Christmas Comes to Bicester: Market Draws Crowds as Library Events Flourish

Hello Bicester,

December is here and our town is buzzing with festive energy. From Christmas markets to family crafts, holiday concerts, and all the ways our community is coming together, there’s so much to celebrate this week. Let’s dive in!

The season of giving kicked off this week with Bicester’s Christmas Market, bringing local artisans and festive treasures right to our town on Friday, December 5th. Starting at 10:00 AM and running until 4:00 PM, the market featured beautiful artisan stalls packed with unique gifts, crafts, and festive goodies. This is the perfect place to find handmade presents and support local makers rather than the usual high street shops.

If you missed the Christmas market, don’t worry—there’s more festive fun happening this weekend! On Sunday, December 7th, families can gather at The Community House in Bicester from 1:30 PM to make their own Christmas decorations. Whether you’ve got little ones or you’re young at heart, this is a lovely chance to create something special together and get in the holiday spirit with neighbours and friends.

Bicester Library remains the heart of our community this week. On Saturday, December 6th, kids can join the free Lego Club session at 3:30 PM to build amazing creations, while adults enjoy board games, digital drop-in sessions for tech help, Saturday morning stories, and the language café. Monday brings Stay & Play sessions for young children and Knit & Natter for adults looking to connect. These free, regular activities help neighbours meet and build friendships right in the heart of town.

Our town is feeling more connected than ever. Bicester Library continues to be where neighbours become friends – whether you’re knitting, playing chess, enjoying stories with little ones, or just having a chat over hot drinks. The festive season is bringing families together for crafts and market shopping. People are already planning their visits to Christmas concerts and festive dinners. If you haven’t joined any of the library’s free activities yet, now’s the perfect time to pop in and meet your neighbours.

Bicester Village is in full festive mode with over 150 boutique stores decorated for Christmas and offering up to 60% off selected items between November 11th and January 25th. It’s the perfect destination for finding that special gift while supporting local shopping. Local cafes and pubs are also hosting their own festive events – keep an eye out for announcements from The White Hart and other town centre favourites.

If you’re looking to expand your festive adventures, nearby towns have wonderful Christmas markets too. Witney Christmas Market features over 30 chalets with festive gifts (November 27–30), and several other local Christmas markets are running through December in nearby villages. Milton Park Christmas Market is also just a short drive away if you want to explore beyond Bicester.cheshire.

This is what makes Bicester special – neighbours supporting neighbours, families coming together, and a community that cares about staying connected. Whether it’s a free library session, a festive market, or a Christmas concert, there’s something for everyone this season. Get out, meet a neighbor, support local, and feel the real Bicester magic. See you out there!