It has been announced that Santa Claus will visit Oxford as part of continued Christmas festivities.
The city council said it has organised a weekend of "free festive fun" in the Covered Market where attendees will be able to grab breakfast with Saint Nick on Saturday and Sunday, November 18 and 19.
Santa Claus will be available 1pm on both days at Oxford's Victorian Christmas Market on Broad Street for the un-ticketed event.
READ MORE: Oxford Victorian Christmas Market returns November 16
He will also be at the central seating area of the Covered Market on Saturday to "eat breakfast and chat to children (young and old)" from 9.30am to 11.30am.
Councillor Susan Brown, cabinet member for inclusive economy and partnerships said: “The Covered Market always seems even more magical in the run up to Christmas, so we’re excited to kick off the season with this free, family-friendly, festive weekend.”
Other events over the weekend will include an interactive "fantasy-filled" tour of the market, festive crafts with The Market Tap by Tap Social and balloon modelling.
Join us for a weekend of FREE festive fun in Oxford's markets during Oxford Christmas Lights Festival 🎅🌟
— Oxford City Council (@OxfordCity) November 13, 2023
You can enjoy a meet-and-greet with Santa, an interactive tour of the market, and more! 🎉Festivities will then continue at this event in town https://t.co/YRUuAYaGcy pic.twitter.com/cM5NoAn91i
Children will be able to write, decorate, and post letters to Santa in a special North Pole mailbox from 10am to noon where there might be a surprise appearance from the man himself.
The council has said there will be no opportunity for a formal picture opportunity on Saturday as "Santa has left his reindeer at home in the grotto" and that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
It added that balloon models on Sunday are not guaranteed, but families will be able to watch and participate in activities.
There will also be an interactive walking tour of the market with WhatNot Theatre for 'Save the North Star' where "families can expect festive frivolity, magic, and high jinx as they hunt amongst the nooks and crannies of the Covered Market to rescue the fallen light of the North Star in time for the eve of Christmas".
Tap Social marketing manager Brian Spencer, added: “We're delighted to help kids create their letters to Santa on Sunday morning.
"It's been so fun engaging with families during our weekly Crafty Kids Do Sunday's activities, and we look forward to making this particular session a special one - especially with a surprise guest possibly making an appearance."
Oxford City Council has partnered with the Covered Market, Tap Social, Wild Boor and LSD Promotions to bring the festivities of the weekend to the city centre.
The Oxford Victorian Christmas Market will return on Broad Street this Thursday and will run until Sunday, featuring Victorian attire, street food and entertainment, Christmas gifts, festive spirit, a live DJ compere and a Victorian stilt man.
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