Christmas in Reading

Christmas in Reading is ready to bring ALL the festive vibes this year. So however you Christmas, wrap it up in Reading.

What's on this week

Winter Festival | 27 November

Wrap up warm and dive into the University of Reading’s magical Winter Festival, complete with real reindeer, live music, street food, twinkling lights, workshops and a bustling festive market — and best of all, it’s free to attend.

A Christmas Carol | From 28 November

Step into a spellbinding new adaptation of A Christmas Carol at Reading Rep Theatre, complete with original music, magical storytelling and festive warmth for audiences aged 6 and up.

Yattendon Winter Market | 29 & 30 November

Wander through the charming village of Yattendon as its beloved Winter Market returns, showcasing beautiful handmade jewellery, ceramics, textiles and gifts from 24 talented Modern Makers Collective artists.

Lino Print Christmas Cards | 29 November

Get hands-on with festive creativity at this joyful lino-printing workshop, where you’ll design, carve and print your own Christmas cards at Caversham Print Club.

Snow Window Trail
Shopfronts across Reading town centre have been transformed with magical hand-painted snow scenes, from snowmen and Santa Claus to Pikachu and Paddington Bear. Download a trail map and see how many festive windows you can find! 

Christmas Market on Broad Street 
Browse twinkling stalls filled with gifts, crafts and delicious festive treats, from bratwurst and hot chocolate, to crepes and roasted marshmallows!

Illuminate Reading
See Reading in a whole new light as the Illuminate trail brightens up Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins.

Reading Winter Wonderland
The gates to Reading Winter Wonderland are open! Enjoy ice skating, fairground rides, festive food and fun for the whole family.

Christmas Events 
  

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 kicks off on 15 November with the spectacular annual Light Switch On, with live music and a fantastic light-display which celebrates Reading's cultural heritage. 

Broad Street is packed with Christmas markets, featuring stalls throughout the whole festive season, selling delicious 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, including traditional Panto and carol concerts. 

Christmas Gifts 

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 exciting gifts you can’t find anywhere else. Late night shopping is also available during the season, making those last-minute dashes a breeze. 

Christmas Parties 
  

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. 

Choose from an epic line up of Christmas comedy, gigs and concerts to compliment your nights out, as well as 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