Christmas Events in and around Reading

Christmas is a magical time of year for all the family and Reading has some of the most wonderful events around. In this handy guide you will find information on lots of local Christmas events along with some slightly further afield that we feel are worth the extra miles. There are festive farms, lights trails, meet and greets with the big man himself and some festive afternoons teas. 

If you have visit any of our festive suggestions do tag us on social media as we love to see your adventures. It’s a ho ho ho and a Merry Christmas from Reading Rocks!!

The Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure at West Green House (Ad) 

Follow a sparkling mile of “yellow brick road“ through an illuminated garden, passing giant dancing fountains and mysterious follies. An Adventure past a glowing poppy field, an evil witch, even a Barbie pink good witch, to find The Tin Man, The Scarecrow, The Lion and Dorothy looking for The Wizard!

Locally produced food stalls, Yummy hot chocolate, mulled wine, Christmas treats for supper and a glittering Christmas shop.

Christmas week, Concerts, Carols and Musical fun.

• Dates: Selected dates from the 23rd November - 29th December
• Address: West Green House Gardens, Thackham's Ln, West Green, Hook RG27 8JB
• Tickets: Find all the details here

(AD) The West Green Pantomime, Looking for The Rainbow

Join the song and laughter as the Rainbow Dame and friends travel an American Midwest Interstate in search of the lost rainbow in a newly commissioned jukebox style family friendly musical.

Sing along to the uplifting pop classics in a new Christmas panto/ musical.

Matinee Adult £26: Child £18
Adult £40: Child £30:
Your ticket includes the musical plus the Illuminated Garden.

• Dates: Selected dates from the 19th/20th/21st/22nd Dec
• Address: West Green House Gardens, Thackham's Ln, West Green, Hook RG27 8JB
• Tickets: Find all the details here

(Ad) Visit Broad Street Mall for a Magical Christmas Celebration

This Christmas, Broad Street Mall is the place to be for festive fun!

Santa has been hard at work making his list and checking it twice, and now he’s ready to spread holiday magic to all the little shoppers at Broad Street Mall.

From 22nd November to 24th December on selected dates*, Broad Street Mall is inviting families to step into Santa’s enchanting grotto in Centre Square! 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.

• Dates: Selected dates from 22nd Nov to 24th Dec
• Address: Broad Street Mall, Broad St, Reading RG1 7QE
• Tickets: No need to book just turn up. For more info click here.

Elsa & Olaf Family Sing Along Lunch (Ad)

Join The Village Hotel Club Bracknell for this festive sing along with Elsa and Olaf. This event includes live family entertainment and a two course lunch.

• Dates: Sunday 24th November 12:00 - 4:00pm
• Address: Village Hotel Bracknell, Bagshot Rd, Bracknell RG12 0QJ
• Tickets: Find all the details here; Adults are £22, children are £16.50 and family ticket (x2 adults & 2 children) £69.30. 

Christmas at GolfPlex (Ad) 

The covered Winter Wonder Polar course is packed full of Christmas themes and festive cheer once again this year. Play all 3 Adventure Golf courses and adults can enjoy a FREE mulled wine and mince pie. And for the kids, a FREE sweet treat and hot chocolate!

Golfplex also offer gift vouchers which can be redeemed against all activities and food and drink. To order click here.  

• Dates: Throughout December
• Address: Wood Ln, Binfield, Bracknell RG42 4EX 
• Tickets: Find all the details here

A warm and friendly atmosphere awaits you, where you can unleash your creativity and create a stunning, personal wreath to welcome your guests this Christmas. Luxurious materials and foliage are included, but you are welcome to bring your own adornments too—feathers, velvet bows, baubles, and any greenery you forage beforehand. Our pre-mossed wreath bases mean more time for the fun part: decorating!

Hosted by Karen, who will offer decorative advice and tips to ensure your creation is a showstopper. After your creative session, wrap up warm with your beautiful wreath in hand and gather around the fire pit in the courtyard for festive drinks, which can be purchased from The Happy Bee!

Festive Treats & Drinks:
Enjoy mince pie traybakes, festive nibbles, and mulled wine—with a non-alcoholic version upon arrival!

The Happy Bee will make a special guest appearance, serving up a menu of cheeky Espresso Martini’s or Winter Spiced Aperol to keep the holiday cheer going. Cocktails are not included in the price…… but can be purchased throughout the evening and enjoyed by the fire after the event.

Included in your ticket:
Moss wreath, selection of foliage, assorted accessories and adornments, bows, ribbon and more to complete your wreath
Complimentary mince pie, nibbles, mulled wine & non-alcoholic option
Parking is limited, so please car share where possible.

