Christmas Concerts and Live Music in Reading

What says Christmas better than some festive music?! If you're looking for a musical event to celebrate the season, there are plenty of options for all interests in Reading this year.

Live Music

If you’re looking to enjoy some festive live music in Reading this season, you’re in for a treat! Head to the centre of town where a stage on Broad Street will take the spotlight for the big Christmas light switch-on, including the fantastic Reading Community Gospel Choir! Then stick around, Broad Street will come alive with live music every weekend throughout November and December, filling the town with festive cheer. Meanwhile, over in Caversham, you can also find more live music bringing the energy to the Cavmas celebrations!

Christmas Concerts

If you're looking for traditional carol concerts in Reading, you won't be disappointed - with plenty of shows to fill your calendar throughout the season. 

Image: Launchpad Carols by Candlelight 2024

Launchpad’s Carols by Candlelight | 2 December

Hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, this uplifting evening at Reading Town Hall features Universal Voices children’s choir and the harmonious Tonyx Quartet. Enjoy a wonderful evening of music, whilst helping to raise vital funds to prevent homelessness in Reading.

Christmas Concert by Candlelight | 6 December

Celebrate the joys of the season with this ever-popular festive concert in Caversham. Performed by the Concerts in Caversham Ensemble, this candlelit evening promises beautiful music, warm atmosphere, and a touch of Christmas magic.

Woodley Concert Band Christmas Concert | 7 December

Settle in for an evening of festive favourites as Woodley Concert Band presents its full-length Christmas Concert, packed with classic carols, popular Christmas tunes, and a few surprises along the way. There’s also an earlier Children’s Christmas Concert at 3:00pm, perfect for families. If you’ve never been to a WCB performance before, you can even claim a free ticket through their First Timers scheme!

Smart Works Christmas Carol Concert | 8 December

Enjoy an uplifting evening of music and festive cheer at Reading Minster as Smart Works hosts its first Christmas Carol Concert! With performances from the Reading Community Gospel Choir, the Reading & Henley Rock Choir, and opera singer Harriet Kirk, come for a heartwarming night in support of a charity helping women build confidence and find employment.

Christmas Orchestra at Reading Minster | 13 December

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Reading Minster, this concert features a 16-piece chamber orchestra performing live with full sound production and a festive lighting show. Expect a wave of nostalgia with music from beloved Christmas films like Home Alone, Love Actually, Elf and The Polar Express, alongside sing-along favourites and seasonal classics. 

Reading Bach Choir: Come and Sing Carols | 16 December

Join the Reading Bach Choir for a warm and welcoming evening of seasonal music and community singing. Enjoy classic carols, festive treats, and a joyful atmosphere at St Andrew’s Church — everyone’s invited to come along and sing.

A Soulful Christmas with Reading Community Gospel Choir | 19 December

Back for their seventh year, the award-winning Reading Community Gospel Choir brings a night of powerful harmonies and festive spirit. Joined by a live band, they’ll lift the roof with soulful renditions of Christmas favourites and highlights from Handel’s Soulful Messiah

Make The Yuletide Gay | 20 December

Get ready for a night that’s half pop, half tinsel and entirely fabulous as the Thames Valley Gay Chorus take over St Laurence Church on Saturday 20 December at 7pm. Expect sparkling performances of pop hits and festive favourites, from Don’t Stop Believin’ and Rise Like a Phoenix to Last Christmas and Let It Go.

The Snowman – Live | 20 December

A festive favourite returns! Watch the beloved animated film The Snowman with live orchestral accompaniment at the Great Hall, Reading University. A magical experience for all ages! 

Singalong Nick-tivity | 19 & 20 December

For something more playful, head to The Flowing Spring for two nights of Christmassy songs and silliness with this musical retelling of the Nativity. Ideal for a festive night out!