Free Christmas Things to Do in Reading

17th November 2025

If you’re on a tighter budget this year or simply fancy a cheap day trip with the kids or night out with friends, Reading has some great events that will get you into the Christmas spirit, whilst remaining absolutely FREE! Here are our top picks for 2025.  

Snow Window Trail

From 21 November, Reading Town Centre 

Step into a winter wonderland with the Reading Snow Window Trail, featuring incredible hand-painted snow scenes by the talented Tom Baker. It’s the perfect way to add some festive fun to your winter and a great excuse to get out and about, either with family and friends or for a peaceful wander with mulled wine in hand! 

Winter Festival

Thursday 27 November, from 5:30pm, University of Reading 

Winter Festival returns with live music, real reindeer, festive food and drink and a bustling indoor Winter Market. Families can join a musical workshop, enjoy the light switch-on with the university choir, and explore a range of kid-friendly activities. The evening is free to attend and open to everyone!

Father Christmas visits Reading  

Sunday 21 December, Broad St  

Who’s on Santa’s ‘nice’ list this year? Head to Broad Street on Sunday 21 December to find out, as Father Christmas himself pays Reading town centre a visit! If you want to catch him, make sure you head to Broad Street between 12 and 2pm where you'll find him greeting shoppers and saying hello to little ones before he flies back to the North Pole. 

Celebrate Cavmas

Friday 5 December, Caversham

Caversham pulls out all the stops for Cavmas, a festive evening packed with music, markets and plenty of Christmas magic. Head to St Martin’s Precinct for performances from Abbey School and a local choir, meet two real reindeer (plus their elves and sleigh), and watch out for “Reverse Santa” collecting gifts for local children’s charities.

Candy Cane Stilt Walkers 

Multiple Dates, Broad St. 

Visit Reading town centre during the first couple of December weekends and you'll find our Candy Cane Stilt Walkers in Broad Street, spreading festive cheer! Make sure you're in town at 12 or 2pm on Saturday 6, Saturday 13 or Sunday 14 December to catch our friendly festive giants. 

Festive Fun at IKEA Reading

Various dates in November & December, IKEA

IKEA Reading has a full line-up of free festive activities this year, perfect for families looking to get into the Christmas spirit. Enjoy Cosy Christmas Stories, with seasonal tales for little ones told throughout the day, or book a spot at one of their Festive Evenings, where you can dive into free craft sessions making decorations, bunting, letters to Santa and more. 

You can also experience a touch of Swedish tradition at the Santa Lucia Celebration on 11 December, featuring a special set-menu meal and festive crafts inspired by Sweden’s biggest Christmas celebration. 

Live Festive Music 

Weekends in December, Broad St. 

Nothing says Christmas like the sound of festive live music! Each weekend in December, enjoy performances from local musicians, choirs and bands on the stage in Reading town centre, including the likes of Reading’s very own steel pan orchestra, RASPO. 

Christmas at Reading Museum 

Throughout December, Reading Museum

Stop by Reading Museum for seasonal activities the whole family can enjoy! Little ones can join Festive Rhymetime, whilst slightly older ones can Follow The Forgetful Elf and the Missing Reindeer Trail throughout December (£1 per trail). Budding detectives can also dive into the Santa Detection digi-workshop on Saturday 6 December. A great way to mix a bit of history with holiday fun.

Festive Character Visits  

Multiple Dates, Broad St  

The Green Witch and Bubble Witch are arriving on Sunday 7 December, fresh from the set of their new film, to sprinkle a little extra sparkle over the town centre from 12pm - 2:30pm. Then, on Saturday 20 December, everyone’s favourites, the Snow Queen and Huggable Snowman are back again from 10am - 12:15pm to bring a flurry of fun. Pop into town on either day to meet these beloved characters and embrace the holiday magic! 

Christmas Activities at Reading Libraries 

Throughout December at Local Libraries

Reading Libraries are full of festive fun this year, with activities running throughout December for children, teens and families. From Christmas story bags and Santa’s Post Box to treasure hunts, craft sessions, Lego clubs and festive Rhymetimes, there’s something happening almost every day — all free or low-cost, drop-in and perfect for keeping little ones busy in the run-up to Christmas. 

Visit the Christmas Lights

From 15 November, Reading Town Centre

This year, Reading is lit up with a fantastically unique display, celebrating the town's attractions and famous heritage, including Reading Football Club, Banksy, Jane Austen, the Number 17 Bus and the River Thames. The beautiful lion lights, inspired by the iconic Maiwand Lion that stands proudly in Forbury Gardens, are something not to miss. 

For more ways to wrap-up your Christmas in Reading, why not check out our Festive Family-Friendly Activities?