• Dates: Thursday 5th December two sessions one at 5.30 - 7pm and then 8 - 9.30pm
• Address: Soul Barns, Nightingale Lane, Mortimer, Reading, RG7-3PS
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Reading's Lantern Parade 

Bring your loved ones together for a magical winter lantern procession.

The Reading Lantern Parade returns on Saturday 7th December. Join the parade and walk together in candlelight to Town Hall Square for a magical musical finale.

A heart-warming celebration of the festive season filled with lights, music and community spirit.

You and your family can join in the fun by making your own lanterns at workshops. Bring your creations to the parade and be part of the glowing procession! This is Reading's second Lantern Parade, following last year's success with nearly 1500 participants. You don’t want to miss out on the incredible Buzz

Come, bring your friends and family, and let's light up the night together at this magical event!

• Dates: Saturday 7th December starting at 4.15pm to light lanterns if not lighting a lantern join the parade
• Address: Blue Collar Corner
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Fabulously Festive (AD)

Immerse yourself in the heartwarming joy of the season at Fabulously Festive, a grand Christmas event brimming with holiday cheer and festive activities. Explore the vibrant Christmas market, enjoy delicious street food and mulled wine by the fire and even meet Father Christmas.

At Fabulously Festive, you can glide across the ice with your family one moment and enjoy all-day entertainment at the Apres Ski Bar the next. With live performers, cosy fire pits and festive activities like making reindeer food in the Reindeer Kitchen, Fabulously Festive offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Creating holiday memories that will last a lifetime!

Activities include:

• Meeting Father Christmas
• Christmas Village
• Fair Ground
• Ice Skating
  
  
• Dates: 16th Nov to 5th Jan
• Address: Hurtwood Park Polo Country Club, Horsham Lane, Ewhurst Green, Surrey, Surrey, GU6 7SW
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Wokingham Winter Carnival 

With over 125 stalls, funfair rides, food and entertainment there will be lots to do and see.

Wokingham Winter Carnival is a FUN day out for the whole family. The town is closed to traffic for the day so children can join in the fun in a totally safe environment.

• Dates: Sunday 24th November 2023 10:00 - 17:00
• Address: Wokingham Town Centre
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Christmas at Beale Park 

Join us for a heartwarming Christmas celebration at the zoo! Santa and his elves are coming to spread holiday cheer and create unforgettable memories. Enjoy Jolly Tales and Tasty Treats in our Wild Café, witness the magic of a reindeer and arctic fox feeding encounter, and embark on a fun-filled Stocking Trail. There's something for everyone to enjoy!

• Date: 1st Dec - 31st Dec
• Address: Lea Farm, Lodge Rd, Hurst, Reading RG10 0SS 
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Santa's Chocolate Grotto (Gifted) 

Chocolates for Chocoholics can’t wait to meet Santa in his grotto again this year, and you are welcome to join him at his Chocolate workshop in Hurst!

In this 45 min - 1 hour experience, once guests receive their magical Christmas passport, they will make and decorate their own Christmas chocolate bar with Mrs Claus before joining one of our Elves to play games and have a dance at the North Pole Disco. Once finished, guests will be able to have a private meeting with Father Christmas himself and receive a gift. You can even bring your letter to Santa and post them to the North Pole in our magical post box.

Please choose the correct date/time from below and remember to add the child(ren's) name and age at the checkout.

• Date: 30th Nov/7th Dec/14th Dec/15th Dec/18th Dec/19th Dec/20th Dec/21st Dec/22nd Dec (time slots from 09.30am - 4pm daily)
• Address: Lea Farm, Lodge Rd, Hurst, Reading RG10 0SS
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Christmas at Chobham Adventure Farm 

Christmas Adventure:

Say hello to REAL reindeer in the Reindeer Lodge where you will also get the chance to join Father Christmas’s head flying instructors Turbo & Gasket on their super, stupendous, and silly sleigh driving lessons, where you can earn your very sleigh licence to take home.

• Dates: 30th Nov, 1st Dec, 7th/8th Dec, 12th -15th Dec and 17th - 24th Dec
• Address: Bagshot Road Chobham, Woking GU24 8DB
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Christmas experience, Magic Reindeer Food, small gift from Father Christmas weekend & holiday pricing £29.95 (Adults) and £39.95 (Child) none weekend and holiday tickets are cheaper. 

Family Christmas Concert

Seasonal music and carols for all the family at our traditional Christmas concert – come and start the festive season with us! Tickets are £10 per person. Free tickets aged 18 and under. 

• Date: Saturday 14th December 4.30 - 6pm
• Address: St John the Baptist Church, Waterloo Road, Crowthorne RG45 7PB
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Carols at the Minster

We are delighted to invite you to celebrate the festive season with us (and the elves) this year at Reading Minster.

Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly afternoon of music, performances and Christmas reflections to celebrate and raise money for PACT’s life-changing work with women, children, families and the local community. Children (and adults) are welcome to dress up as elves.

