Christmas in Reading

Christmas Events Highlights

Winter Festival poster

Step into the magic of the season! Winter Festival returns to University of Reading on Thursday 26…

Openings

Season

20th December 2026
Pink and Green witch

Two very special witches are flying into town on 6 December, ready to pose for photos and add a…

Openings

Season

6th December 2026
Christmas lights and market

Join us on Saturday 14 November for the big countdown as we kick off the Christmas season!

Openings

Season

14th November 2026
Basildon Park snow walk

Experience an all-singing and dancing world of theatre with sumptuously adorned trees, twinkling…

Openings

Season

14th November 2026-3rd December 2026
Huggable snowman posing with two women

The regal Snow Queen and her Huggable Snowman sidekick are skating into town on 19 December!

Openings

Season

19th December 2026
Santa and elf

Santa Claus and his trusty Elf are coming to town on 20 December, before they make preparations for…

Openings

Season

20th December 2026
Big wheel ride and wooden outdoor seating

Returning from 7 November to 3 January, Reading's Winter Wonderland is bringing a whole host of…

Openings

Season

7th November 2026-3rd January 2027
Christmas market on Broad Street

It’s back — and bigger, brighter and tastier than ever! Head to Broad Street for all the festive…

Openings

Season

14th November 2026-3rd December 2026
Pikachu snow window

Step into a winter wonderland in Reading this Christmas with Reading's Snow Window Trail!

Openings

Season

26th November 2026-24th December 2026
Toy Sheriff and Cowgirl characters

The Toy Sheriff and his Cowgirl companion are riding into town on 12 December!

Openings

Season

12th December 2026
Aladdin cast

Climb aboard the magic carpet and soar into the spectacular world of Aladdin—The Hexagon's…

Openings

Season

5th December 2026-3rd January 2027
Santa

Santa’s sleigh is on its way, and he’s making a very special stop at Broad Street Mall!

Openings

Season

21st November 2026-24th December 2026
  1. Christmas Lights Switch-On
    Ready to kick off Christmas? Join us on Saturday 14 November for live music, special guests and festive entertainment as we switch on Reading's spectacular light display.
  2. Christmas graphic of Reading
    Looking for a little festive inspiration? Our Christmas brochure is packed with gift ideas, handy vouchers and key festive event dates to help you make the most of the season. Pick up a free printed copy at selected locations around town.

Inspiration

  1. Christmas Markets
    Find festive gifts, tasty treats and plenty of Christmas cheer.
  2. Christmas in Reading Town Centre
    Enjoy festive shopping, live music, character visits and more.
  3. Christmas Concerts
    Add a little soundtrack to your Christmas with live performances across Reading.
  4. Could YOU design Reading's next Christmas Light?
    Enter our competition for the chance to light up Broad Street with your artwork!
  5. Snow Window Trail
    Pick up a free map and see how many snowy designs you can spot!
  6. Family Christmas Activities
    From ice skating to magical Santa visits and panto, there's fun for all the family.
  7. Christmas Shows
    From pantomimes to live performances, find your festive fix.
  8. Free Festive Things To Do
    Get more out of your Christmas budget with a selection of free activities.
  9. Christmas Parties
    From axe throwing to boat parties, mark the occasion with friends, family and colleagues.
  10. Reading's Christmas Light Display
    Discover Reading's culture and heritage, celebrated with over 800,000 lights.

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss