Oxford’s Covered Market is marking an extra-special milestone - its 250th Christmas – and the city council has organised a programme of special festive events.   

As part of the Christmas Lights Festival, Santa was back in the market’s central square on Saturday.

The countdown to Christmas has started, and there will be some late-night shopping in the historic market on Friday, November 29.

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More than 30 traders have already committed to staying open until 9pm, offering a wide selection of artisan gifts, decorations and produce.

Once shoppers have filled their bags, they can sit back and enjoy a tipple of their choice from one of the market’s bars. 

(Image: Ed Nix) Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: "For two and a half centuries, the Covered Market has been at the heart of Oxford's festivities, evolving from simple provisions to unique gifts and now the vibrant experience we know and expect today.  

“This year, as we come to the end of its special anniversary year, I'm pleased to see a festive programme that honours the magic of the market’s past and present, and looks to its future." 

The market recently launched the final in its series of special edition posters marking the historic year.

The Christmas poster features market scenes from Christmases past, bringing a festive feel to the special design.

(Image: Ed Nix) The council, the market landlord, has worked with local designer Bigtop Design on the series and residents will be able to see the final version in bus stops and poster sites around the city.    

This year the market's traditional Christmas tree also becomes a Christmas wish tree.

People will be able to write their wishes for the next 250 years of the market and tie them to the tree. 

(Image: Ed Nix) Council staff will round off this special year by celebrating the market's official birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony.

Event details will be available on the Covered Market and Oxford City Council social media channels. 

More information about the Covered Market’s Christmas programme is available on the market's website oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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