Get ready for a festive adventure in Reading with our detailed guide. Whether you're a familiar face or a fresh visitor, our guide unlocks the holiday treasures of Reading.
Popular events during this festive season include the enchanting Christmas at Windsor Castle, where visitors can explore stunning decorations and historical charm. Another unique experience can be found at Lapland UK, featuring interactive experiences with Santa's workshop and live reindeer. And the Legoland Windsor’s Christmas Celebration is something you definitely don't want to miss, with captivating light displays and festive rides. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Reading
- Christmas at Windsor Castle (Windsor)
- Lapland UK (Ascot)
- Legoland Windsor’s Christmas Celebration (Windsor)
- Welford Park Spectacle of Light (Newbury)
- Newbury Festival of Light (Newbury)
- Windsor on Ice (Windsor)
- Christmas at Basildon House
- Illuminated at Windsor Great Park (Englefield Green)
- Santa's Chocolate Grotto (Hurst)
- Jake's Play Farm Christmas (Yateley)
See these and even more events listed below!
Reading Holiday Light Displays
Welford Park Spectacle of Light
What to Expect:
Breath-taking light and sound experience in a historic setting.
Description:
Welford Park Spectacle of Light is an illuminated trail through majestic woodland and gardens, featuring beautiful installations and delicious refreshments.
Where: Newbury | More Info: Welford Park Spectacle of Light
Newbury Festival of Light
What to Expect:
Community-created lantern procession with live music.
Description:
The Newbury Festival of Light is a community-driven event that transforms Newbury town centre into a vibrant display of light and music. The procession travels along Northbrook Street to Market Place, featuring live music and lanterns created by schools, community groups, and the public.
Where: Newbury | More Info: Newbury Festival of Light
Christmas at Basildon House
What to Expect:
Classic Christmas film-inspired decorations and twinkling fairy lights.
Description:
Basildon Park transforms into a beautifully adorned estate with twinkling fairy lights and classic Christmas film-inspired decorations, offering a nostalgic holiday experience.
Where: Reading | More Info: Christmas at Basildon House
Illuminated at Windsor Great Park
What to Expect:
Dazzling light trail with new installations and reimagined projections.
Description:
Windsor Great Park Illuminated features a dazzling light trail with new installations and reimagined projections, bringing woodland and water to life with spectacular displays of color and music.
Where: Englefield Green | More Info: Illuminated at Windsor Great Park
Reading Holiday Markets and Shopping
Sindlesham Court Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Historic venue with seasonal stalls and local delicacies.
Description:
Sindlesham Court Christmas Market offers a variety of seasonal stalls selling unique gifts and local delicacies in a historic setting.
Where: Sindlesham | More Info: Sindlesham Court Christmas Market
South Hill Park Craft and Design Fair
What to Expect:
Unique handmade crafts by over 60 artists.
Description:
The South Hill Park Craft and Design Fair features over 60 artists showcasing beautiful, handmade gifts and festive wares. Explore specialist open studios and discover visual arts courses.
Where: Bracknell | More Info: South Hill Park Craft and Design Fair
Reading Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Lapland UK
What to Expect:
Immersive theatrical experience with personalized visits and activities.
Description:
Lapland UK is a fully immersive theatrical experience where families journey through an enchanted forest to help Father Christmas's Elves make toys, decorate gingerbread, ice skate, and meet the reindeer before a personalized visit with Father Christmas.
Where: Ascot | More Info: Lapland UK
Civic Carol Service
What to Expect:
Traditional carols and readings with a performance by Ukrainian choir Kryla.
Description:
The Civic Carol Service at Reading Minster features traditional carols, readings, and a performance by Ukrainian choir Kryla. The event includes Ding Dong Merrily on High, Away in a Manger, and O Come All Ye Faithful, along with traditional readings and a welcome by Rev. Sonya Wratten. Festive refreshments will be provided by Purple Turtle.
Where: Reading | More Info: Civic Carol Service
Reading Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Windsor Castle
What to Expect:
Historic castle transformed with elaborate Christmas decorations.
Description:
Windsor Castle transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with magnificent Christmas displays, including a 20-foot Nordmann fir tree in St George's Hall, decorated with sparkling Garter Stars. The State Apartments are adorned with impressive garlands and festive wreaths, while the Undercroft Café offers a festive menu. Families can participate in craft activities and workshops exploring Victorian Christmas traditions.
Where: Windsor | More Info: Christmas at Windsor Castle
Legoland Windsor’s Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Interactive LEGO activities and festive shows.
Description:
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort transforms into a wintery setting with twinkly lights, a giant DUPLO Christmas tree, and festive activities. Enjoy live entertainment, meet LEGO Santa, and participate in LEGO building fun. The event includes selected rides and attractions, with options for overnight stays in themed rooms and visits to Father Christmas.
Where: Windsor | More Info: Legoland Windsor’s Christmas Celebration
Windsor on Ice
What to Expect:
Fully covered ice skating rink with fairground attractions.
Description:
Windsor on Ice offers a fully covered ice skating rink in historic Alexandra Gardens, perfect for families, birthdays, and corporate events. The venue includes a fairground with unlimited ride wristbands, festive food, and a viewing area under cover. It is open from November 15th to January 5th, with special sessions like Tiny Tuesdays and All Access Wednesdays.
