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

Reading Bach Choir: Come and Sing Carols | 16 December
Join Reading Bach Choir at St Andrew’s Church, Caversham, for a festive evening of communal carol singing

Bach to Baby Christmas Family Concert | 18 & 22 December
Enjoy festive live music with Bach to Baby at Reading Minster — cosy Christmas classics and joyful sounds for the whole family in morning and afternoon performances.

Sing-Along Nicktivity | 20 & 21 December
Join Flowing Spring for a lively, interactive Christmas performance full of songs and laughter.

Snow Queen and Huggable Snowman | 20 December
Meet these festive characters on Reading’s Broad Street for festive fun, photos and magic from 10am - 12:15pm.

Just the Tonic Comedy Club Christmas Special | 20 December
Enjoy a night of top-tier stand-up with some of the best circuit comedians around. 

Make The Yuletide Gay | 20 December
Come to St Laurence’s Church for a fabulous night of pop, festive classics and queer cheer.

WiFi Wars Xmas Special | 20 December
Join South Street for a festive edition of the interactive comedy game show where you play along using your smartphone or tablet in a fun mix of games, quizzes and puzzles!

The Snowman – Live with Orchestra | 20 December
Watch the beloved animated classic The Snowman with live orchestral accompaniment by the English Pro Musica Orchestra at The Great Hall.

Santa visits Reading | 21 December
Meet Father Christmas himself between 12pm and 2pm on Reading’s Broad Street before he flies back to the North Pole!

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