South Oxfordshire — stretching from the Thames Valley through rolling countryside to pretty market towns — is one of the most atmospheric places in the South East for festive dining. Winter here feels like a warm invitation to linger over seasonal food, crackling fireplaces and local hospitality. Throughout November and December, many pubs, inns, country houses and restaurants in South Oxfordshire open festive menus (often with traditional roasts, seasonal starters, vegetarian options and indulgent desserts), ideal for family gatherings, Christmas parties, pre‑Christmas catch‑ups and even Christmas Day lunch itself.

Booking early is important for the festive season: popular lunch sittings, especially around Christmas Day and the weekends leading up to it, often fill up well in advance. Many venues ask for deposits or pre‑orders and provide children’s menus or smaller portions to keep the whole family happy. Below is our curated list of the top 10 restaurants and pubs in South Oxfordshire serving Christmas or festive lunches in 2025 — all of which take bookings and are known for welcoming families.

1. The Six Bells, Warborough — Cosy Country Pub Lunches

Where: Warborough, Wallingford, OX10 7DN
Why It’s Festive: A traditional village pub with roaring fires and plenty of seasonal charm, The Six Bells is ideal for festive Sunday lunches and pre‑Christmas meet‑ups with family or friends.
What to Expect: Seasonal roasts and classic British mains with festive sides, relaxed atmosphere, and space for families. Booking is strongly recommended in December as tables go quickly.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — classic pub favourites and children’s portions available.

2. The Fleur De Lys, East Hagbourne — Seasonal Pub Menu

Where: East Hagbourne, Didcot, OX11 9LN
Why It’s Festive: A well‑loved local pub with a reputation for quality seasonal dishes and a warm festive welcome. Its menu usually features traditional roasted mains alongside contemporary options.
What to Expect: Festive Sunday lunches and seasonal specials throughout December, with hearty starters and indulgent desserts.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family atmosphere and children’s menu.

3. The Seven Stars at Marsh Baldon — Classic Pub Fare with Festive Flair

Where: Marsh Baldon, OX44 9LP
Why It’s Festive: This highly regarded pub offers a traditional country meal feel with seasonal accents in December. It’s perfect for a laid‑back yet special festive lunch.
What to Expect: Seasonal roast mains, Christmas‑inspired desserts and a good selection of drinks. Bookings recommended for weekends and Christmas Eve.

4. The Crown, South Moreton — Picture‑Perfect Festive Pub

Where: South Moreton, Didcot, OX11 9AG
Why It’s Festive: A classic village inn with seasonal menus and a welcoming setting, The Crown is a great choice for festive lunches with family and friends.
What to Expect: Roast classics, festive mains, and cosy interiors; perfect for a Sunday before the big day or a celebratory lunch.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — traditional pub favourites for younger diners.

5. The Bear & Ragged Staff — Country Comfort with Seasonal Menus

Where: Cumnor, Oxford, OX2 9QH (just inside western South Oxfordshire edge)
Why It’s Festive: A well‑reviewed country pub serving quality seasonal dishes and hearty festive lunch options throughout December.
What to Expect: Seasonal mains and desserts with plenty of space for family tables. Advance booking advised.

6. The Abingdon Arms, Beckley — Country Dining with Seasonal Choices

Where: Beckley, Oxford, OX3 9UU
Why It’s Festive: A classic country restaurant and bar with a seasonal menu featuring local produce, great for a festive lunch away from the bustle.
What to Expect: Traditional roast lunches with festive touches and contemporary mains; great for groups of all sizes.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — welcoming family environment.

7. The Fox & Hounds, Christmas Common — Festive Pub Lunches in the Hills

Where: Christmas Common, Watlington, OX49 5HL
Why It’s Festive: A charming countryside pub setting perfect for a spell‑out lunch during December, with seasonal roasts and comforting dishes.
What to Expect: Festive menu highlights and classic Sunday lunch favourites; bookings advised as space is limited.

