Christmas in Reading

Whatever Christmas means to you, there's a place for you in Reading. And as the 2024 season creeps upon us, Christmas in Reading is ready to bring ALL the festive vibes this year. So however you Christmas, wrap it up in Reading.

Christmas events: get together in Reading
 

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 kicked off on 16 November with the spectacular annual Light Switch On, with live music and a brand-new light display which celebrates Reading's cultural heritage.

Broad Street is packed with Christmas markets, featuring new and exciting stalls for 2024, selling delicious festive 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, with traditional Panto and carol concerts, merry markets and Reading's very own Lantern Parade: GLOW, returning to town for its third year. 

Christmas gifts: Shopping in Reading

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 local, hard-working heroes selling unique products and local produce. Check out Reading's Ultimate High Street Gift Guide for a carefully curated range of gifts and shops to explore this year. Late night shopping is also available during the season, making those last-minute dashes a breeze.

Christmas parties: celebrate in Reading!
 

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.

If the traditional 3 course dinner and drinks isn't your scene, choose from an epic line up of Christmas comedy, gigs and concerts, as well as streetfood markets, 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