This archival cartoon from Daily Info’s former resident cartoonist, Mary Potter, gives us a pictorial look at some of Oxford’s Yuletide traditions, from the well-known to the more obscure. Christ Church Cathedral’s Carol Service and Midnight Mass at St. Mary’s Church are always highlights of the Oxford Christmas Calendar, but traditions such as Queen’s College’s Boar’s Head Gaudy are a bit more niche (legend has it a student fended off a boar armed with nothing but the works of Aristotle; we’ve all been there).
That’s not the only pastime pictured that continues to this day - Victorians lacing up their skates and hitting the ice at Port Meadow set off a trend that eventually led to the establishment of the Oxford Ice Skating Club (find out more on the OXIST website). And Oxford shoppers ready to drop is certainly a seasonal sight that’s not going away anytime soon…
Welcome to Daily Info’s 2023 Advent Calendar – 24 days of festive tips, free activities & local shopping suggestions!
This year's calendar offers a mix of Christmas suggestions, taking in traditions in Oxford and the wider area, and free activities & events in the build up to the big day.
