Oxford – with all its picturesque places – is without doubt a wonderful city to live and study in all year around. During the winter time, however, an even more special kind of magic seems to be hovering around these dreamy spires, and by the time Oxmas comes around, there won’t be a college left without a touch of Christmas. Each college has of course its very own traditions and I wouldn’t be able to introduce them all to you; but here, I want to let you in on the Christmas festivities happening at New College.
New College JCR and MCR – both known for being some of the most active student communities within the University – put on a range of fun and exciting Christmas-themed socials from bops to formals, to film nights and Secret Santa shenanigans.
The arrival of the Christmas tree is always a big event in College! Students and fellows come together to decorate the gigantic beauty over mince pies and hot chocolate, and everyone is in the most cheerful mood, longing for the end of a stressful eighth week of Michaelmas. And when the choir starts with their blessing of the tree, even the last Scrooge will fall for the Christmas spirit.
Renowned for its enchanting choir, New College Chapel holds various special Advent services throughout November and December. Students and their guests are invited to come along and listen to those angelic voices and, if they wish, to join in for some carol singing in the college’s magnificent chapel. After a jam-packed term at Oxford, I can guarantee that you will find some much-needed inner peace here, ready for the new year to arrive.