Family Christmas activities in Reading

You'll find all the staple ingredients for a classic family Christmas in Reading, from traditional family Christmas activities such as meeting Father Christmas, to spectacular light shows - and everything in between. Plus there are lots of free events and activities in the heart of the town centre, so you can keep the little ones busy without breaking the bank. 

Reading Christmas Markets
 

Broad Street is packed with Christmas markets, featuring new and exciting stalls for 2024, selling delicious festive food and drink, crafts and gifts. This year they'll be running until 31 December to keep you going through the 'twixmas' period. If festive markets are your things, you'll find lots of Christmas markets in Reading taking place on various weekends throughout the festive period including Artisa Christmas Market in Caversham on 17 November, and Reading Town Hall Christmas Market on 30 November. Take a look at our pick of the best Christmas Markets in and around Reading.

Free family-friendly events in the town centre

Christmas kicked off with Reading's annual light switch on, on Saturday 16 November - with festive tunes, hot chocolates and a brand-new set of twinkling lights for the whole family to enjoy.

Across every weekend in December there are free family Christmas events in the town centre, for all to enjoy. Candy Cane Stilt-walkers will be spreading festive cheer on 1 and 8 December at 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm. Plus, on Saturday 21 December children can meet the Huggable Snowman and Snow Queen who’ll be bringing the festive magic to Broad Street between 11am-4pm.

For the third year running, GLOW Reading’s Lantern Parade returns on Saturday 7 December, where you are welcome to join the parade and walk together to Town Hall Square for a magical musical finale.  All are welcome to join this heart-warming celebration of the festive season, filled with lights, music and community spirit. Workshops will run throughout November for those who want to make a lantern to join in the procession.

Experience the magic of the season on Sunday 15 December, with a free festive storytime from Reading Children’s Book Group. Drop into Reading Biscuit Factory between 1-3pm for stories from Christmas-themed picture books and classic festive tales – no booking required! 
 

Traditional Christmas activities

You can head to the ball with the spectacular Cinderella Christmas Panto at The Hexagon showing until 5 January. If slapstick comedy isn’t for you, then there are other fantastic Christmas performances including Launchpad’s Carols by Candlelight, at the Town Hall and lots of performances at Reading Minster thoughout December.

Winter Wonderland in Reading has been running since 2014 and claims to be the biggest in Berkshire, complete with Santa's Grotto, ice-skating rink and Christmas rides and stalls. Doors to Reading's Winter Wonderland will swing open on 9 November, welcoming guests in until 5 January, 2025.

Double-Barrelled Brewery are hosting a Festive Family Fun Day on 23 December, with a special Christmas Quiz (£5 entry per table) and a Christmas joke compeition for our budding comedians!

If you are wanting to head out of the centre of town, why not take a family night-time adventure though the illuminated paths of Wellington Country Park for their illumination trail, Wellington illuminova? Alternatively, nearby Wokefield Estate are hosting a number of festive afternoon teas throughout December.
 

Meet Father Christmas in Reading!
 

There are a number of opportunities for kids to meet Santa in Reading before the big day - luckily, he's taking some time out of his busy schedule to stop by in the 'Ding.

Head to Reading town centre on 22 December to spot Father Christmas on Broad Street. He'll be greeting shoppers and spreading some festive cheer ahead of the big day. If you want to say hello, make sure you're in town between 11am - 1pm!

You'll also be able to visit Santa in his grotto in Broad Street Mall on selected dates from 22 November - 24 December. For just £6, each child will enjoy a magical visit with Santa and receive a special gift. No need to book—families are welcome to drop by anytime. Photos and festive merchandise will also be available for purchase separately.

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Please check specific event websites or venues for further details and booking information. Enjoy the festive season in Reading!