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Free Christmas Things to Do in Reading
11th December 2024
If you’re on a tighter budget this year or simply fancy a cheap day trip with the kids or night out with friends, Reading has some great events that will get you into the Christmas spirit, whilst remaining absolutely FREE! Here are our top picks for this December.
Civic Carol Service
Thursday 12 December, 6:30pm, Reading Minster
There’ll be readings and carols for the whole congregation to join in with, as well as performances by the Minster Choir. This free carol service is one of the highlights of the town’s festive season, all members of the public are welcome to join!
Cunning Man Christmas Market
Saturday 14 December, 9am till afternoon, Cunning Man
Taking inspiration from the very popular German Christmas markets, there’ll be a variety of local small businesses for you to browse with free entry. Partner this with a drink or lunch from the Cunning Man and a frosty walk along the river just next to the pub.
Magical Christmas Storytime
Sunday 15 December, 1-3pm, Reading Biscuit Factory
Experience the magic of the season on Sunday 15 December, with a free festive storytime from Reading Children’s Book Group. There’ll be stories from Christmas-themed picture books and classic festive tales – no booking required! (All welcome, but this event is best suited to children aged 7 and under.)
Christmas Evening at Waterstones
Tuesday 17 December, 6-8pm, Waterstones
Waterstones will be staying open late with Christmas-themed refreshments and festive music from the Tamesis Chamber Choir. To top the night off, they’ll be joined by Jennie Gow (BBC News F1 Correspondent) as she signs copies of her book How To Read F1.
Carol Singing at Christ Church
Wednesday 18 December, 6pm, Christ Church
Join others outside around the Crib at Christ Church, under the church clock tower, for informal carol singing followed by hot drinks and mince pies.
Classic Cinema Night: Shop Around the Corner
Friday 20 December, 7:30pm, Rising Sun Arts Centre
Join us for a Christmas Classic: Shop Around the Corner.
Alfred and Klara are colleagues, disliking each other in person but in love with each other as pen pals (the film was remade in 1998 with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as You've Got Mail). Set in the build-up to Christmas, the film explores love and loneliness and doesn’t shy away from the slightly darker side of the festive season. There’ll also be FREE popcorn!
Christmas Sparkle
Saturday 21 December, 10:30am-12:30pm, The Pavilion, Oxford Road
At the Pavilion on the Oxford Road, just outside the town centre, Lifespring Church is hosting its Christmas Sparkle event for another year, this time with a live nativity, live music, children’s craft and a BBQ, all free of charge. Everyone welcome!
Character Visits
Saturday 21 December, 11am-4pm, Broad Street
Children can meet the Huggable Snowman and Snow Queen who’ll be bringing the festive magic.
Santa Visit
Sunday 22 December, 11am-1pm, Broad Street
Write those Christmas letters and pull on your best Christmas jumper because Santa is coming to town! Rumour has it he’ll be travelling all the way from the North Pole to explore Reading’s high street this Christmas.
Christmas Performers
Weekends in December until 22 December, The Oracle
Including a Mariachi band, dancing grannies and a drumming theatre show, where these performers are, there’ll be confetti cannons, Christmas jokes, kaleidoscope lighting and much more. Look here to find out who’s on when.
Twilight Tales
Monday 23 December, 2-6pm, Ufton Court
Pre-book your place to one of three storytelling sessions at 3pm, 4pm or 5pm for a festive afternoon where you can meet friendly animals, take part in a seasonal scavenger hunt, get stuck into some creative crafts before gathering in the enchanting Tithe Barn under the glow of a 15-foot Christmas tree for a magical storytime!
Visit the Christmas Lights
This year, we have a range of brand-new lights, unique to Reading, celebrating its attractions and famous heritage, including Reading Football Club, Banksy, Jane Austen, the Number 17 Bus and the River Thames. The beautiful lion lights, inspired by the iconic Maiwand Lion that stands proudly in Forbury Gardens, are something not to miss.
Options Under £2:
Although not free, here are a few final cheap day-out options that won’t cost more than a coffee to enjoy!
Christmas Activities in Libraries around Reading
For only £1, choose from a wide variety of Christmas crafts to take the kids to this December. Taking place in seven local libraries, find activities such as quizzes, Christmas stories and DIY snow globes and mini stockings.
Make and Take: Christmas Special
Saturday 14 December, 10am–4pm, Reading Museum, £2
This December, on your free visit to the Reading Museum, why not consider a half-hour Christmas craft session? Open to everyone. You can also join in on The Forgetful Elf’s Christmas Feast Trail for £1 this December and leave a letter in the post box to send to Father Christmas before you leave. From 18 December, there will also be an activity cart full of a range of seasonal-themed crafts!
