Looking for somewhere to make the most of the Easter holidays? The Covered Market is packed with ideas for easy days out, thoughtful gifts, and all the little extras that make Easter gatherings feel special. You might be planning a catch-up with friends, shopping for family, or treating yourself while you’re there. It’s bursting at the seams with creative independent shops, great food and spring colour.
Easter gifts, cards and treats
If you want Easter gifts with a bit more personality, the Covered Market has plenty to discover. Pick up a cuddly bunny or stylish homewares from Nothing, felt bunny and lamb keyrings from Cosy Woollen Life, a beautiful crystal egg from Crystal Spirit Emporium, and Easter-themed fun socks from Soctopus. For chocolate lovers, Wicked Chocolate’s incredible range of Easter eggs will challenge all your previous conceptions about what an Easter Egg could be, while Cardews of Oxford has the perfect egg cups to complete the ritual. The Market also offers a lovely place to browse for cards, little surprises and thoughtful touches you wouldn’t find just anywhere.
Food and drink for a memorable Easter
Planning an Easter lunch, family get-together or long weekend feast? The Covered Market is full of standout ingredients to help make it feel special. Head to David John Butchers for carefully selected spring lamb, as well as mouthwatering pies handmade on site, plus their extensive range of sauces and chutneys, while Hamblin Bread offers delicious locally baked hot cross buns, artisan bread and cakes. Add exceptional cheeses from The Oxford Cheese Company, pair them with wine from The Market Cellar Door, or pick up locally brewed beers from Teardrop Bar and The Market Tap by Tap Social. Whether you’re hosting at home or building the perfect spread to share, this is the place for quality food and drink with real independent character.
Easter fun for the little ones
There’s plenty to keep families entertained at the Covered Market this Easter too. The Great Covered Market Easter Egg Hunt runs from 21 March to 4 April and is always a favourite, giving people the chance to explore the Market while spotting hidden egg pictures, collecting stamps and entering a grand prize draw. Entry is £2.50 per person or £8 for a family ticket, with cards available from Wicked Chocolate, iScream and The Garden of Oxford. Families can also head to Space Store to see what Easter would be like on the moon with their moon walk VR experience. Or hunt for fairies in Crystal Spirit Emporium’s fantastical fairy garden and if you are lucky you might get to meet Noodles. While you are strolling the aisles, don’t forget one of the Market’s simple pleasures – seeing whether your little ones can spot all eight Alice in Wonderland lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
Make a day of it
The Covered Market is perfect for a relaxed Easter holiday wander, you could be catching up with friends or spending time with family. Grab something tasty to take away if you’re on the move, or settle in at one of the Market’s many cafés and food spots. You can freshen up your wardrobe with Next to Nothing, find accessories at Nothing and John Gowing Jewellery, and bring a bit of spring home with Easter blooms. Jemini’s Easter flower baskets are full of charm, while The Garden of Oxford is bursting with daffodils, tulips and seasonal colour. If you are flagging grab a pick me up Easter themed milkshake at MooMoos, or an indulgent Colombian Hot Chocolate from Colombia Coffee. Of course there’s cocktails, local beers and wines too from a range of bars in the market. It all adds up to a place where shopping feels enjoyable, food feels special, and time spent together feels well spent.
Easter weekend opening times
We hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for a brilliant Easter weekend! The Covered Market will be open 8am–10pm on Good Friday, closed on Easter Sunday, and 10am–4pm on Easter Monday. Individual trader opening times may vary, so please check directly with the businesses you’d like to visit before travelling.