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

Light Switch-On | Friday 15 November
The festive season officially begins as Reading’s Christmas lights are switched on! Join the celebrations with live music, entertainment and plenty of sparkle. Afterwards, you can also pop to Station Hill to watch the iconic 'Royals, Residents & a Rock Festival' mural burst into life with a dazzling display of winter-themed lights and colour, set to an uplifting live DJ soundtrack.

Christmas Market on Broad Street | Opening Friday 15 November
The Christmas Market returns to Broad Street this Friday! Browse twinkling stalls filled with gifts, crafts and delicious festive treats.

Illuminate Reading | Opening Friday 15 November
From Friday, 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