Tickets available:
– £12 for adults
– £3 for children
- £16 family of three (one adult and two children)
- £26 family of four (two adults and two children)

All proceeds will go towards PACT’s work supporting children, families and our local community.

• Dates: Friday 7th December, refreshments and Magician from 3pm with main event taking place at 4 - 5.30pm
• Address: Reading Minster, Chain Street, Reading, RG1 2HX
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Jakes Play Farm

Play in the soft play, sleigh ride to visit Santa in his grotto, receive a gift, help the elves make a biscuit in the gingerbread factory and finish off your trip out on the farm. This is a truly magical experience for the whole family. Child tickets are £29.95 and adults are £14.95

• Dates: Various dates between 31st Nov and 24th Dec. 
• Address:  Yateley Rd, Berkshire GU47 8JQ
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Moss End Garden Village Christmas Market

Moss End Christmas Fair on 17th November from 10am to 3pm. Get the date in your diary now and get ready to enjoy stalls, food, games, activities and entertainment! Free Entry! 

• Handmade Gifts
• Crafts
• Food & Drink
• Family Entertainment
  
  Join in the festive fun and make this Christmas season one to remember!

Christmas Fair at Holme Grange Craft Village

Saturday 30th November from 11 - 4pm.

Enjoy live music, get started on your Christmas shopping, yummy food and get the chance to meet the big man himself. You do not need to book Father Christmas in advance - slots are allocated on the day first come first serve! 

Dobbies Garden Centre Hare Hatch – Santa’s Grotto

This year we are offering a Little Seedlings train-themed journey for children and families, complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa himself! 

Take in the atmosphere as you arrive at our enchanting forest, and after a warm welcome from the elves at Sleigh bell Station, children will get to experience snowy scenes, spot woodland characters, find hidden nutcrackers, all culminating in the chance to meet Santa.

• Dates: Various dates between 28th Nov and 24th Dec.
• Address:  Yateley Rd, Berkshire GU47 8JQ
• Tickets: Find all the details here

The Grumpy Green Villain - Festive Family Afternoon Tea

"Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more." - The Grinch

Indulge in a magical Afternoon Tea for all the family set in the gorgeous Mansion House this Christmas season. A visit to Santa and a gift is also included.

The Package:

• Festive afternoon tea
• Children's entertainment from The Grumpy Green Villain
• Visit to Santa
• Gift from Santa 
• Dates: 15th December from 1 - 3pm
• Address: De Vere Wokefield Estate, Goodboy's Lane, Reading, RG7-3AE 

Tickets: Find all the details here Adults are £35 and Children are £25.

Legoland at Christmas

Enjoy a festive family day out with your little elves as LEGOLAND transforms into a wintery wonderland! Our twinkly lights, giant DUPLO® Christmas tree and magical atmosphere will have the whole family full of Christmas spirit.

There is so much to do from festive shows and entertainment to LEGO® building fun and of course your favourite rides and attractions. You’ll build memories that will last a lifetime!

• Dates: Selected dates from 23r Nov to 4th January
• Address:  LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire,SL4 4AY.
• Tickets: Find all the details here tickets from £29 booked in advance.

Windsor Great Park Illuminated

Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns for its fourth year to light up the iconic Windsor Great Park. Bringing the woodland and water to life with a festive celebration of light and a sparkle of magic.

Visit the stunning trail with a host of dazzling new installations and reimagined favourites with friends and family, and don’t forget the dog!

• Dates: Selected dates from 15th Nov - 4th Jan
• Address: The Savill Garden,  Englefield Green, Egham TW20 0UU
• Tickets: Find all the details here; Tickets Adults £29.15 and Children £18.70 (off peak and family tickets also available)

South Hill Park Robin Hood and the Magic Hour

This Christmas, a legend will be born on the Wilde Theatre stage. Our award-winning pantomime returns with Robin Hood and the Magic Arrow – full of all the mayhem and merriment you’ve come to expect.

When King Richard disappears, Robin Hood has his land taken away from him by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Will Robin be able to get his home back? Can he protect Maid Marian from the Sheriff? Will our heroes ever be able to save the King?

Packed with singalong songs, comedy chaos, crazy characters and colourful costumes, it’s guaranteed to hit the target and give you something to (Friar) Tuck into.

• Dates: 29th Nov to Sunday 5th Jan
• Address: South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell RG12 7PA
• Tickets: Find all the details here; Tickets start at £22.50

Hexagon Theatre Panto Cinderella

Cinderella is the hilarious family pantomime suitable for all ages, with tons of slapstick comedy, plenty of audience interaction and stunning musical numbers that you will be singing for days afterwards. The clock is ticking so pop on your glad-rags and grab your tickets to the ball for the show that proves that a pair of shoes really can change your life!

