Want to get away from the Christmas crush in crowded high streets? Then why not try looking for individual gifts in one of Oxfordshire's historic market towns.

Woodstock's individual shops and galleries always have beautiful Christmas offerings - for instance, Iona House Gallery's Winter Exhibition runs throughout December (until January 17) and features several different artists, including Jan Coutts, who paints zebras and cheetahs in mixed media, Daniel Ablitt who paints people in snow and woods, and Jane Vaux who paints landscapes of Woodstock, Blenheim and Oxford.

Continuing the art theme, Creative Art Gallery has a special exhibition of original etchings by renowned British artist David Hockney on the Grimm's fairy tales.

Hockney was an important contributor to the Pop Art movement of the 1960s and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The exhibition runs until Sunday, December 20.

Other highlights include a selling exhibition from December 21 - 24 at Heritage Antiques, run by internationally renowned Staffordshire pottery dealer John Howard, where mulled wine and mince pies will be served.

Woodstock Arts and Antiques will showcase A Christmas Box, displaying a range of interesting antique boxes including jewellery boxes, writing boxes, dressing boxes, tea caddies, sewing boxes, enamel trinket boxes and snuff boxes, etc, in a range of materials, including wood, silver, ceramic and tortoise shell.

Blenheim Palace welcomes visitors to enjoy Christmas Nostalgia - Toys, Treats and Treasures until December 13, (Wednesday to Sunday) inclusive.

You are sure to find gifts for those hard-to-buy-for friends and family at one of Woodstock's many individual shops.

This month Woodstock sees the opening of Hope House, the ancestral home to the Money family, which offers luxurious, extremely spacious boutique B&B accommodation in suites within a beautiful historic listed building in the heart of Woodstock.

One of two grand houses in Woodstock designed in Vanbrughan style, it is easy to understand why Hope House has been described as a sister property to Blenheim Palace.

If it is a bite to eat you are after, you can enjoy delicious festive menus at Woodstock's famous inns - The Feathers, The Bear, or The Kings Arms.

The Bear will hold special jazz nights on December 3 and 17, including Champagne on arrival, meal and live entertainment.

With prices starting at £36, dependent on menu choice, guests will enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival from 7.30pm, a three-course festive menu, live music and all this in an environment set up for Christmas with decorations and Christmas novelties.