Oswestry is a bustling market town that knows how to celebrate Christmas! There are some great events this December that are sure to spark the festive spirit.
The season begins with the light switch on the Bailey Head – a heart-warming showcase of local talent with schools and groups performing prior to the big switch on. The Christmas countdown continues with ‘Christmas Live’ with rides, late night markets, music, and fireworks, the ‘Christmas Parade,’ with its fantastic float procession through our historic streets, and a ‘Santa Run,’ where you can watch the many Santa’s spreading the Christmas joy and helping to raise money for local charities.
Christmas Switch On. Thursday 16th November. Bailey Head, 4pm to 7pm.
Oswestry Town Council’s ‘Christmas Lights Switch On’ takes place on the 16th of November and promises to be a special evening. The fun starts at 4pm with performances from local schools, colleges, dance, and drama groups. There will be special characters, choirs, food, and stalls and once the lights come on, local teenage bands Public Rest Room and Small Furry Animals will perform to finish the evening. The lights will be switched on at around 6.30pm. There may even be a special visit from Santa Claus!
‘Christmas Live’ Fair & Market. Friday 1st December. Oswestry Town Centre, 5pm to 10pm
For one night only! Visit Oswestry for one of the largest and most spectacular, night-time Christmas events in Shropshire. Oswestry town centre is turned into a festival of fun with huge amusement rides, curling alley, indoor and street markets, Porthywaen Silver Band, street food and late-night shopping. The Bailey Head market square will be ready to rock with live music from local artists Craig Harding and The Bartells and Father Christmas will be in his grotto at the indoor market for Hope House. As the evening draws to a close, there will also be quiet fireworks at around 9.15pm from the town’s Cae Glas Park.
Oswestry Town Mayor, Councillor Olly Rose, will have free rides at Festival Square with donations welcome to her charity fund, which will be distributed between Os Nosh and Oswestry Food Bank. The fun starts at 5pm.
Christmas Parade. Saturday 2nd December. Oswestry Town Centre, 11am.
It is Christmas Parade Day on Saturday 2nd December and there is a carnival atmosphere in Oswestry’s town centre. Oswestry Borderland Rotary organises a fantastic procession throughout the town centre of everything from vintage trucks to the biggest Christmas themed floats. Be there early to be sure of a good spot – you might get lucky and catch some of the sweet treats from the floats. All monies raised will be donated to local charities. The parade starts at 11am.
It’s market day in Oswestry too, so bring your Christmas shopping list and stay on to browse the indoor and outdoor market stalls.
Christmas 5K Santa Run. Sunday 3rd December. Festival Square, 9am.
On Sunday, 3rd December, Adrenaline Sports holds a festive, family Santa run through the streets of Oswestry. Watch the many Santa’s spreading the Christmas joy and helping to raise money for local charities. Book ahead with https://www.adrenalinesportingevents.co.uk.
Christmas Shopping & Markets. Christmas Artisan Market. Friday, 22nd December.
Oswestry has a thriving high street with street and indoor markets. With its bustling market atmosphere and charming alleys, Oswestry is the perfect destination for browsing award-winning independent shops and market stalls. There is no better day to get that market feel than at December’s Artisan Market on Friday December 22nd. It is an extra special market with Christmas gifts, crafts, and lovely festive food producers. There will be late night opening and live music at the indoor market too. In the run up to Christmas, Oswestry’s indoor market will be open every day from the 18th to the 23rd of December.
December Weekend Free Parking in all Oswestry Town Council Car Parks up to Christmas
Oswestry Town Council is offering free parking at all Town Council carparks, which are Central, Horsemarket and Smithfield carparks during December weekends in the run up to Christmas. These dates are 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd & 24th of December. Please note this does not include Shropshire Council carparks.
Remember Oswestry town centre bus services are also free every Saturday.
