Banburyshire village's incredible live advent calender will reveal its first 'window' on December 1

The village of Hook Norton has started a fantastic tradition of creating a community advent calendar. And the first window will be revealed next Tuesday, December 1.
By Roseanne Edwards
Published 24th Nov 2020, 13:28 BST
Updated 24th Nov 2020, 13:32 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

One of the windows in the 2019 Hooky Live Advent Calendar displayOne of the windows in the 2019 Hooky Live Advent Calendar display
One of the windows in the 2019 Hooky Live Advent Calendar display

Hooky’s Live Advent Calendar was a huge success when it was staged last year. So by popular request it is being repeated again for Advent 2020 and it can be enjoyed by everyone in the village.

In spite of Covid, it is a safe way to enjoy some wonderful and inventive Christmassy scenes shining out from individual homes while on a stroll around the village.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Throughout the village, windows are decorated in time for the first day of Advent. Then, one by one until Christmas Eve they are revealed or lighted.

Last year's Hooky Live Advent Calendar windows were colourful and festiveLast year's Hooky Live Advent Calendar windows were colourful and festive
Last year's Hooky Live Advent Calendar windows were colourful and festive

Last year 24 households produced a spectacular display of windows but this year’s feature could be a lot bigger.

Co-organiser Judith Bassett said the event will feature 50 windows in the display this year with up to three lit each day.

Mrs Bassett got the idea originally on a visit to Durham when she saw the same themed advent calendar in a village community.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Last year’s event was organised by the Friends of Hook Norton School who have handed the reins over to a dedicated group called the Advent Calendar Team who have signed up 50 participants who have been putting their minds to designing beautifully decorated windows which will be clearly visible from the street.

Last year’s Hooky’s Live Advent Calendar was a great success, enjoyed by young and old alike. It proved to be a great way to celebrate the build-up to Christmas as the themed windows were ‘opened’ day by day culminating in a full compliment on December 24.

Windows are lit at 4.30pm for the evening on a given December date and from then, every evening until Christmas.

“It isn’t a fundraiser but if people are enjoying it and would like to donate, we are supporting St Peter’s Church, Katharine House Hospice and the Friends of Hook Norton School,” said Mrs Bassett.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This year’s dates and addresses of all the windows are in the December edition of the Hook Norton Village Newsletter which is delivered to all homes. And you can see how the event progresses on its Facebook page here.

If you would like to see photos of the 2019 windows, visit the village website here then click on the February edition and see pages 16 and 17.

Related topics:Durham