Twixmas in Reading: Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year 

17th December 2025

The turkey’s gone, the wrapping paper’s mostly cleared and suddenly there’s this little pocket of time that’s all yours: Twixmas. It’s that golden stretch between Christmas and New Year where the lights are still twinkling and Reading is quietly brimming with festive fun. Here’s how to make the most of it! 

Get Enchanted at Basildon Park 

For a truly magical day out, Basildon Park is hosting The Enchantment of Ballet throughout the festive season. The historic house is beautifully decorated with ballet-inspired Christmas displays, twinkling lights and elegant festive details that feel straight out of a storybook. Perfect for families who want something magical but a little calmer during the in-between days. 

Experience the Buzz at Winter Wonderland

Hills Meadow’s Winter Wonderland is still going strong: ice skating, fairground rides, Santa’s grotto and all the festive snacks you can imagine. Even if the kids are too big for grotto visits, there’s something joyful about the big wheel and festive buzz! 

Browse the Christmas Markets (Again… Because Why Not?) 

Twixmas is a brilliant excuse for a second round of market magic. Broad Street is still buzzing with wooden stalls, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts until 4 January. It’s also the perfect time for you to sneak a cheeky Bailey’s hot chocolate. 

See a Show!

Twixmas isn’t over until you’ve seen a show! If you haven’t caught them yet, The Hexagon still has performances of Beauty and the Beast running right through the festive break, while Reading Rep's fantastic run of the classic A Christmas Carol runs until 3 Jan. Snag a ticket, grab a program and enjoy a bit of live magic before the New Year chaos begins. 

Follow the Snow Window Trail

Reading’s Snow Window Trail turns the town into a quirky festive scavenger hunt. Wandering around spotting magical window displays is a gentle way to stretch your legs and soak up the town centre’s holiday sparkle one last time. Plus, check out our new addition to the trail at Broad Street Mall. 

Twixmas is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy Reading at its most magical. When you’re ready to swap fairy lights for fireworks, take a look at what’s happening for New Year’s Eve in Reading and start planning a brilliant end to the year.