Family
Family events in Banburyshire
A free summer show in the park, the Christmas lights in front of the Town Hall, and a home-made pantomime in Chipping Norton. Three dates a family can plan a year around, and two of them cost nothing.
Next 30 days
Next 30 days
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Family
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Family
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Family
Nothing is on in the next 30 days.
Later this year
Three family events anchor the year: one in June, one at the end of November, and one that runs from November into the new year. Two are free and in Banbury. The third is the pantomime in Chipping Norton, the one to book ahead.
In summer: the Banbury Show
The Banbury Show is the town council's free day out in Spiceball Country Park, on a Saturday in mid-June. It is built around a main arena whose headline acts change each year. In recent years they have included camels, BMX stunt riders, a falconry display and a strongman. Around that are a live music stage, fairground rides, balloon modelling, face painting and food stalls. Entry is free, but expect to pay for rides and food. Spiceball also has a play area and skate ramps, which will fill any gap in the arena programme.
At the end of November: the lights
The Christmas lights switch-on happens in front of the Town Hall on the last Sunday of November, so the lights are up for all of December. It is free. Music and funfair rides run through the day, Father Christmas opens the event, and the lights come on at about 5pm with fireworks straight after. It suits families with children most, and the last hour is the one to come for. The council warns it gets busy, so come early if you have small children. Banbury BID's Winter Market runs alongside it.
Over winter: the pantomime
The Chipping Norton pantomime is the small theatre's own, with an original script and music, and has run for decades. It runs for about two months each winter with a new title every year: this winter it is The Snow Queen, from 18 November to 17 January, and most days have two performances. Prices fall into off-peak, standard and peak bands, and peak weeks go first, so book early if you need Christmas week. A weekday in term is the off-peak choice. The theatre offers relaxed performances and a visual story for first-time visitors, and pushchairs are stored by staff. If you want a meal before, the Chequers welcomes families, but Alberto's has no room for a pushchair.
Other events that suit children
The Banbury Canal Festival in early October suits families, with funfair rides, a theatre stage and boat rides. The Michaelmas Fair later in October is a funfair through the streets. Fairport's Cropredy Convention calls itself family friendly, with a children's tent, though it is a long weekend for a small child. Upton House runs a family trail at Christmas, included with admission (mid-November to early January, closed 25 and 26 December), and Sulgrave Manor runs free house and garden trails and activities in school holidays once it reopens in March.
What is missing
Our list has little for the spring or for the school summer holidays. Between the Banbury Show and October, plan around places rather than events: Burton Dassett Hills has room to run, and a day with children gives a free day in Banbury on foot, with a plan for rain.
Three dates, and the places around them
The events, the theatre, the park and a free day on foot.
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Banbury Show
Event · Spiceball Country Park, Banbury ·
Banbury Town Council's free one-day show in Spiceball Country Park, on a Saturday in mid-June, 10am to 5pm: arena acts, local music, fairground rides and stalls. The last was on 13 June 2026. The 2027 date is to be confirmed: the pattern points to Saturday 12 June 2027.
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Banbury Christmas Lights Switch On
Event · In front of the Town Hall, Bridge Street, Banbury ·
Banbury's free Christmas lights switch-on, on Sunday 29 November 2026 in front of the Town Hall: music and rides from 11am, the lights at about 5pm, then fireworks and a headline act until 6pm. The Winter Market runs alongside it.
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Chipping Norton Pantomime
Event · The Theatre, 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton
The small theatre's own traditional pantomime, with an original script and music, runs for two months every winter. This season's is The Snow Queen, from 18 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, with tickets from £18 to £46.
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Chipping Norton Theatre
Family days out · Chipping Norton
A theatre in a former Salvation Army citadel in Chipping Norton, known for its long-running family pantomime, with films and other shows through the year. The Snow Queen runs from 18 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
Family-friendly · Rainy days
Verified Nov 2026
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Spiceball Country Park, Banbury
Sight · Common or park · Banbury
Banbury's largest park, 26 acres split by the River Cherwell with the Oxford Canal along one edge: play area and skate ramps on the town side, woodland walks and nature trails across the wooden bridges. Free, with free parking on Grimsbury Green.
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Banbury Canal Festival
Event · Oxford Canal, Banbury town centre ·
A free two-day festival on the Oxford Canal through the middle of Banbury, usually on the first weekend of October, with Tooley's Boatyard at its heart. The last was on 3 and 4 October 2026, 11am to 5pm. The 2027 date is to be confirmed: 2 and 3 October 2027 if the pattern holds.
Before you go
- Free or not
- The Banbury Show and the lights are free to enter. Expect to pay for rides and food.
- Book
- The pantomime sells peak dates first. The two Banbury events need no ticket.
- Pushchairs
- Staff at Chipping Norton Theatre store them, since they are not allowed inside.
- Crowds
- The council warns that the Christmas lights get busy. Come early with small children.
Family dates, once a month
School holiday events and pantomime on-sale dates, about once a month.
Questions
When is the Banbury Show?
On a Saturday in mid-June, in Spiceball Country Park, and it is free. The event page has the next date when the council publishes it.
When are the Banbury Christmas lights switched on?
On the last Sunday of November, in front of the Town Hall. The lights come on at about 5pm, followed by fireworks. The event page has the details.
Is there a pantomime near Banbury?
Yes, at Chipping Norton Theatre, about two months each winter, written and made by the theatre itself. Book early for Christmas week, as peak dates go first.
Are there relaxed performances at Chipping Norton?
Yes, the theatre offers relaxed performances, and a visual story for first-time visitors. The listing has the details.
What else is on for families near Banbury?
The Banbury Canal Festival in early October has boat rides and a theatre stage, and the Michaelmas Fair follows it. Sulgrave Manor runs trails and activities in school holidays while it is open, and it reopens in March.