• Dates: 7th Dec - Sun 5th Jan
• Address: The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Berkshire RG1 7QF
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Reading's Winter Wonderland 

A full family day out with amusement rides, ice skating rink, Santa's Grotto, fun fair and alpin ski lodges. We'd recommend booking Santa's Grotto and ice skating in advance. 

• Dates: 9th November - 7th January, 11am - 10pm
• Address: Hills Meadow, Reading, RG4 8DH
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Christmas Markets and Fairs:

South Hill Park Craft and Design Fair, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell RG12 7PA. 16th & 17th November from 10am-5pm Click here for more details.

• Trunkwell House Gift Fayre, Beech Hill Road, Reading RG7 2AT. 2nd & 3rd November from 10am – 4pm. Click here for more details. 
• The Herb Farm Christmas Market, Sonning Common. 2nd & 3rd November from 10am – 4pm. Free Entry. Click here for more details.
• Christmas Craft Market, Oaktree Garden Centre, Bracknell. 23rd & 24th Nov/30th & 1st Dec and 7th & 8th Dec. Click here for more details.  
• Christmas Market at The Little Play Lounge, Padworth Common. 30th Nov & 1st December 2024. £5 entrance fee children welcome. Click here to book online.
• Cavmas – Caversham’s Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping Event, Caversham. Fri 6th December 2024 from 5 - 8.30pm. Click here for details.
• Christmas Fair, Reading School, Reading. Awaiting this year information
• Reading Town Hall Christmas Market. 30th Nov from 10 - 4pm. Click here for all the details. 
• MERLy Christmas Shopping Event 26th November from 11:00–15:00 Have fun Christmas shopping at The MERL, Christmas crafts also running for children. For more details click here.
• Loddon Christmas Market, Dunsden Green Farm/Church La, Reading RG4 9QD. 25th November from 11:00–17:00pm. Click here fore more details. 
• Shinfield Winter Fayre, Chruch Lane, Reading. 25th November from 10:00–16:30.
• Silchester Farm Christmas Market Day, Silchester Farm, Silchester, Reading. 17th December from 12:00–17:00pm. To book tickets here
• Artisa – Christmas Market, 2 S View Park, Caversham, Reading.19th November from 10:00–15:30pm. Free entry.
• Christmas Fayre, Grange United Reformed Church, 139 Southcote Lane, Reading.11th November from 14:30–16:00pm. 

Further afield but that we feel are worth the extra miles…

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, Newbury

A 3 hour immersive event. Get whisked away by a magical sleigh ride to the North Pole where you will experience a fully interactive adventure with elves, toy soldiers, yetis, build a bear, musical show and private meet and greet with Santa.

• Dates: 26th November - 24rd December
• Address: Newbury Road, Headley, Thatcham RG19 8JY
• Tickets: Find all the details here

A 3 hour immersive event. Get whisked away by a magical sleigh ride to the North Pole where you will experience a fully interactive adventure with elves, toy soldiers, yetis, build a bear, musical show and private meet and greet with Santa.

Millers Ark Farm – Hook

This wonderful farm prides itself on its hands on approach with animals. Get up close and personal with chickens/goats/pigs and donkeys. Millers Ark is a truly wonderful place and they are holding various Christmas events but don’t delay these will get booked up.

Santa Special: 25th and 26th Nov, 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 20th Dec. Farm ticket £12 per person Santas Grotto £8 including a gift.

Elves Special Tea Party: 23rd, 24th, 28th and 30th November. Adults £5 and Children £15.

Carols in the barn: 17th, 19th, 23rd Dec. £12 per ticket which includes a mince pie.

Magical living nativity candle lit tea barn with hot drinks and juice: 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 21st, 22nd and 24th December. £18 per ticket.

Miller's Ark Animals (millersark.co.uk)

Chessington Winter Trail

25th Nov – 3rd Jan

Make magical memories this Christmas at Winter’s Tail, enjoying festive family fun with your nearest and DEERest at Chessington.

With the help of our jolly elves and reindeer, meet Father Christmas in his log fire grotto and revel in all the Christmas cheer that a traditional panto and carollers offer. Plus, NEW for 2023, visit the charming residents of Enchanted Hollow as they prepare for a magical Christmas. Help them countdown to the BIG day and wish them all a ‘Merry Christmas’ as you and your family wander through the delightful underground town of Enchanted Hollow decked out in all its festive finery. Tickets start from 30pp booked in advance. 

Theme Park & Zoo Tickets and Discounts | Chessington

We hope you’ve found our round up of Christmas inspiration helpful! Let us know where you visit, and tag us in your adventures!

Merry Christmas to you and your families! We hope you have a wonderful festive season back together and enjoy a well deserved break.

Love Reading Rocks xxxx