It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas in Oxford

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Once upon a time, there was a beautiful little village in the heart of the English countryside called Bicester Village near Oxford. Made up of delightful stores akin to gingerbread houses, running down a fantasy brick road; each of the stores held magical Christmas gifts for all. As the festive season came into view all the people gathered there to be part of the holiday spirit

A Storybook Christmas, a festive wonderland, brought to life against the backdrop of the Oxfordshire countryside, could a place be more magical? This sparkling story has become a timeless tale of celebration, warmth and festive spirit; twinkling lights, snow cannons, and live performances by carol singers and gospel choirs.

They are first getting dressed up for Christmas. Whether it be morning afternoon or evening this magical setting had every outfit for every festive occasion, for every person in the family. All the visitors to this special magical kingdom got the opportunity to put their best foot forward for the social season after a day out of shopping for cut-price designer goodies.

Then it was time to wander the streets in search of beautiful designer bargains for all their loved ones, yet gifts of Christmas also involved presents for themselves. Especially in the wonderland as the extraordinary Sale, had up to 70% off the original retail price in boutiques across the Village.

Next up, as it is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, a staple at Bicester Village, Polo Ralph Lauren provided the perfect gift selection and a statement tree sat beautifully in the window display to support exclusive holiday-themed collections.

Everyone in this Christmas story at the village had an array of designers to shop from including Alexander McQueen, AllSaints, Balenciaga, Bally, Balmain, Breitling, Brunello Cucinelli, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Céline, CH Carolina Herrera, Acne Studios, Givenchy, Gucci, Paul Smith, Penhaligon’s Max Mara, Michael Kors, Missoni, Molton Brown, KARL LAGERFELD, Kate Spade new york, KENZO, Roger Vivier, Rolex, Rupert Sanderson and that was only a fraction. Browse all boutiques

Some old friends and new faces joined in the party this year’s tale. CREED the world-renowned perfume house. BYREDO with its luxurious scents skincare, and beauty products finds. PAIGE DENIM helps you find the perfect, premium denim pieces. For those on the treadmill ON RUNNING will be there, or if travelling TUMI Luggage is on hand not just to pack your clothes bought but all the gorgeous presents as well. And finally, CHARLOTTE TILBURY returned permanently with those perfect beauty stocking fillers.

Those last-minute gifts and experiences were on offer so all the people went off through the village it was ‘shops ahoy’, but in this fairy tale, they got to rest and eat too experiencing ‘The Taste of Christmas’.

After all, what is a story without putting your feet up and eating something decedent? The starting part of the story was with a cocktail. Getting ski season ready with the Grey Goose x Farmshop Alpine terrace serving the perfect après

But worry not listed in this fairytale are other options for those not into cocktails. What about a sausage roll? The debut pop-up from the famous Cotswold Guy offered delicious, locally sourced sweet and savoury treats, warming the hearts of many.

Family and friends indulged with the Ottolenghi Christmas Hamper that provided the ultimate feast covering all bases from cakes, spices and cocktails. Paired with the newest book ‘Comfort’ from Yotam Ottolenghi with every copy in the shop signed by Yotam himself. It was as if the Father Christmas of food no less was actually with them.

Maybe because it’s this festive tale everyone expected chocolate. Worry not chocolate was a-plenty. The first-ever Lindt Chocolate Bar opened its doors in the Bicester Village mall for the perfect sweet treat. Chocolate-drizzled profiteroles over at the Cecconi’s Piaggio which were accompanied by freshly barista-made coffee.

But before the shopping and present joy began, many of the families decided to visit the Village Workshop. A one-stop shop for seasonal must-haves, with Coralie Bickford-Smith’s custom illustrations for the campaign bringing the space to life. Guests were able to purchase Bicester Village greeting cards, wrapping paper, free personalised ribbon and customisable Santa sacks. A host of talented makers shared their unique style in the Village, with artists lined up who took over the space each week, and personalised guests’ purchases.

Having already booked in for some fun events the children parents grandparents uncles aunties and friends choose from amazing activities including

2–8 DECEMBER: Illyboo Designs – exquisite baubles with a hand-painted name of your choice at no extra cost.

9–15 DECEMBER: The Lost Girls – a curated selection of napkins,stockings and ribbon with complimentary personalised embroidery.

16–22 DECEMBER: Illyboo Designs – complimentary calligraphy on name cards, gift tags and greetings cards.

Now all the families had sent their Christmas wishes via the villages’ festive Letters for Santa. Every guest who posted a letter, with a donation of £1 per letter which went to the fairytale village DO GOOD charities, received a personal reply from Santa himself.

Do you feel like you missed the Christmas fairytale? Worry not it is alive and swinging at Bicester Village from 7 November 2024 until 1 January 2025. With all the options of shopping eating fun music and crafting, the magical space speaks to everyone. Bicester Village is the definitive place in which to find those major presents as well as last-minute gifts and experiences; as well as a great day out for a fun festive frolic.

Village hours 09:00 – 21:00 Bicester Village, Bicester Village 50 Pingle Drive Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 6WD, find out all the information you need here at thebicestercollection.com and information on visiting is Here

If you enjoyed reading It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas in Oxford why not read Soundtrack To Revolutionary Cinema Here

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