Planning Your Perfect Christmas Holiday Day Out

From spectacular ice skating fun to world-class concerts and comedy nights that will have you laughing through the twelve days of Christmas, Reading’s festive calendar is bursting with entertainment for all ages. So grab your warmest scarf, gather your loved ones, and prepare to discover why Christmas in Reading is truly special.

Festive Events and Activities

Berkshire's biggest Christmas event in 2025 is Reading Winter Wonderland, which returns for the festive season, opening its doors from Saturday, 8th November, through to Sunday, 4th January.

This popular attraction is free to enter and features a real ice skating rink, Santa's grotto, rides and attractions, an Après Ski Bar, and a wide variety of festive food and drinks. Tickets for ice skating, Santa's Grotto, and unlimited ride wristbands can be booked online in advance, which is advisable as these often sell out.

Broad Street Comes Alive

Broad Street comes alive with Christmas markets featuring exciting stalls selling delicious festive food and drink, crafts, and gifts. Throughout December, free family Christmas events take place in the town centre every weekend, with candy cane stilt-walkers spreading festive cheer and character visits bringing seasonal magic to Broad Street.

Heart-Warming Magical Lights and Lanterns in the Garden

Explore the magic of light at Reading’s Museum of Rural Life in its MERL garden and enjoy a host of craft activities inspired by light and the MERL gardens and collections. 

Activities will include a torchlight trail, lantern-making, a gallery trail, and more. The event on Monday, December 15th, runs from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. You can book tickets here.

Fantastic Christmas Music 

For music lovers, Trinity Concert Band returns to Reading Minster for their renowned annual Christmas concert on Sunday, December 14th, from 4pm to 6pm. Under the expert direction of Paul Speed, this award-winning band will take you on a heartwarming musical journey through Christmases past and present, blending seasonal nostalgia with festive cheer.

This family-friendly event warmly welcomes children of all ages. Come ready to sing along to beloved carols and be inspired by the fantastic sound of live music from an award-winning band. This Christmas concert promises a delightful mix of tunes from various periods, places, and popular festive movies, complete with a sprinkling of sleigh bells from Santa’s little helpers!

The Sound of Classic Christmas Films

The Christmas Orchestra makes a special stop at Reading Minster on 12th and 13th December. This concert features a 16-piece chamber orchestra performing compositions from favourite Christmas films, including Home Alone, Love Actually, The Nutcracker, and Harry Potter, alongside popular sing-along classics.

Launchpad Reading hosts their heart-warming Carols by Candlelight on Tuesday, 2nd December in Reading Town Hall, celebrating community spirit whilst supporting the local homelessness prevention charity.

Christmas Chortles

For those seeking laughter alongside their festive cheer, Just the Tonic Comedy Club presents Christmas Comedy Specials on Saturday, 6th December, Friday 12th December and Saturday 20th December at Sub89/Popworld on Friar Street. These evenings offer top circuit comedians performing under one roof, with a bar available for drinks.

“Come and join us for an evening of laughter. Grab a drink or two at the bar before the show starts and then get comfy for some of the best comedy in town.”

Festive Dining and Parties

Reading truly excels when it comes to Christmas party venues and festive dining experiences. De Vere Wokefield Estate offers a magical countryside setting just outside Reading, with shared party nights or bespoke events complete with dance floors and festive menus.

For an elegant experience, The Roseate Reading, a 5-star boutique hotel, offers luxurious festive afternoon teas, elegant private dining options, and beautifully decorated settings perfect for a classy Christmas celebration.

Or, for something different, Thames River Cruise offers festive boat cruises along the Thames with onboard catering, a fully stocked bar, and twinkling lights on the water. Alternatively, Boom Battle Bar combines competitive fun with street food and cocktails, featuring axe throwing, shuffleboard, and beer pong for parties that break from tradition.

A Royal Christmas

If you’re looking for some royal glamour this Christmas, just a short journey from Reading, Windsor Castle presents magnificent Christmas displays from 27th November until 5th January. It will feature a spectacular 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree in St George's Hall dressed with thousands of twinkling lights.

Throughout the Christmas holidays from 20th December until 4th January, families can participate in festive craft activities at the castle, exploring Victorian Christmas traditions in the castle's Learning Centre.

Experience Christmas in Reading with Celador Apartments

Make your festive season truly memorable by staying at Celador Apartments, your perfect home away from home in the heart of Reading. Our luxurious, fully-equipped apartments provide the ideal base for exploring all the magical Christmas events and activities Reading has to offer. After a day of ice skating, market browsing, or enjoying festive entertainment, return to your spacious apartment to relax in style.

Whether you're visiting for a Christmas getaway, a family festive break, or attending corporate Christmas parties, our apartments offer the flexibility and comfort that hotels simply can't match. With fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living spaces, and modern amenities, you'll have everything you need for a perfect Christmas stay.

Book your festive stay with Celador Apartments today and create unforgettable Christmas memories in Reading.