Get into the true spirit of the season and choose traditional gifts at Oxford’s Christmas Market.

For many of us, the thought of Christmas shopping fills the heart with dread. Battling your way through crowds of desperate festive shoppers in department stores full of generic gifts that never quite seem appropriate. Spending far too much money on mass-produced tat that is likely to end up in a charity shop or the bin by the end of January.

While it may seem like this is the only way to tackle the challenge of buying Christmas gifts for your nearest and dearest, some nations have really managed to keep hold of the magical traditions Christmas inspires.

The famous German Christmas markets are the perfect example, and this year the German-style Oxford Christmas Market will be returning to the city for 17 days from November 26 to December 12.

With the sound of choirs singing Christmas carols, market traders offering unusual and handmade gifts, colourful decorations brightening bespoke wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air, you can stay in Oxford and experience the wonderful delights of a traditonal Christmas market.

The Oxford Christmas Market will spread across the entire Oxford Castle complex, with up to 50 stalls all offering all manner of beautiful and original gifts. There will also be a Victorian carousel and Santa himself on hand to entertain the children.

Among the stalls you will find Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans who will offer hand-made nativity scenes; Bagsy, where you will find a unique selection of leather handbags, wallets, purses and leather gloves, Our Little Bears, whose stall will be filed with a wonderful range of high-quality, educational, wooden toys and gifts, and Crystal Tales, who offer crystal jewellery and cascades made with Swarovski crystals.

Other wares on offer will include hand-made Christmas decorations, lacquered wood plates and vases, and soaps, ceramics, woollen hats and scarves, bottle stoppers and cufflinks, to name but a few.

The Oxford Christmas Market also continues to support local charities by offering a free stall to enable the charities to raise valuable funds for their good causes. This year both Pathway Workshop and Against Breast Cancer will be sharing a stall throughout the duration of the market.

Sample hot Glühwein and cider, indulge in hot roasted nuts, Christmas biscuits and gingerbread and take home delicious gourmet fudge, liquorice and liqueurs, cheeses, chilli sauces, and chutneys. Find truly original Christmas gifts that will be devoured with relish!

Nicole Rahimi, organiser of the market, said: “I can't wait to see it all coming to life again this year. Last year, many visitors mentioned how enchanting and festive the atmosphere was and how wonderful it was to have a Christmas Market in Oxford.”

The spirit of Christmas will come alive at the Oxford Christmas Market, transforming the historic Oxford Castle site into a wonderland of festive joy, so this year make your Christmas shopping a pleasure rather than a chore.

The market runs at Oxford Castle from November 25 to December 12, Thursday to Saturday 10.00am - 8.00pm, Sunday to Wednesday 10.00am - 6.00pm