Nicole Rahimi is in a celebratory mood when we meet to discuss this year’s Oxford Christmas Market and what she has in store for us over the record 17 day event, opening today.
Ready for its six week run on Broad Street, when thousands of visitors and locals alike throng to enjoy the spirit of Christmas, buy their presents, sip Gluhwein and get in a festive mood, Nicole is also celebrating the market’s 10th anniversary.
“although it’s something for the tourists to enjoy, first and foremost Oxford Christmas Market is for the locals and residents.”
With festive stalls, live music, hot food and drink and a Victorian carousel, Oxford Christmas Market will be open until until December 21
Boasting 60 stalls, housed in Nicola’s authentic trademark wooden chalets, it aims to replicate the Christmas markets that German-born Nicole enjoyed growing up.
“I wanted to create an Oxford tradition and an annual event like we have in Germany,” Nicole says, having lived in Oxford for 15 years now.
“And although it’s something for the tourists to enjoy, first and foremost Oxford Christmas Market is for the locals and residents.”
“Broad Street is the best location for a Christmas market in Oxford, and with a new lay out that incorporates the shops, restaurants and cafes there, we hope it will get everyone in a festive mood,” she says.
Traditional wooden stalls will be selling gifts, decorations, jewellery, art, pottery, confectionary and toiletries.
There will also be food and drink including Bratwurst, hog roast, crepes, chips, churros, hot chocolate and Gluhwein.
For children, the Victorian carousel will add a touch of magic and Father Christmas will be visiting on December 7, 8, 14, 15, and 21 between 12-4pm.
Live music will also be performed by local choirs and bands from Kidlington Brass Band to the City Of Oxford Silver Band.
“The music is so special and when I watch our visitors singing and dancing along, that’s when I know we’ve got it right,” Nicole says.
So how is she feeling to be celebrating their 10th anniversary? “Oxford Christmas Market has grown in both popularity and size over the years and is ideal for those wanting to soak up the fantastic festive ambience amongst our Oxford spires. So I’m very pleased. It has finally become what I’d always hoped for.”
Not that it’s been an easy project to get off the ground, but Nicole is pleased that the Christmas market is now an Oxford tradition and that people come back year after year to enjoy the market’s offerings, thanks to Oxford City Council’s support.
Oxford Christmas Market will run until December 21 from 10am to 8pm on Thursdays to Saturdays and 10am to 6.30pm on Sundays to Wednesdays.
Visit oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk for a full list of stalls and further information.
