The Best Christmas Markets to visit in Reading this winter

The season is upon us, which surely means log fires, hot chocolates, cosy socks and films. But, is Christmas really Christmas without a festive market or two? Reading’s market scene has been growing over the last few years and we now have a fabulous range of merry markets to get you in the spirit. From traditional Christmas fayre and tasty grub, to quirky gifts and crafts - here’s our pick of some of the best Christmas Markets in and around Reading that you don’t want to miss this festive season.

Broad Street Christmas Markets, 16 November – 31 December
Bigger and better for 2024, this year’s Christmas Market in Broad Street will feature over 20 stalls and chalets, selling everything from Christmas crafts to chestnuts – and everything in between. Officially opening with Reading’s Christmas Light Switch On event on Saturday 16 November, Reading’s most central Christmas Market will run all the way until 31 December, perfect for those ‘twixmas’ days.

Artisa Christmas Market, 17 November
A great opportunity to support local neighbourhood businesses and do your Christmas shopping for a fourth year running. A quirky take on the traditional outdoor Christmas market, Artisa Christmas Market is hosted by Creativ.Spaces in Caversham. Sure to be a great day out for everyone, you’ll be helping to support 3 charities and local artists, artisans and makers too. Ding dong!

Yattendon Winter Market, 23 & 24 November
Modern Makers Collective is delighted to be back for Yattendon Winter Market - A Celebration of Slow Craftsmanship. Featuring a group of 24 exceptional artists, designer-makers and craftspeople, this festive market will be held in the beautiful location of Yattendon Village, just outside Reading. Discover a vibrant selection of handmade treasures, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass, printmaking, bookbinding, furniture, knitwear and basket weaving.

Children’s Business Fair, Broad St., 30 November
Okay, so not a traditional Christmas Market per-se, but we had to add this one in here as it’s a new one for Reading and the perfect excuse for some Christmas shopping. Head to Broad Street this November for a Children’s Business Fair showcasing some of the very best young entrepreneurs around. Support our local children and pick up a unique Christmas gift while you’re at it. ‘Tis the season, after all!

Reading Town Hall Christmas Market, 30 November
Get into the festive spirit with some Christmas shopping by local stall holders and the Reading Museum shop. This year’s market promises to be bigger and better than last year, offering upcycled furniture & accessories, jewellery, personalised gifts, board games, wax melts, bath bombs & soap slices, knitted gifts, candles, pamper boxes and more! Located in the Soane Space, the Museum and The Concert Hall foyer spaces, this a fully accessible market for everyone to enjoy, right in the heart of Reading.

Reading’s Indie Market at Christmas, 1 December
The mighty Reading Indie Market returns to the Double-Barrelled Brewery for the best Christmas shopping experience you'll have this year! Head down to the taproom between 1pm and 5.30pm to peruse the finest festive local arts, crafts, and produce whilst enjoying a pint of the best beer in Reading! We find that shopping is a lot more fun when it's done in a room that has twelve excellent beers on tap...Expect great gift ideas, amazing beer, and excellent street food.

Cavmas Christmas Market, 6 December
Mark your calendars – the annual Christmas Caversham Festival (known locally as CAVMAS) will be returning to Caversham, Reading on Friday 6 December with live music, food stalls, late night shopping, choirs and family activities. Like your traditional Christmas Market but jam-packed with even more festive spirit. What’s not to love?!

The Cunning Man Christmas Markets, 7 & 14 December
This December, head to The Cunning Man for two Saturdays of Christmas Stalls for your merry market fix. Taking inspiration from the very popular German Christmas markets, the Cunning Man will showcase a variety of local small businesses selling traditional Christmas gifts, starting at 9am and running into the afternoon.

For those who are after some big-scale gifting, shopping in Reading is easy, with some of the biggest brands around. 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 independent businesses selling unique products and local produce. Plus, late night shopping throughout the season makes those last-minute dashes a breeze!