Where: Windsor | More Info: Windsor on Ice
Santa's Chocolate Grotto
What to Expect:
Interactive chocolate-making experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
At Santa's Chocolate Grotto, guests receive a magical Christmas passport and make their own festive chocolate bars with Mrs. Claus. They then join the elves for games and dancing at the North Pole Disco before having a private meeting with Father Christmas and receiving a gift. Hot drinks are available for purchase to keep everyone warm and toasty.
Where: Hurst | More Info: Santa's Chocolate Grotto
Jake's Play Farm Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive playbarn and petting farm with diverse animal encounters.
Description:
Jake's Play Farm offers a variety of activities including an indoor playbarn with slides and interactive games, a mini petting farm with animals, and a large playground with climbing frames and a pirate ship. The farm also features a reptile house and two large fishing lakes with obstacle courses and bird watching towers.
Where: Yateley | More Info: Jake's Play Farm Christmas
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Lower Earley (3 miles)
- Wokingham (7 miles)
- Crowthorne (10 miles)
- Yateley (10 miles)
- Bracknell (10 miles)
- Sandhurst (11 miles)
- Maidenhead (12 miles)
- Camberley (13 miles)
- Thatcham (13 miles)
- Fleet (13 miles)
- Basingstoke (14 miles)
- Farnborough (15 miles)
- High Wycombe (15 miles)
- Newbury (16 miles)
- Didcot (16 miles)
- Windsor (16 miles)
- Slough (17 miles)
- Aldershot (17 miles)
- Egham (18 miles)
- Farnham (18 miles)
- Abingdon (20 miles)
- Gerrards Cross (20 miles)
- Staines (20 miles)
- Woking (20 miles)
- Chalfont Saint Peter (21 miles)
- Amersham (21 miles)
- Uxbridge (22 miles)
- Ashford (22 miles)
- Guildford (23 miles)
- Chesham (23 miles)
- Oxford (24 miles)
- Hayes (24 miles)
- Feltham (24 miles)
- Sunbury-on-Thames (24 miles)
- Bordon (24 miles)
- Godalming (24 miles)
- Walton-on-Thames (25 miles)
- Ruislip (25 miles)
- Hanworth (25 miles)
- Heston (26 miles)
- Aylesbury (26 miles)
- Southall (26 miles)
- Hounslow (26 miles)
- Esher (27 miles)
- Northolt (27 miles)
- Greenford (27 miles)
- Isleworth (27 miles)
- Berkhamsted (27 miles)
- Andover (28 miles)
- Watford (28 miles)
- Richmond (29 miles)
- Harrow (29 miles)
- Surbiton (29 miles)
- Brent (30 miles)
- Leatherhead (30 miles)
- Wembley (30 miles)
- Acton (30 miles)
- Hemel Hempstead (30 miles)
- Chiswick (31 miles)
- New Malden (31 miles)
- Winchester (31 miles)
- Barnes (31 miles)
- Epsom (31 miles)
- Witney (32 miles)
- Bicester (32 miles)
- Ewell (32 miles)
- Willesden (32 miles)
- Putney (32 miles)
- Shepherds Bush (32 miles)
- Borehamwood (33 miles)
- Wimbledon (33 miles)
- Cricklewood (33 miles)
- Fulham (33 miles)
- Morden (34 miles)
- Sutton (34 miles)
- St Albans (34 miles)
- Kilburn (34 miles)
- Banstead (34 miles)
- Leighton Buzzard (35 miles)
- Chelsea (35 miles)
- Mitcham (35 miles)
- Finchley (35 miles)
- Battersea (35 miles)
- Carshalton (35 miles)
- Dunstable (35 miles)
- Swindon (36 miles)
- Barnet (36 miles)
- Wallington (36 miles)
- Chalk Farm (36 miles)
- City of Westminster (36 miles)
- Camden Town (36 miles)
- Streatham (36 miles)
- Harpenden (36 miles)
- Reigate (36 miles)
- London (37 miles)
- Archway (37 miles)
- Muswell Hill (37 miles)
- Holloway (37 miles)
- Coulsdon (37 miles)
- Brixton (37 miles)
- Hadley Wood (37 miles)
- Eastleigh (38 miles)
- Redhill (38 miles)
- Luton (38 miles)
- Islington (38 miles)
- Potters Bar (38 miles)
- Croydon (38 miles)
- Purley (38 miles)
- Highbury (38 miles)
- Wood Green (38 miles)
- South Croydon (38 miles)
- Hatfield (38 miles)
- Bletchley (38 miles)
- Peckham (39 miles)
- Horsham (39 miles)
- Stamford Hill (39 miles)
- Waterlooville (40 miles)
- Horley (40 miles)
- Tottenham (40 miles)
- Caterham (40 miles)
- Enfield Town (40 miles)
- Welwyn Garden City (41 miles)
- Beckenham (41 miles)
- Catford (41 miles)
- Edmonton (41 miles)
- Canary Wharf (41 miles)
- Bow (41 miles)
- Havant (41 miles)
- Milton Keynes (41 miles)
- Crawley (41 miles)
- Walthamstow (42 miles)
- Stratford (42 miles)
- Blackheath (42 miles)
- Southampton (43 miles)
- Fareham (43 miles)
- Leytonstone (43 miles)
- Canning Town (43 miles)
- Totton (43 miles)
- Chingford (43 miles)
- Chichester (44 miles)
- Cheshunt (44 miles)
- Woodford Green (44 miles)
- Eltham (44 miles)
- Ampthill (44 miles)
- Salisbury (45 miles)
- Banbury (45 miles)
- Hertford (45 miles)
- Hitchin (45 miles)