Christmas Tractor Runs in Berkshire
By My Town Rocks · Published Published
Picture a tractor. Now picture it covered, every inch of it, in Christmas lights. Add a giant inflatable snowman on the roof, a sound system playing Wham! and a driver in a Santa hat waving like they've just won the lottery. Now picture forty of them in a row.
That's a Christmas tractor run, and they're one of the most joyful (and completely free) festive outings around. Farmers spend weeks decorating their tractors, then drive them through towns and villages in a glowing convoy, raising money for local charities as they go.
Before you go
Wrap up properly. You'll be standing still on a December evening, so hats, gloves and a flask of hot chocolate are a must.
Get there early. Town centres get busy, and the tractors keep moving, so grab your spot and stay put.
Check on the day. Timings can slip, and organisers post updates on Facebook.
Bring some change. There are usually buckets out for the charities.
Keep little ones back from the kerb. They're still tractors, however sparkly.
Christmas tractor runs in and around Berkshire, in date order
Christmas Tractor Drive-In at The Shire Horse, Maidenhead
When and where: Wednesday 2 December, from 5pm, at The Shire Horse pub on the A4 at Littlewick Green, near Maidenhead.
What to expect: Something a little different: instead of a convoy, the tractors park up so you can get a proper close look. Expect a static display of vintage and modern tractors dressed in Christmas lights and decorations, all in aid of the British Heart Foundation. It's a gentle option for little ones who want to see the tractors without standing at the roadside, and there's the pub for a warm drink while you're there.
Got a tractor? Places are by invitation only as space is limited. Email eunicet.wilson@btinternet.com to ask about entering.
Woolton Hill Tractor Run (just over the border)
When and where: Saturday 12 December. The tractors leave Woolton Hill, lit up, at 4.30pm and reach Newbury's Bartholomew Street from around 6pm.
What to expect: The convoy heads into Newbury along Bartholomew Street and Northbrook Street, loops round Market Place, then heads out via the Andover Road towards Enborne. Newbury town centre is the place to be, with plenty of shops and cafes around for a warm-up first. It's free to watch, with money raised for the Farming Community Network and Swings & Smiles.
Aldermaston Christmas Charity Convoy
When and where: Saturday 12 December, Aldermaston. Times and route to follow.
What to expect: Not just tractors: all vehicles are welcome, so expect lorries, tractors, motorbikes and more, all lit up for Christmas. The organisers are promising their biggest convoy yet, with money going to local charities and families. If you're heading over for Woolton Hill the same evening, keep an eye on the organisers' Facebook group for timings in case you can catch both.
The Bramley Christmas Tractor Run (just over the border)
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When and where: Sunday 13 December, around Bramley and the villages north of Basingstoke. Times and route to follow.
What to expect: A lovely village run, with a prize for the best dressed tractor and a Christmas raffle. Last year the convoy set off at about 4.45pm and wound through Bramley, Sherfield on Loddon, Little London, Silchester, Pamber Heath and Tadley, finishing at around 7pm.
Berkshire Farmers Christmas Charity Tractor Run
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When and where: Saturday 19 December, in and around Thatcham.
What to expect: Organised by Eleanor Gilbert, better known as the Berkshire Farm Girl, this one has grown fast: last year around 70 tractors took part and raised thousands for Newbury Cancer Care. Last year's route started in Curridge and went through Cold Ash, Thatcham Broadway, past West Berkshire Community Hospital, then on through Shaw and Hermitage. Live timings are posted on the Berkshire Farm Girl Facebook and YouTube pages on the night, so you can time your arrival.
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Hungerford Illuminated Vehicle Parade
When and where: Saturday 19 December, setting off from Hungerford Rugby Club at 6.30pm.
What to expect: Tractors, cars, trucks, bikes and floats, all dressed in Christmas lights, with Father Christmas joining in too. The parade goes along Priory Road and down the High Street, loops around Charnham Park, then comes back up the High Street to finish at the Rugby Club. The High Street is the best place to watch, and afterwards the Rugby Club bar is open for everyone to carry on the celebrations.
Got a vehicle? Any road-safe vehicle can take part. Email townclerk@hungerford-tc.gov.uk to let the town council know you're coming, and be at the Rugby Club by 6pm. The roads won't be closed, so walking displays can't join in.
Know of a Christmas tractor run in Berkshire we've missed, or a change to one here? Let us know and we'll update.
