It's the perfect start to the festive season, and this time The Oxford Times will be part of the action.

The Oxford Castle Christmas Market opens on Friday and thousands of people are expected to flock to the two-week event.

This year The Oxford Times will have one of the stalls and will be handing out free cups of hot chocolate and selling copies of the newspaper and our sister paper, the Oxford Mail.

The organisers say they expect the German-style event to be even busier than last year.

Margaret Marsh, newspaper sales manager of Newsquest Oxfordshire, said: “We’re really excited to be taking part.

“The market was a great success last year and should be even better this year.

“It’s a great way to kick off the festive season and visitors will have the chance to pick up some great Christmas presents.

“As well as that, they can enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate and pick up their copy of the Oxford Mail.”

Last year, more than 15,000 people headed to the Oxford Castle complex for an 11-day market, with more than 30 stalls offering a host of handicrafts.

Foods on sale will include bratwurst sausage and Gluhwein from Hamburg and gingerbread and pastries from a German baker.

Bands and choirs from Oxfordshire will perform in the fairground area, which will feature a Victorian carousel and stalls will offer a huge array of gift ideas. Santa will also pay a visit to meet children.

Market organiser Nicole Rahimi 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.”

Each year the market offers local charities a free stall and this year Pathway Workshop and Against Breast Cancer will be sharing it.

  • The market runs from Friday until Sunday, December 12, and is open from 10am to 6pm, from Sunday to Wednesday and from 10am to 8pm, from Thursday to Saturday.

For more details, see oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk