Christmas Celebrations in Oxford 2026

Christmas is a wonderful time to bring colleagues and teams together, and Oxford offers an exceptional choice of settings for festive celebrations.

From historic college dining halls and iconic University buildings to museums and contemporary event spaces, Conference Oxford represents a wide range of venues suitable for Christmas parties, festive lunches and dinners, drinks receptions and end-of-year celebrations.

Whether you are planning an intimate dinner for a small team or a larger Christmas party, our free venue finding service can help you explore options across the University of Oxford.

For Christmas 2026, several of our member venues have also shared their festive packages and seasonal offers with us. Here are some of the options currently available.

Celebrate after hours at the Ashmolean Museum

For a Christmas celebration with a difference, the Ashmolean Museum offers the opportunity to celebrate among its world-class collections in the heart of Oxford.

Groups can choose from drinks receptions and festive dining in the museum’s historic galleries, or dinner at the Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace overlooking Oxford’s skyline. After parties are also available, with a DJ and event lighting included at no additional cost when an after party is added.

Find out more about Christmas at the Ashmolean Museum here. 

Christmas Party Nights at Oxford University Event Venues

OUEV is introducing something new for Christmas 2026, with Christmas Party Nights at the Examination Schools on 17, 18 and 19 December.

Ideal for smaller groups who would like the atmosphere of a larger celebration, the shared party nights include a three-course festive dinner followed by a DJ and dancing.

For groups looking for their own private celebration, OUEV also offers exclusive hire at the Examination Schools, Sheldonian Theatre, St Luke’s Chapel and University Club, with a range of flexible festive options.

Discover Christmas at Oxford University Event Venues here. 

Festive dining at Reuben College

Christmas celebrations at Reuben College take place within its newly refurbished, Grade II listed building.

Groups can choose the elegant Abbot’s Kitchen for festive lunches and dinners or the impressive Dining Hall for larger celebrations. Festive bookings are available from 30 November to 18 December 2026, with seasonal menus combining sustainable dining with a unique Oxford atmosphere.

Explore conferences and events at Reuben College here. 

Christmas celebrations at St Cross College

St Cross College offers festive dining for a variety of group sizes, from smaller gatherings to celebrations for 60 - 120 guests in its Dining Hall.

Two and three-course festive menus are available, with options including a cheese course, tea, coffee and mince pies. Groups can also add a drinks and canapé reception or arrange a standalone reception before continuing their evening in Oxford.

Festive bookings are available until 19 December 2026, with good availability currently remaining during the earlier weeks of December.

Discover St Cross College’s Christmas packages here. 

A historic Christmas at The Queen’s College

For a traditional Oxford setting, The Queen’s College is offering an exclusive use Christmas package in its historic Dining Hall for up to 140 guests.

Available from 9–17 December 2026, the package includes a three-course festive meal, tea and coffee, Christmas crackers and traditional festive table settings. Additional options include arrival drinks, wine, a cheese board, beer cellar hire and discounted ensuite accommodation.

Find out more about Christmas at The Queen’s College and their festive package here. 

Find the right Oxford venue for your Christmas celebration

These are just some of the festive packages currently being offered by Conference Oxford member venues for Christmas 2026.

Across our portfolio, there are many more venues that may be able to host Christmas parties, festive dinners, drinks receptions and end-of-year events, subject to availability.

If you’re planning a Christmas celebration in Oxford and aren’t sure where to start, we are here to help. Tell us what you’re looking for, including your preferred date, number of guests and type of celebration  and we can help identify suitable venues for your event.