What to do in Oxford and across Oxfordshire in January.
January has arrived, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to shake off the holiday haze and embrace a fresh start. But while January often gets a bad rap – given that it usually means frosty weather, stretched budgets, and ambitious fitness goals – we’re here to remind you that it’s far from dull in Oxfordshire in January.
If you’re ready to emerge from the comfort of your duvet, there’s plenty to brighten your days and banish the January blues. Whether it’s an invigorating winter walk or snuggling up in one of Oxfordshire’s cosy pubs (or perhaps both!), now’s the time to dive into the fantastic events and experiences Oxford and the surrounding areas have to offer.
Our curated list has got all the top events to check out this month, but don’t stop there. Be sure to browse the full “What’s On” section for even more fantastic events – you might even stumble across some exciting happenings outside the county that are worth the trip. From performances to exhibitions, there’s plenty to see and do.
Got an event you think should be on the list? We’d love to include it! List your event on The Oxford Magazine website and reach an audience of locals and visitors who are ready to explore everything Oxfordshire has to offer.
So here’s to a fun and action-packed January! Get ready to discover new experiences, make the most of your time, and enjoy everything Oxford and Oxfordshire have in store for you this month.
Dire Streets
Dire Streets deliver an authentic tribute to Dire Straits, recreating Mark Knopfler’s iconic guitar and vocal sound. Their acclaimed two-hour show features classic tracks, extended live favourites, and exceptional musicianship from a six-piece band praised nationwide for its accuracy and energy.
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra: A Viennese New Year
The Oxford Philharmonic ushers in the New Year with a sparkling Viennese celebration featuring Glazunov’s Violin Concerto performed by Paloma So, alongside lively polkas, elegant waltzes and iconic Strauss favourites conducted by Marios Papadopoulos.
An Evening with Kaleb Cooper
Enjoy an intimate night of candid stories and laugh-out-loud moments with Kaleb. Expect strong opinions, rural insights, surprising anecdotes, and the chance to ask your own questions as he reflects on farming, fame, and life behind the scenes.
Shen Yun
Shen Yun presents an all-new dance and music production that takes you on an epic journey through 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation before communism. Be transported to heavenly realms through elegant classical Chinese dance, original orchestral works, and patented interactive backdrops.
Discover more: New Theatre Oxford
NW Inventors: Weekly Drama Workshop in Cutteslowe
The NW Inventors youth theatre offers young people the chance to build confidence, make friends and develop drama skills, with a year-long journey that includes performance training, devising a show and rehearsing for a Summer Showcase at The North Wall.
The Nutcracker
Mergaliyev Classical Ballet returns with The Nutcracker, a spellbinding tale of magic, music, and festive wonder. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live, the production promises breathtaking dance, dazzling costumes, and a heartwarming story that enchants audiences of all ages.
Oxford Real Farming Conference 2026
The 2026 Oxford Real Farming Conference brings together farmers, researchers, activists and policymakers for two days of talks, workshops and debate, exploring radical food system change, agroecology and global food justice, with in-person and online access to over 145 sessions.
Swan Lake
This New Year, Mergaliyev Classical Ballet presents Swan Lake, the world’s most beloved ballet. With Tchaikovsky’s stirring score performed live and exquisite choreography by an international cast, audiences will be swept away by this timeless tale of love, betrayal, and enchantment.
Michael Rosen: Getting Through It
Join poetry legend Michael Rosen as he presents his new one-person show Getting Through It, formed of a double-bill of monologues, The Death of Eddie and Many Kinds of Love.
The Big Pants Party
The Big Pants Party brings an evening of live music, powerful vocals, and unforgettable nostalgia. Celebrate sisterhood and relive the iconic soundtrack of friendship and fun in this lively concert event — the ultimate girls’ night out filled with laughter, memories, and great music.
Oxfordshire Mind Comedy Gala 2026
The Oxfordshire Mind Comedy Gala returns with a fantastic mix of top comedians and exciting new talent, all raising funds to support local mental health services. Hosted by Jericho Comedy, this feel-good event promises big laughs, brilliant performances, and an unforgettable day of stand-up.
Taylormania
An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis a self-confessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see. The show has already taken ‘Swiftie’ fans across the world by storm and features all of Taylor’s much-loved hits.
Voodoo Room: A Night Of Hendrix, Clapton & Cream
Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Cream – paying tribute to these rock legends is Voodoo Room, a stunning power trio featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians who perform an incredible show in the true spirit of these legendary superstars. Members of Voodoo Room have recorded and toured with Stevie Winwood, Massive Attack, Arthur Brown, Fish, Thunder and many other high profile artists.
