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 Carnival of Animals Trail at West Green House (Ad)

The Carnival of Animals Trail — and it's unlike anything you've seen before. Wander a kilometre of illuminated paths where glowing bears, soaring owls, and jewel-bright peacocks light up the night. Discover the glittering Walled Garden, meet gentle manger animals on select weekends, and warm up with spiced wine, hot chocolate, and festive food in the Orangery. Tickets are already disappearing - don't miss this unforgettable Christmas experience.

• Dates: Selected dates from the 29th November - 30th December. Timed entry 4.30-7pm Garden closes 9pm. 
• Address: West Green House Gardens, Thackham's Ln, West Green, Hook RG27 8JB
• Tickets: Find all the details here

The Petting Manger — New for 2025 at West Green House (Ad) 

The space beneath the Chinese Pavilions transforms into the sweetest Christmas scene a living manger filled with gentle animals. Meet sheep, goats, cows, and even a soft-eared rabbit, each chosen to reflect the animals from the Nativity story. Little ones can pet and enjoy them with the help of our friendly handlers.

Tickets: Adults £25 | Children (3–15) £21Includes entry to The Carnival of Animals Christmas Trail and The Petting Manger.

• Dates: Selected dates from the 29th & 30th and 6th & 7th December from 4-8pm. 
• Address: West Green House Gardens, Thackham's Ln, West Green, Hook RG27 8JB
• Tickets: Find all the details here

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

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 15th 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 15th 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 30th November 12:00 - 4:00pm
• Address: Village Hotel Bracknell, Bagshot Rd, Bracknell RG12 0QJ
• Tickets: Find all the details here tickets include 2 course set menu, DJ and Disco and entertainment from Elsa and Olaf. 

Christmas at GolfPlex (Ad) Awaiting 2025 information coming soon. 

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 30th November 2023 10:00 - 17:00
• Address: Wokingham Town Centre
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Christmas at Beale Park 

Step into the Beale Centre as it transforms into a cosy storybook wonderland. Tuck into a festive buffet for grown-ups and little ones, get creative with seasonal crafts, and snuggle up for Elf-led story time. Then, with a sprinkle of sparkle, Father Christmas will make a special entrance to say hello, each child enjoys a brief meet-and-greet and receives a small gift to take home. It’s everything you love about Christmas, all under one roof and made for family memories.

What’s included in your main experience:

• Festive buffet (adult & child options)
• Seasonal crafts station
• Elf story time
• Father Christmas
• A small gift for each child

• Date: 29th/30th Nov, 6th/7th & 13th/14th Dec and 19th - 24th Dec. (SEN sessions available)
• 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! Tickets include: 

Create and decorate your very own festive chocolate bar with Mrs Claus
Take on the Elf Training Course and learn what it takes to become one of Santa's Elves
Meet Santa and receive a special gift (if you’re on the nice list!)
Post your letter to Santa in our enchanted North Pole post box

There will also have hot drinks available to buy throughout the day and our chocolate shop will be open for all your Christmas shopping! Each experience lasts around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

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

• Date: 6th/7th, 13th/14th, 19th/20th and 21st Dec (time slots from 09.30am - 4pm daily)
• Address: Lea Farm, Lodge Rd, Hurst, Reading RG10 0SS
• Tickets: Find all the details here

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: £10, free for aged 18 and under.

• Date: Saturday 13th 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

Christmas at the Minster With Two Choirs, a Brass Quintet and Audience Carols! Featuring: Occasions Singers, Reading Male Voice Choir & Guests 

• Date: Saturday 20th December, refreshments and Magician from 3pm with main event taking place at 5 - 6.30pm
• Address: Reading Minster, Chain Street, Reading, RG1 2HX
• Tickets: Find all the details here

Moss End Garden Village Christmas Market

Christmas Fair – Sunday 16th November 
10.30am – 3.30pm 
Moss End Garden Village Free entry 
Free parking

Get ready for a magical day of festive fun for the whole family!  Enjoy a Festive BBQ, mulled wine, and plenty of Christmas cheer while the kids join in the fun with live performances, snow parties, and the Cheeky Elf spreading laughter all around! Don’t miss story time with Treasure Box Tales, and explore unique gifts and festive goodies across our wonderful shops and stalls.

All in support of Pancreatic Cancer UK
In partnership with JL Events

Christmas Fair at Holme Grange Craft Village - Saturday 29th November

Join Holme Grange Craft Village for a magical day of festive fun.

Enjoy live music, choir performances, Christmas shopping, yummy food and a chance to meet Santa himself

To note: no booking is required to meet Santa. You will be given a timeslot on the day. Slots are given on a first come first serve basis.

Santa Afternoon Tea

Come and meet Santa this festive season at Wokefield Estate!

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
• Visit to Santa
• Gift from Santa
• Dates: 7th and 21st December from 1 - 4pm
• 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 22nd Nov to 3rd January
• Address:  LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire,SL4 4AY.
• Tickets: Find all the details here tickets from £34 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 Beauty and the Beast
When an arrogant prince is cursed to live as a beast, his only hope of salvation is to find love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose.
Can village girl Belle see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast?

• Dates: 6th Dec - Sun 4th 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. Unlimited ride wristbands are £24 per person add ice skating for £5 per person. 

• Dates: 8th 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