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You are here: What's On > Christmas in Reading
NEWS: Due to the extreme weather conditions forecast this weekend we have taken the difficult decision to postpone Reading Lantern Parade due to happen tomorrow (Saturday 7th December at 5pm). Our attendees safety is always our primary concern so we have decided to move the event to early 2025 to be clear of the storm. Thank you to everyone who took part in lantern making workshops over the last month, the community drummers and choir participants, please keep your lanterns safe for the new event date, which will follow soon. We look forward to seeing you all soon and wish you all a safe, warm and dry weekend.
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Whatever Christmas means to you, there's a place for you in Reading. And as the 2024 season creeps upon us, Christmas in Reading is ready to bring ALL the festive vibes this year. So however you Christmas, wrap it up in Reading.
If you're heading into Reading throughout November and December, there's a whole host of exciting events for the whole family to enjoy. Christmas kicked off on 16 November with the spectacular annual Light Switch On, with live music and a brand-new light display which celebrates Reading's cultural heritage.
Broad Street is packed with Christmas markets, featuring new and exciting stalls for 2024, selling delicious festive food and drink, crafts and gifts.
You'll find a jam-packed events calendar for family Christmas activities in Reading. Across every weekend in December there are free family Christmas events in the centre of town - from festive stilt-walkers and character visits to Father Christmas himself. Across the town you'll find Christmas events a plenty, with traditional Panto and carol concerts, merry markets and Reading's very own Lantern Parade: GLOW, returning to town for its third year.
Christmas shopping in Reading couldn’t be easier, with three shopping centres, well-loved department stores and the pedestrianised Broad Street all within a short stroll.
Choose from over 250 well-known high street brands including M&S, John Lewis, H&M, Primark and Zara, as well as a growing hub of over 80 wonderful, independent businesses selling everything from beer to board games. Reading’s indies are full of local, hard-working heroes selling unique products and local produce. Late night shopping is available during the season, making those last-minute dashes a breeze.
Christmas parties are made easy in Reading, with over 125 town centre pubs, bars and restaurants all perfectly placed to cater to your celebrations - whether that's a catch up with friends or an end-of-year night out with colleagues. Many are offering brilliant set menus and party deals so be sure to get in quick and secure your favourite venue.
If the traditional 3 course dinner and drinks isn't your scene, choose from an epic line up of Christmas comedy, gigs and concerts, as well as streetfood markets, breweries and vineyards, escape rooms and independent cinemas - plenty on offer in Reading to make the most of any Christmas celebration. For daytime meet-ups, there'll be live music in the town centre throughout every December weekend, and plenty of Christmas markets to keep you fed, watered and merry!
If you're making the most of your trip, why not explore the area and stay in one of Reading's wonderful hotels and serviced apartments, all just a short stroll from the vibrant town centre. With everything from budget rooms to five-star luxury, you'll find the perfect place to rest your tired feet after a day exploring!
So, however you Christmas #ChristmasInReading
Explore the best of Reading this Christmas
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