OXOPS presents The Sound of Music
OXOPS presents The Sound of Music, the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Follow Maria as she brings joy and music to the Von Trapp family in pre-war Austria. Featuring iconic songs like ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Edelweiss’, and ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, this heart-warming production celebrates love, resilience and the power of song for all ages.
Met Opera: I Puritani
The Met unveils its first new I Puritani production in nearly 50 years, directed by Charles Edwards and conducted by Marco Armiliato. A world-class cast, including Lisette Oropesa and Lawrence Brownlee, brings Bellini’s dazzling masterpiece to cinemas worldwide.
Abingdon Drama Club presents The Snow Queen
Abingdon Drama Club’s The Snow Queen reimagines the classic fairytale with a 90s grunge edge. Directed by Alexandra Jenkins, the production runs 15 to 24 January at the Unicorn Theatre, blending music, emotion, and theatrical spectacle.
Royal Ballet and Opera La Traviata
Verdi’s La traviata is brought to life by the Royal Ballet and Opera in Richard Eyre’s sumptuous production. Starring Ermonela Jaho as Violetta, this tragic love story blends intimate drama with some of opera’s most celebrated melodies.
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars bring the iconic club’s history to life with world-class jazz, rare archival footage, and vivid stories of old Soho, gangland encounters, and the musicians who shaped a global legend.
Mark Simmons: Jest to Impress
Mark Simmons, known from Mock The Week, BT Sport, and ITV, returns in 2026 with Jest To Impress. Expect razor-sharp one-liners, spontaneous audience-driven jokes, and the continued success of his acclaimed podcast Jokes With Mark Simmons.
An Evening of Classic Reggae
Birmingham Stage Company brings back its powerhouse reggae celebration, honouring Sir John Holt and Dennis Brown with world-class musicians. Wayne Hernandez, Delroy Pinnock and a special guest vocalist deliver a night packed with timeless hits and pure old-school reggae energy.
Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman
From the producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga Grease comes Singalonga The Greatest Showman. Join the fun with on-screen lyrics, live hosts, props, and dance moves — fancy dress encouraged, and full audience participation guaranteed!
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts
The legendary Inspector Morse arrives on stage for the first time in House of Ghosts, a gripping new mystery. When an actress dies mid-performance, Morse and Lewis uncover a dark case tied to events from Morse’s own past, in a thrilling story starring Tom Chambers.
RARE presents The Addams Family: Young@Part
In The Addams Family musical, Wednesday shocks her delightfully macabre clan by falling for a ‘normal’ boy. Chaos, comedy, and change ensue as the Addamses face their biggest fear yet. Presented by RARE Productions, the UK’s leading youth musical theatre company.
NT Live: Hamlet
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera stars as Hamlet in Robert Hastie’s fearless, contemporary production. Set amid power and privilege, this sharp and darkly funny reimagining explores duty, doubt, and the ultimate question at the heart of Shakespeare’s tragedy.
The Man Who Was Magic
James Phelan returns with an all-new 2025 production filled with jaw-dropping magic, comedy and heart. After five years of global sell-outs, this acclaimed show promises unforgettable surprises, uplifting moments and dazzling illusions. Tickets are limited and expected to sell fast.
NT Live: Hamlet
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera stars in NT Live’s sharp and contemporary Hamlet, directed by Robert Hastie. This darkly funny and stylish reimagining explores duty, doubt and power as the young prince confronts life’s biggest question.
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra: Haydn Nelson Mass
Experience a compelling evening of music featuring a world premiere by MacKinnon-Botti, Schoenberg’s gripping Ode to Napoleon, and Haydn’s triumphant Nelson Mass. With top soloists and the Oxford Philharmonic Choir, this concert explores music shaped by moments of war.
Fresh Perceptions on Reality Conference
Fresh Perceptions on Reality with Sir Roger Penrose and authors of God, The Science, The Evidence brings leading scientists and thinkers to Oxford for a free public conference examining science, belief and the nature of existence, exploring how modern physics, cosmology and AI are reshaping long-standing assumptions about reality.
Dire Streets – The Dire Straits Tribute
Dire Streets recreate the unmistakable sound of Dire Straits with stunning authenticity, from classic studio tracks to epic live versions. Featuring top tribute musicians, the show offers a faithful, energetic celebration of one of the UK’s most iconic guitar bands.
