As I write this there’s only 6 weeks until Christmas! Whilst there’s no Didcot street fair this year there are plenty of other Christmas events in and around Didcot in 2021. Read on for details:
Theatre shows
The Sound of Music, Cornerstone
OK, perhaps not a Christmas specific show but a classic musical performed by Jigsaw Stage Productions. Runs from Thursday 2-Saturday 4 December. Tickets £15. Tickets from Cornerstone.
The Ballad of Rudy, Cornerstone
Family Christmas theatre show suitable for children age 3+. Runs from Saturday 18-Friday 24 December. Tickets £11.50 each, family ticket £36. Book via the Cornerstone website.
Little Red Riding Hood, The Marlborough
Chaplains Theatre Company present two shows on Sunday 12 December. Tickets £7 for adults, £4 for children, £20 family ticket. Book in advance via WeGotTickets.
Craft fairs and festive markets
Christmas market, Courtyard by Marriott Milton Gate
Didcot Events have organised a Christmas market and entertainment at the hotel on Sunday 21 November from 10am-3pm. Pop along for quality gift stalls, Father Christmas and children’s entertainment.
Didcot Christmas market, Orchard Centre and Market Place
Organised by Play2Give and Didcot Events this festive market takes place between 10am-3pm on Sunday 5 December. There will be 40+ stalls, entertainment from local performers, a small funfair and Santa!
Christmas parties and meals
Kids Christmas party, The Station Garden
This party, on Thursday 23 December at 3pm, includes a comedy magic show, balloon modelling and a Christmas disco. Tickets £5 per child. Pop into The Station Garden to purchase your tickets or call 01235 250251 to book.
Breakfast or afternoon tea with Santa, The Playroom, GWP district centre
Book for breakfast between 9.30-11.30am or afternoon tea 12.30-2.30pm on Saturday 4 or 18 December. Children £12.50, adults £4.50. The event promises food, fun and a meet and greet with Santa. Tickets available here.
Christmas Day lunch, Ladygrove Community Centre
Anna Gatrell is once again organising a free Christmas lunch for local people who will be on their own on Christmas Day. Held from 12 noon-4pm on Christmas Day, places must be booked in advance via 07789 428795.
Breakfast with Santa, The Ladygrove Generous George
Santa will be popping in to eat breakfast on Saturday 4, 11 and 18 December at 9am. If your child would like to join, tickets are £8. Depending on the date, this includes activities such as grotto making, tree decoration or writing a letter to Santa.
Fancy dress Christmas party, Civic Hall
Best suited to under 8s and their families, this party is on Saturday 27 November from 2.30-4.30pm. £3 per child. Includes party food, small bouncy castle, a pirate ship and Father Christmas. Parents should also bring a wrapped present for their child. Book via Edna Hemmins on 07802 181450.
Outdoor events
Christmas drive in movie, Boundary Park
Watch Elf the Movie or Polar Express from the comfort of your car from 4pm on Sunday 12 December. Tickets £18 per car per film, this includes headsets for up to 5 people. Organised by Secret Santa 365, purchase tickets via AV Events.
Ladygrove Residents Association ‘Santa stops here’, Didcot town football club
Father Christmas will be arriving on a magical sleigh on Sunday 19 December between 5-7pm and will hand out small goodies. This will be followed by carols from Ladygrove church. This is a free event although there will be some stalls selling mulled wine, hot drinks and a raffle.
Charity festive 5K run, Ladygrove Parkrun route
Join regular Parkrunners on Saturday 18 December at 9am and raise money for Play2Give and CoeliacUK. Adult cost is £8, under 16 years £6. This includes a Santa costume, certificate and medal. The regular Parkrun takes place at the same time and remains free. Register your interest here.
Steam into Christmas, Didcot Railway Centre
Take a steam train to meet Father Christmas. Lots of dates to choose from – 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 23 December. Gifts for all children and refreshments are included in the ticket price. Tickets cost between £19.35 and £21.50 and must be booked in advance. Buy them here.
St Andrew’s Christmas Tree Festival, East and West Hagbourne
Runs from Friday 10-Saturday 18 December. 150+ decorated Christmas trees in gardens around both Hagbournes and in St Andrew’s Church (open daily).
Music
Great Western Park church carol service, front of UTC
Sing traditional Christmas carols and hear the Christmas story retold on Saturday 4 December at 5pm. This is an outdoor event so wrap up warm. Mulled wine and mince pies available.
Christmas music with The Divas, Harwell Village Hall
An evening of Christmas music and carols at 7pm on Saturday 11 December. Free entrance. Mulled wine and mince pies available. Support Hearing Dogs for the Deaf with a donation during the evening.
Evening of Christmas music, Great Hall, Cholsey Meadows
This is a free concert by the Cholsey and Wallingford Concert Band and Cholsey Community Choir. Pop along on Monday 13 December for 7.30pm (doors open 7pm).
I hope you’ve found this list helpful. If you know of any other Christmas events in and around Didcot do leave a comment on this post – thanks!