More than 40 mostly free fabulous festive events all over town & super-sparkling new giant Christmas trees plus fireworks and fire displays, and Santa’s Elf Station!
Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 16 November, 3.30pm | Broad Street Mall and Town Centre
Santa arrives to light up Broad Street Mall with thousands of Christmas lights. Three new trees sparkle at the station, in Broad Street and The Forbury. Free
Santa’s Elf Station
From Sunday 17 November, 11am–5pm | Broad Street Mall
Santa’s elves are setting up shop in Broad Street Mall this Christmas. Join them for free festive craft activities and letter writing. Pose for ‘elfies’ and take home a free family printed photo. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the big man also! Free
Christmas Extravaganza
Saturday 30 November, 12–6pm | Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk, The Blade and town
Join us in town and the Abbey Ruins for a day of music, boat trips, food, light and an amazing fireworks display from the top of The Blade from 5pm visible for miles. With music from Ma Bessie, Dat Brass, Avenue and Flamenco Thief, a boat tour from Cast Iron Theatre and a lighting installation from Pif-Paf Theatre. This is sure to be a day to remember. Free
Magical Wonderland at The Oracle
From Saturday 30 November, 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm | The Oracle Riverside
This Christmas, The Oracle will be transformed into a magical frozen wonderland! Watch a series of wondrous wintry ice capades on the festive rink. Free
Hansel & Gretel
Tuesday 3 December, 7.30–9.30pm | 7 Flowers & Tea, Cross Street
Monday 9 December to Tuesday 31 December, various times | South Street Arts Centre
Hansel & Gretel were born holding hands, nothing can keep them apart. Until one day they are cast out into the forbidden woods with no way home. Will they ever find one another again? Can they survive the dark, twisting festival of the forest?
An Even More Crayola Christmas
Thursday 5 December, 7.30–8.30pm | Purple Turtle, Gun Street
The festive season has Crayola feeling camper than ever, celebrating Christmas with a dragged up twist! Free
Cinderella: Christmas Panto
Saturday 7 December to Sunday 5 January, various times | The Hexagon
Starring cBeebies superstar Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse. Another fabulous family festive treat! Will the Wicked Stepsisters succeed in ruining Cinderella’s dreams of happiness or will her Fairy Godmother and loyal friend Buttons be able to thwart their wicked plans? Come to the ball and find out!
The 12 Pubs of Christmas
Saturday 7 December and Sunday 22 December, 2–8pm | Across Reading
TimeTrap Escape Rooms presents this collection of 12 escape room-style challenges hidden within 12 popular pubs throughout Reading with prizes for winners. Free
Christmas Hits Silent Disco
Wednesday 18 December, 7–10pm | Thames Tower, Station Road
Festive disco dancing and cheeky cocktails from the Milk Bar on top of the Thames Tower. A perfect way to get you in the festive mood in such beautiful surroundings! Free
Circus on Broad Street
Saturday 21 December, various times | Broad Street
Featuring Dan the Hat: Juggler and comedian, Escapologist AJ James, The Felicity Footloose Show and FlameOz. Free