Hello Again – The Neil Diamond Songbook
Experience the magic of Neil Diamond’s greatest hits in a spectacular tribute show blending live music, storytelling and evocative imagery, celebrating five decades of unforgettable songwriting and performance. Expect hits including Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, Forever in Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, Hello Again, Love on the Rocks, America and many more.
Ria Lina: Riabellion
After her hit debut tour Riawakening, multi-award-winning comedian Ria Lina is back with Riabellion. Expect relentless laughs as she tackles modern life, relationships and rebellion with unstoppable energy, razor-sharp jokes and crowd-pleasing brilliance.
50th Anniversary of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Heartbreak: The Tom Petty Show brings a powerful 50th-anniversary tribute to Henley, delivering Free Fallin’, American Girl, Refugee and more. With passion and precision, this high-energy band celebrates the timeless sound and spirit of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
The Fleetwood Mac Songbook
Ranked among the UK’s top tribute acts, The Fleetwood Mac Songbook delivers an authentic, harmony-rich celebration of the band’s greatest hits. Enjoy a spellbinding night of timeless classics from the ‘Rumours’ and ‘Tango In The Night’ albums, performed with precision and passion.
The Molotovs
The Molotovs, a dynamic teen trio, channel Mod legends like The Jam and The Kinks while blending modern influences. With their debut single More More More and album Wasted On Youth, they’re igniting a new rock and roll revolution.
Lucy Crowe & Anna Tilbrook
Experience a captivating afternoon of art song with Lucy Crowe and Anna Tilbrook. This exquisite recital features works by Britten, Chausson, Dring, Schubert and culminates in Strauss’s radiant Four Last Songs, performed by two world-class musical partners.
Michael Starring Ben
MichaelⓇ Starring Ben celebrates the music and magic of the King of Pop in a spectacular live show. Starring Ben Bowman, the UK’s ultimate Michael Jackson tribute artist, the production features a live band, stunning costumes, and all the greatest hits.
Dean Z – The Ultimate Elvis
Direct from the USA, Dean Z brings his very own all-new high-energy Elvis tribute show to the UK in 2026, performing each incredible era of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” backed by a powerful 11-piece band, horn section, incredible background vocalists and immersive video content for a truly unforgettable concert experience.
The Talented Mr Ripley
This tense new adaptation of Ripley follows Tom Ripley’s descent into obsession, deception and murder in 1950s Italy. With Ed McVey, Bruce Herbelin-Earle and Maisie Smith leading a ten-strong cast, it’s a stylish, chilling tale of identity and ambition.
Dear England
Dear England arrives in Oxford on its national tour. Written by James Graham, this gripping stage epic explores Gareth Southgate’s transformative leadership of the England men’s football team, examining identity, pressure and hope through the beautiful game.
Celebrating Barry – The Ultimate Barry Manilow Show
Celebrating Barry is a spectacular tribute to Barry Manilow’s legendary Las Vegas shows. With Wayne Denton’s award-winning performance, replica jackets, a full orchestra and backing singers, expect an electrifying night packed with iconic hits and unforgettable showmanship.
Take@That
Take@That are the UK’s leading four-piece Take That tribute, recreating the band’s vocals, choreography and charisma. From 90s classics to modern anthems, their evolving show delivers hit after hit with humour, energy and crowd-pleasing audience interaction.
NT Live: Hamlet
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera stars in NT Live’s sharp and contemporary Hamlet, directed by Robert Hastie. This darkly funny and stylish reimagining explores duty, doubt and power as the young prince confronts life’s biggest question.
This Is What You Get
This Is What You Get is a major exhibition that will explore the visual art of Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke and the iconic images of Radiohead. More than 180 objects will be on display from the artists’ 30-year collaboration, including original paintings for album covers, digital compositions, etchings, unpublished drawings, and lyrics in their sketchbooks.
Images of Authority: Portraits Between Iran and Europe
Images of Authority: Portraits Between Iran and Europe explores how Fath Ali Shah Qajar, King George III, and Napoleon Bonaparte used portraiture to convey power and personality. Featuring works from Iran, Britain, and France, the exhibition includes restored Qajar paintings and reveals the strategies behind these rulers’ compelling visual representations.
Pat Suet-Bik Hui & the Three Perfections
Pat Suet-Bik Hui & the Three Perfections showcases the Hong Kong-born artist’s mastery of painting, calligraphy, and poetry, presented alongside works by her teacher Lui Shou-Kwan and other historical examples. The exhibition highlights Hui’s contemporary approach, blending abstract ink and colour washes with poetic inscriptions exploring love, loss, and life’s quiet joys.
The post What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this January appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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