The year is wrapping up, and we’re ready for the magic, let’s talk about Christmas! Castle Quay is transforming into Banbury’s ultimate winter destination, packed with seasonal events, creative workshops, and plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, and be merry.
Here is your essential guide to what’s on across the centre this festive season:
Castle Quay’s Christmas Express
All aboard, believers! This year, your festive shopping trip transforms into a magical journey to the North Pole as the Christmas Express steams into Castle Quay! This dedicated programme is packed with interactive fun for the whole family (including the dog!).
- Christmas Express Passport Trail: Ready for an adventure? Grab your passport from the customer service desk between 1st December and 20th December. Collect stamps by joining our exciting events and visiting participating retailers for your chance to enter our brilliant prize draws!
- Pooch Passport Trail: Don’t leave your furry friend at home! Dogs can collect stamps too for a delicious North Pole treat just for them.
- Festive Events Schedule: Join us for these special one-off activities:
- Christmas Express Workshop: Join us for storytelling, crafting, and fun! (Saturday 6th December, 11 am – 4 pm)
- Santa visits his Magical Hideaway: Meet Santa himself and receive a special gift! (Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December, 11 am – 4 pm)
- Winter Treats Station: Enjoy FREE mini children’s hot chocolates and cookies served by our spectacular chefs on stilts! (Saturday 20th December, 11 am – 3 pm)
It’s going to be a Christmas packed with wonder, new memories, and fun for the whole family right here at Castle Quay!
The Light Cinema: Festive Film & Fun
The Light is more than just a cinema; it’s a hub for festive fun this Christmas season, offering great value and creative sessions:
- The Polar Express Pyjama Party: Get your Golden Ticket! As part of the wider Christmas Express festivities, snuggle up in your cosiest pyjamas for a special screening of The Polar Express. Every child will receive their own Golden Ticket and a chocolate treat to make the magical journey even sweeter. (Showing on various dates in December, check the cinema schedule for times!)
- Christmas Crafting Sessions: Join in for FREE family-friendly Christmas crafting every weekend in December leading up to Christmas, usually from 11 am to 3 pm. You can also participate in specific workshops like Christmas Bauble-Making on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November, to create unique decorations.
- Wreath-Making Workshop: Get creative with a dedicated workshop on Thursday 4th December to craft a beautiful festive wreath.
- Sip’n’Paint: For the adults, check out the Brush Party event on Monday 24th November where you can sip on a drink and create a festive masterpiece like a ‘Snow Globe’, no experience necessary!
- Love Wednesdays: Catch an unmissable film and enjoy a delicious pizza for just £15.99, the perfect mid-week festive date night escape.
Host Your Christmas Party at The Light!
Looking for a unique venue for your Christmas party? The Light offers bespoke packages for all sizes of celebrations, from corporate events to social gatherings.
Visit The Light, Banbury, to book for more information about events and Christmas parties.
Lock29: Markets, Music & Merriment
The independent food and leisure hub at Lock29 is the place to be for local finds and a great festive atmosphere:
- Live Festive Music: Enjoy the sound of the season with live performances, including the Rock Choir at Lock29 on Saturday 13th December, filling the venue with festive cheer. Look out for acoustic sets from local musicians like Frazer Lepford and Leigh Chambers as well on various Saturdays in December.
- Foodie Fun: Grab incredible global food from the local traders from Curry Corner and Sushi Me to Smash Cow burgers, and enjoy a craft beer or cocktail from Tap Social.
Banbury Museum: Holiday History & Crafts
Banbury Museum has a selection of hands-on activities perfect for younger visitors during the Christmas holidays:
- Make a Christmas Lantern: Get crafty with this workshop on Tuesday 23rd December and create a beautiful light-up decoration to take home.
- Mask Making & Fossil Dig: An engaging session on Tuesday 20th December combining creative mask-making with an exciting fossil dig activity, perfect for inquisitive minds.
With shopping, dining, and endless events happening right up to the New Year, Castle Quay is your destination for making magical Christmas memories.
For the latest updates and all event booking links, be sure to explore our new website and follow us on social meda!
We look forward to celebrating with you!