8. The Oak Barn Restaurant & Bar — Festive Sit‑Down Lunch & Dinner

Where: Near South Oxfordshire border (within easy reach)
Why It’s Festive: The Oak Barn offers a dedicated festive three‑course lunch menu throughout December, with classic roasts, vegetarian options and hearty seasonal dishes. Bookings are available for groups from 2–180 guests — ideal for families and office parties alike.
What to Expect: Traditional and contemporary festive lunch options, picnic‑style festive atmosphere, and roaring fireplaces. Book early — tables fill up fast in December.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family‑friendly environment and children’s options listed on request.

9. Hotel or Country House Festive Lunches — The Holt Hotel (Oxfordshire)

Where: Near Oxfordshire (easy drive from South Oxfordshire)
Why It’s Festive: If you’re planning Christmas Day lunch, The Holt Hotel offers a sumptuous Christmas Day lunch menu with traditional favourites and festive trimmings.
What to Expect: Festive multi‑course set menus, children’s pricing and deposits required; ideal for a special occasion lunch.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — children’s pricing and under‑2s free.

10. Wetherspoons Pubs in South Oxfordshire & Oxford Area — Festive Menus (Laid‑Back)

Where: Various Wetherspoons branches near South Oxfordshire (e.g., Oxford outskirts)
Why It’s Festive: While not a sit‑down Christmas Day lunch venue, many Wetherspoons pubs serve a festive menu throughout most of December (excluding Christmas Day itself in many cases) with seasonal roasts, turkey dishes and classic warm pub meals.
What to Expect: A more casual festive lunch — perfect for family gatherings or pre‑holiday lunches without formal booking requirements (though booking for large groups is still wise).
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — large menus with children’s meals.

What to Expect from Festive Dining in South Oxfordshire

Booking & Festive Menus

Most South Oxfordshire restaurants and pubs launch festive menus from late November until just before Christmas Day. These typically include 2–3 course lunches, with seasonal starters, roast mains (including turkey and vegetarian alternatives) and indulgent desserts. Classic pubs often offer a mix of traditional roasts and seasonal specials that appeal to all ages. Booking ahead is recommended — popular dates and traditional venues fill up quickly.

Kid‑Friendly Options

Many of the listed pubs and restaurants are kid‑friendly, with children’s menus or smaller portion options. Pubs like The Six Bells, Fleur De Lys and The Crown are especially welcoming for families, with relaxed settings and classic favourites that children enjoy.

Christmas Day Dining

Some larger venues and country hotels close to South Oxfordshire — such as The Holt Hotel — offer Christmas Day lunch menus with set courses and festive extras (often with deposits required). Bookings for Christmas Day should be made as early as possible to secure a table.

FAQs

Q: Do South Oxfordshire pubs and restaurants offer Christmas Day lunch?
A: Select venues, especially larger country houses and hotels near South Oxfordshire, offer Christmas Day lunch menus with traditional roasts and festive courses. Booking early is essential.

Q: How far in advance should I book festive lunches?
A: Most venues open bookings in the autumn or early winter. For peak dates — especially Christmas Day and December weekends — book weeks to months in advance.

Q: Are vegetarian or vegan options available in festive menus?
A: Increasingly, yes. Many pubs and restaurants provide vegetarian or vegan alternatives; confirm dietary needs when booking.

Q: Are these venues kid‑friendly?
A: Yes — most pubs listed are welcoming to families and offer children’s menu options or smaller portions.

Conclusion — Celebrate the Season in South Oxfordshire

South Oxfordshire offers a wonderful range of festive dining options — from cosy village pubs and country inns to festive sit‑down lunches at larger restaurants and country houses. Whether you’re planning a family feast, a pre‑Christmas catch‑up with friends, or a celebratory Christmas Day lunch, there’s something to suit every style and budget.

If you’re hosting guests in South Oxfordshire over the festive season and want to take the stress out of managing bookings, guest communications and turnover, Pass the Keys South Oxfordshire can handle the logistics — so you can enjoy the magic of the season without the hassle.