Looking for an alternative to indoor socialising? Why not take a walk around Didcot (and East Hagbourne) to check out the Christmas lights, crochet postbox toppers and decorated Christmas trees.
Christmas lights
There seem to be a lot more external Christmas lights around Didcot this year. However, as per last year, two houses stand out…
Firstly, the annual charity display at Medlock Grove on Ladygrove. The lights are turned on everyday between around 3.30-9.30pm, and they’ll be up until early January.
This year the owners are raising money for Be Free Young Carers, a local charity that supports the lives and wellbeing of young carers. Do pop some coins in the box if you visit.
Elsewhere in Didcot, head over to Blissett Close on Great Western Park. The pinnacle of this year’s display is a train with Father Christmas, travelling across the garden.
Whilst the house on the corner is the stand out attraction, many others along the same road are also lit up. Definitely worth a visit!
Aside from these two houses, some streets appear to have made a concerted effort to light up Didcot, particularly Freeman Road, Tavy Close and the road around the edge of Boundary park.
Postbox toppers
Over the last few months Didcot residents have been treated to ever changing crochet displays on top of post boxes.
There’s a Christmas themed topper on the postbox outside the old main Post Office on Broadway. There’s another one on Ladygrove, on Tyne Avenue between the playground and shops. There may even be more, leave a comment if spot any!
Christmas trees in East Hagbourne
East Hagbourne’s Christmas tree festival officially finished on Saturday 18 December. However, this year the festival comprised a mix of indoor (at the church) and outdoor trees. My guess is that the outdoor trees will remain up for a while longer.
I recommend a walk along Fieldside where, in addition to decorated Christmas trees, you’ll also be able to spot lots of wooden reindeer!
Back on Main Road there are plenty of decorated Christmas trees as you approach the church. The churchyard itself has a fantastic model of the Grinch stealing Christmas which I hope stays up for people to appreciate!
Have you spotted any fantastic Christmas decorations in and around Didcot? If so, do leave a comment below to let readers know where to find them.
There’s a knitted octopus on the postbox on the corner of Jubilee Way and Sandringham Road.
Medlock Grove also has a JustGiving page if you find it easier to donate that way: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/juliette-pearson2
And don’t miss the display in the window!
Blown away yet again at the sites of the area. Particularly Blissett Close, Didcot..
What an amazing show this year especially with the addition of the train. For those of you who for whatever reason can’t physically see it in person (I’m in the USA) check out http://www.didcotwell.com. Here you can see the live feed nightly, information on the well and lots of other facts. Great Display and l think the owner encouraged his neighbours to join in. Job well done 🎄🎅🏻🎁🧑🏻🎄🎄