Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas?

Well, the shops certainly don't seem to think so. For weeks now the gaudy Christmas displays have been up, hoping to lure us into starting our Christmas shopping in the middle of November. I am ashamed to say I have given in once or twice but I am relieved that most have managed to hold off playing their infernal Christmas tunes on repeat so far.

I am generally of the opinion that festivities should not begin until 1st December, the start of Advent, however if you happen to be in Oxford this evening, you will notice that today is the day when Christmas officially comes to Oxford with the start of Oxford Light Night 2013.

Christmas Light Night takes place annually in Oxford city centre and attracts visitors from miles around for an evening of processions, lights, dance, art, live music and performance. Many of Oxford's main attractions will also be opening their doors to visitors in honour of the occasion.

Here are just a few of the events going on at some of Oxford's best-known attractions this evening:

Ashmolean Museum - Oxford Folk LiveFriday 

7:00 - 10:30pm

Oxford Folk LiveFriday is inspired by Oxford’s rich folk heritage and will feature workshops, morris dancing, yarn bombing and a rousing performance from the Combined Choirs of Oxford.

Pitt Rivers Museum - 'Inside Sound' installation

7:00 - 11:00pm

The torch-lit galleries of the Pitt Rivers Museum will be immersed in evocative rainforest soundscapes as multi-channel sound installations broadcast stunning African Bayaka recordings from the archives. Expect surprise performances and a chance to get musically interactive as we invite you to explore these extraordinary sounds and surroundings.

Museum of the History of Science - Let it snow!

7:00 - 11:00pm

Investigate the beauty of snowflakes and many other crystalline forms in an evening of family friendly activities, tours of the Crystals exhibition, talks, music and film. 

Bodleian Library - Late opening

6:00 - 8:00pm

The Bodleian Library will mark this year's Christmas Light Night by opening the Divinity School and Convocation House free of charge. Explore the Divinity School, built in 1488 for the teaching of theology. With its elaborately vaulted ceiling and its 455 carved bosses, it is a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture. Take a look in the 17th-century Convocation House and Court, where Parliament was held in the Civil War.

The Christmas Market on St Giles will be sticking around all weekend so make sure you take full advantage of its 80-odd stalls and indulge in a mulled wine or two while you're at it. If that doesn't put you in the festive spirit, what will?

For full event listings visit: www.oxfordschristmas.com