What's on in Reading: November and December 2026

November 2026

7 and 8 November: Acorn Open Studios

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November, 10.30am to 4.30pm | Art and studio trail | Reading and other East Berkshire locations | Check the studio map and RSVP details before setting out.

Meet artists and makers in their working spaces, with original work and possible gifts to browse. The trail extends beyond Reading, so use the organiser's brochure to choose nearby studios and plan travel between them.

7 November: Diwali Light It Up

Saturday 7 November, 5pm to 7pm | Dance, drumming and illuminated parade | Reading Town Hall Square and town centre | Free.

Rescheduled from 24 October because of the weather, Kala The Arts' celebration begins with dance from 5pm and drummers from 5.45pm in Town Hall Square. The parade runs from 6.15pm to 7pm, finishing on Broad Street, with large illuminated puppets and lanterns.

14 November: Reading's Christmas Lights Switch On

Saturday 14 November, from noon; countdown at 5pm | Music and festive lights | Broad Street, outside Marks & Spencer | Free outdoor event.

An afternoon of live music leads into the town-centre lights, with Reading's Steel Orchestra Band at 2pm and further music at 4pm. Broad Street's Christmas Market also opens that day. Expect crowds around the countdown and dress for an outdoor visit.

21 November: Reading Town Hall Christmas Market

Saturday 21 November, 10.30am to 4.30pm | Local shopping and makers | Reading Museum, Concert Hall and foyer, Blagrave Street | Free entry; no booking needed.

Browse local stalls across the Town Hall and museum spaces, with the museum shop open too. Level access is through the main glass doors; the Clock Tower entrance has steps. Stallholder spaces are already fully booked, but shoppers can simply turn up.

From 21 November: A Christmas Carol

Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 | Theatre, ages 6+ | Reading Rep Theatre | Published ticket range £5 to £39, including a £1 booking fee; performance times vary.

Reading Rep and Ramps on the Moon bring Dickens' story to the stage with live music, storytelling and creative captions. Audio description is available from 25 November, and selected performances have an integrated BSL interpreter. Check the access page and booking calendar for the right performance and seating.

From 26 November: Snow Window Trail

From Thursday 26 November | Self-guided festive window trail | Reading town centre | Free to explore; full route to be announced.

Look for painted snow scenes in town-centre shopfronts while exploring Reading on foot. The organiser has confirmed the start date but has not yet released the complete window list, route or closing date. Follow its trail page for those details rather than planning around an assumed finish date.

December 2026

From 5 December: Aladdin at The Hexagon

Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 | Family pantomime | The Hexagon, Queen's Walk | Full-price e-tickets £27 to £47.50 including fees; times and concessions vary.

Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse return for a pantomime featuring animated scenery, comedy and musical numbers. BSL-interpreted performances are listed for 12 December at 1pm and 28 December at 5pm. Contact the box office about access seating and relaxed performances before booking.

20 December: Santa and His Elf on Broad Street

Sunday 20 December, noon to 12.45pm and 1.15pm to 2pm | Family character visit | Reading Christmas Market, Broad Street | Free; just turn up.

Meet Father Christmas and his elf during the final festive character visit before Christmas. There are two separate appearances with a break between them, leaving time to explore the market or stop at a town-centre cafe.