.

Afterwards:
The Plough Inn, Alvescot is a short drive from Witney and ticks every “cosy winter pub” box: exposed beams, roaring fire and a seriously good Sunday roasts. It’s the sort of place where time slows down and everyone’s cheeks get rosy from the warmth indoors.

Suggestion: Book ahead if visiting on a weekend, the locals know this place is good!

Chipping Norton Tractor Run (8 December, 5pm) → Then head to: The Kingham Plough

The tractor run: join Kaleb Cooper on his first ever Festive Fun Tractor Run!  Expect brightly decorated tractors spreading holiday magic - it’s festive, friendly and very "Cotswolds at Christmas".

Afterwards:
Make your way over to The Kingham Plough, one of the Cotswolds' most-loved dining pubs. It’s stylish but still cosy, with a welcoming bar, open fires and menus that lean into local produce. Think comfort food done properly.

Suggestion: If you’re planning a meal, book ahead — it’s popular for a reason.

Ramsden Christmas Market (6 December) → Then head to: The Royal Oak, Ramsden

The fair: Ramsden’s Christmas Market is actually the largest covered Christmas market in the area, which is a lifesaver when the weather decides to act like a Dickens novel. Expect around 60 stalls of decorations, local crafts, giftable treats and homemade foodie bits.

Afterwards:
In the village, The Royal Oak, Ramsden. Think 17th-century inn with stone walls, soft lighting, and the kind of food that’s comforting but still feels special. Ideal for sinking into a corner, warming up, and comparing gift-haul treasures.

Pro tip: This one’s perfect for a slower, candle-lit evening meal.

Blenheim Palace Christmas Market (until 21 December) → Then head to: The Crown Inn, Woodstock

The fair: Blenheim goes full storybook at Christmas. Think illuminated trails, festive courtyard markets, grand tree displays and that extraordinary palace backdrop. This is the showstopper — stalls selling artisan crafts, decorations, pastries, cheeses, gifts and winter treats, all wrapped in fairy lights and music.

Afterwards:
Stroll into Woodstock and settle at The Crown Inn, a relaxed boutique pub that manages to be both smart and completely inviting. Expect good wine, great food and a warm glow after being outside in the cold.

Best for: A classy-yet-cosy finish to a special outing — especially if you want something a bit celebratory.

Banbury Winter Market (28-30 November) → Then head to: The Falcon, Warmington

The fair: Banbury's Market Place will sparkle with festive cheer, bringing over 80 artisan stalls, live entertainment culminating with the grand Christmas Light Switch‑On on Sunday

Afterwards:
Less than 10 minutes by car, The Falcon Inn at Warmington offers modern British cuisine, a garden room with large fireplace and a warm welcome.

Best for: A classic, traditional English countryside pub in a cosy setting.

Final Thought

West Oxfordshire does Christmas with heart. It’s not about the big city buzz. It’s about warm lights in small windows, friendly chats over market stalls, the smell of pine and cinnamon and finding yourself laughing in a pub you just wandered into after buying a handmade bauble.

Whether you live here or you're visiting, these fairs and pubs are the cosy, sparkling bits of the season you’ll remember.  Looking for a place to stay this festive season?  Book direct at Pass the Keys West Oxfordshire