In spite of the damp weather, the city was once again filled with festive cheer as Oxford’s annual Victorian Christmas Market got underway.

The festive event opened this morning (November 17) and by the early afternoon stallholders were busy as customers bustled about buying food, drink and Christmas gifts.

It takes place every year in Broad Street with traders dressed in traditional Victorian outfits, including top hats, bonnets and pinafores.

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Oxford Mail: Stallholders dress in Victorian outfits Stallholders dress in Victorian outfits (Image: Newsquest)

Alongside artisan traders and independent businesses, the market features entertainment and a programme of performances.

Father Christmas himself was even there shaking a bell, taking selfies with people and wishing shoppers a Merry Christmas.

Despite the cost-of-living crisis and the impacts of people’s spending traders are hopeful customers will brave the chilly weather for a day out in the city.  

Oxford Mail: The market was busy by the early afternoon The market was busy by the early afternoon (Image: Newsquest)

Mo Khalid of The Continental Bakery believes people will still come out Christmas shopping, which is why his business has set up shop at the market this year.

When asked what the bakery’s biggest seller is, the 33-year-old democratically said “everything” – as the crowds are different everyday and so the favourite of the day varies.

Oxford Mail: Father Christmas even made an appearance Father Christmas even made an appearance (Image: Newsquest)

Ryan Jepson, of Ryan Jepson Cheeses, was also confident people would put their hand in their pocket for a tasty slice of the dairy product.

“Cheese is a luxury but it is an affordable luxury,” he explained.

42-year-old Mr Jepson added that while people are cutting back on the “larger things” they could still buy some nice cheese, as they can eat it on a Saturday night in the house instead of going out to a restaurant.

Oxford Mail: Ryan Jepson with his cheese stall Ryan Jepson with his cheese stall (Image: Newsquest)

Emma Ginnett of Little Pricks – a plant stall – sees plants as a “quite gifty” present and so she is optimistic about the upcoming shopping season.

The 32-year-old won trader of the year at last year’s market and so she has not had to pay for stall this year, reducing the cost impacts before she starts selling.

Oxford Mail: Emma Ginnett with her plant stall Emma Ginnett with her plant stall (Image: Newsquest)

The Oxford Victorian Christmas Market takes place from November 17 to 20.

It is open from 10am to 5pm.

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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