Walkin’ in an Oxford Wonderland

Winter scenic photo of Uptown Oxford businesses

The best ways to enjoy Oxford, Ohio this winter!

As winter arrives, Oxford transforms into a cozy small-town destination. Gather your loved ones to discover tons of fun for all ages that makes time spent together extra special. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean enjoying nature is out of reach. Take in the natural beauty of Oxford with scenic winter hikes along the paved Oxford Area Trails. Warm up with a nice hot cup of joe or a spiked hot DORA beverage while you’re shopping along High Street, or chill out in the Uptown garden igloos. Hate the cold? Meet winter halfway with a night out at Goggin Ice Center and save the date for Chocolate Meltdown.

Winter Events

A red and white striped wayfinding pole of event directions

Holiday Walk | Dec. 5th, 2025

Get ready for the ultimate holiday weekend in Oxford, OH! Join us for a dazzling business storefront Holiday Window Decoration contest. Vote on your favorite decorated window each day to win fantastic prizes up for grabs for businesses and the community.

Holiday Festival | Dec. 6th, 2025

Visit the Oxford Community Arts Center for the first half of the Holiday Festival! Knock out your holiday shopping list at the Artisan Holiday Craft Market by the Talawanda Band Boosters. Then have some family fun at the Kids Kraft Korner with winter-themed activities.

At the second half of Holiday Festival, experience the enchantment of Uptown, Oxford as it transforms into a winter wonderland! Santa is planned to arrive on a horse and carriage to light up the town. Afterwards, get ready to sing along with live music next to fire barrels, play reindeer games, and savor the warmth of hot cocoa inside a garden igloo as you take in the small town holiday charm.

Chef and guests at chocolate fountain.
Chocolate Meltdown

Chocolate Meltdown

Calling all chocolate lovers! Save the date for this ‘sweet’ event, Chocolate Meltdown, scheduled for January 11th, 2025! This event is held at the Oxford Community Arts Center and is free to attend, but you don’t want to miss out on the tasting tickets to try a wide variety of local chocolate confections. Visit our Chocolate Meltdown blog for more details.

Maple syrup sales at sugar shack.

Maple Syrup Festival

Come join us at one of Oxford’s most beloved winter events on March 7 & 8th, 2025, and March 14th & 15th, 2025. The Hueston Woods Maple Syrup Festival is hosted on the grounds of Ohio’s beautiful Hueston Woods State Park, just a 10-minute drive from the center of Oxford. Each year the Maple Syrup Festival is held the first two weekends in March, and offering free hay-ride tours, Nature Center programming, and of course… pancakes at the lodge.

Winter Things to Do in Oxford, OH

All things fun to do indoors and outdoors to enjoy your wintertime. Mark off your winter to-do list in Oxford, Ohio with holiday tree sales, small business shopping, chill in the garden domes Uptown under the lights, try the best spots for a cup of hot cocoa, and more.

The Oxford Memorial Park pavilion with snow covered pine trees for sale

Lions Club Tree Sales at Uptown Park

Find the perfect live tree at the Oxford Memorial Park until December 23rd (or until sold out!), provided by the Oxford Lion’s Club. Make this a magical experience, or a new winter tradition with your loved ones. Happy tree hunting!

The BEST Shop Small Town

When you shop locally, you support a dream! Grab a friend or two and browse Oxford’s unique local restaurants and businesses around town to show your support for the Oxford community.

A group of friends wearing antler headbands sit inside a garden igloo on a picnic table with hot cocoa
Uptown Winter Night Life

Uptown Garden Domes

The garden domes located around Uptown parks are the perfect place to ‘chill out’ with friends while sipping on a hot toddy DORA drink. Cheers!

Cozy Drinks at Coffee Shops

Warm up your bones with delicious, hot, specialty winter brews at local coffee shops. Grab a classic hot cocoa, or try something new on the menu! Townie TIP: Grab your hot drink to-go and explore Uptown with DORA.

Two people looking at a table of Oxford Farmers Market items

Weekly Farmers Market

Support the local Oxford Farmers Market at the corner of Main & Church Street every Saturday from 9:00 am – Noon for fresh produce, meat, baked goods, flowers, and more from various local vendors. Maybe you’ll see a local favorite food truck while you’re there!

Tuesday Pub Runs

Looking for a group run in Oxford? Join the local Pub Run every Tuesday at 5:30 pm under the arches at Enjoy Oxford (14 W. Park Place), rain or shine… unless it’s storming or icy conditions.  Sign in to the Pub Run group chat for real-time updates and questions.

Kids sledding together in the snow.
Sledding at Peffer Park

Sledding at Peffer Park

Snow day? Bundle up, grab a sled… or trash can lid, and head over to Peffer Park for some epic sledding action! Townie TIP: Sled down the side of the baseball fence to get some air!

Indoor Fun & Games

Had enough of the cold? Have no fear! There’s lots of fun to be had indoors in Oxford.

A crowd ice skating at Goggin Ice Center's Noon Skate

Ice Skating at Goggin Ice Center

Enjoy the ice, without the weather… Grab a pair of skates and join the ice at Miami University’s Goggin Ice Center open for public skating (details) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays! Check the Miami calendar for special skate nights (details).

Get Crafty at You’re Fired!

Add your personal creative touch to You’re Fired’s holiday DIY pottery painting items and seasonal crafts. Looking for group craft nights? Schedule a specialty session today, or drop in with a few friends and family!

Townie TIP: Tuesdays are 2-for-1 studio fees

Escape the cold for family-fun games

Puzzle and Putt Oxford is the latest addition to the area! Test your skill with an indoor 9-hole course themed with local and national landmarks and parks. If you want more, put together a team to beat the best time to finish one of their three escape rooms for any skill level. Plus, sign up your team to enter a monthly jigsaw puzzle competition for a chance to win a prize.

Fun for Adults Only

Looking for fun for adults?! Take your shot at Oxford, Ohio’s very own Ace High Poker Club (RAKE-FREE). Open to anyone ages 18+ to have a seat at the table. Rent a table for a group (with or without a dealer), and play your own game for a night… yes even Dungeons & Dragons! Weekly Sunday tournaments only begin at 3:00 pm followed by the “Ace of Diamonds” raffle $1 a ticket to enter for a chance to win. 

The Elms Hotel (75 S. Main St.)

Special Holiday Lodging

Check in with these local hotels for a special holiday room rate!

  • The Elms: (20% off) Centrally located Uptown ideal for shopping and restaurants
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Oxford: (25% off) Located near campus and campus venues
  • Comfort Inn & Suites: (15% off) Easy entrance off Route 27 near restaurants and only a short ride to Uptown.
  • Hueston Woods Lodge: Cozy up by the fireplace at this historic lodge for easy access to Hueston Woods State Park’s outdoor activities.

Tag us in your winter adventures! @enjoyoxford and #EnjoyingOxford

Upload your snow day photos to our winter community collaboration.

Recent Posts

Categories