CHRISTMAS magic will sparkle in Oxford as the city’s festive market opens today.

About 100,000 people from across the county are expected to flock to Broad Street for the 10-day Christmas celebration.

More than 40 retailers will fill the city centre street with festive treats, gifts and warming refreshments from 10am today.

Sarah Wearden, owner of Cowley Road’s fair trade store Indigo, will offer visitors a host of her ethical knitted items including scarves and rugs.

Our top stories

She said: “It’s a really magical time of the year and it’s good if we can come together with family and friends and celebrate.

“Any ties with family at Christmas is important and anything that helps get people in the Christmas spirit and takes the stress out of this time of the year.”

It is the fifth year organiser Nicole Rahimi has brought the event to the city after being inspired by her native Germany.

The mother-of-two from Iffley said: “It really did get you in the festive mood.”

Last year Millie Barr, of Exotic Coffee Roasters, sold 1,000 bags of her freshly roasted Oxford blend coffee beans during the Christmas market festivities.

The mother-of-one from Summertown said: “People get to know who you are and it’s great.’’

Brass bands, school choirs and theatre groups will also spread the cheer with entertainment throughout the market event.

The market will be open from 10am to 7pm from Sunday to Wednesday, then from 10am to 8pm from next Thursday to Saturday, December 21, and until 6pm on the last day, Sunday, December 21. For more information visit oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.