Oxford Residents will have a great selection of events to pick from leading up to the New Year and through the first months of 2024.
As well, street parking is free in Oxford through the holiday season, from Dec. 11 and through Jan. 1.
Here’s a list of a few upcoming events:
Lisa Biales’ “At Christmas” performance
Local musician Lisa Biales will be performing at the Oxford Contemporary Arts Center on Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.. Biales is celebrating the release of her holiday album, “At Christmas,” with a live performance backed by other local musicians on the community center stage. The album consists of nine original Christmas songs written and performed by Biales. Admission is free, and the OCAC will have their resident artist studios open throughout the event.
“At Christmas” is Biales’ eleventh studio album. Her works range from blues and jazz to Americana, and she has been making music since 2006, when she released her debut album, “Chasing Away The Blues.”
Ugly Sweater Moonlight Skate
Dig up your ugliest sweaters and strap on your ice skates for Goggin’s final moonlight skate of 2023.
On Dec. 9 from 
9:30 to 11 p.m., students and guests can enjoy a skate around one of Goggin Ice Center’s ice rinks while showing off an ugly sweater and holiday spirit. This annual event will feature music, ice skating, and concessions. While an ugly sweater is not necessary for the event, it is highly recommended.
Event admission is free to Miami students and skate rental is $3.50.
Madcap Puppets: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
On Dec. 15, 7 p.m. at the Community Arts Center, Madcap Puppets will put on a puppet show performance intended for PreK – 3rd Grade students.
The puppet performance will be a retelling of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” featuring a family of mice as they wait for a visit from “SantyPaws”. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children.
Madcap Puppets is a Cincinnati-based puppet company that has put on live puppet shows for over 40 years. The group regularly performs at the Cincinnati Zoo, and at elementary schools throughout Cincinnati, focusing on children’s stories told on stage with human-size puppets.
Hueston Woods Winter Drive-In Movie
Snacks and a movie on the beach, all from the warmth of your car:
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Elf” will be shown at the Hueston Woods Beach on Saturday, Dec. 16, with a 5 p.m. start. The event, organized by the state park, will also feature food trucks serving hot chocolate, popcorn, and general concessions.
Viewers will be able to tune into the movie using their car radio, or they can sit down at a park bench to enjoy the movie outside. The beach can be found on Google Maps here. It isn’t currently listed on Apple Maps. 
This is the state park’s second year putting on the event, said Hueston Woods employee Sarah Lockhart, after the first year saw lots of success within the community. Attendance will be free, but donations are welcome.
Chocolate Meltdown
If you have a sweet tooth, this’ll be a good one,” says Seth Cropenbaker, Oxford economic development specialist.
Chocolate Meltdown, a festival dedicated to chocolate, will take over uptown on Jan. 13. The event will offer chocolate, coffee, baked goods, and a horse-drawn carriage from 1 – 5 p.m., with free admission. There will also be paid chocolate tastings and local vendors uptown.
“It’s a family friendly event, so there should be something there for anyone,” Cropenbaker said. “We’re going to have some non-chocolate desserts and confectionaries, some coffee and things that appeal more to adults, but it’s all about desert and decadence.”
