READING is gearing up for a season of festive celebration with events taking place across town in the lead-up to Christmas.
Christmas lights in the town will be switched on on Saturday, November 16, with a brand new 800,000-LED display set to illuminate the town centre, with nods to cultural icons such as Oscar Wilde, Reading FC, and the Number 17 bus.
This year’s light display is brought to the town by the Reading Economic and Destination
A Christmas market will also be in place on Broad Street, featuring stalls, crafts, and live music, running from Saturday, November 16, until Tuesday, December 31.
From Saturday, November 9, the Winter Wonderland also returns to Hills Meadow.
Reading’s GLOW lantern parade takes place on from 5pm Saturday, December 7, where attendees will walk together in candlelight to Town Hall Square, culminating in a musical finale.
Each weekend in December will see live music, stilt walkers, children’s story time events, and character visits, including Father Christmas.
Santa’s Grotto will also arrive at Broad Street Mall on Friday, November 22.
Reading Hexagon’s pantomime, Cinderella, starring Justin Fletcher, opens on Saturday, December 7, while Reading Repertory Theatre’s The Snow Queen opens on Friday, November 29.
Wellington Illuminova light trail returns to Wellington Country Park from Friday, November 22.
Late-night shopping hours will also be in place across the town centre, which hosts more than 250 high-street brands and outlets and more than 80 independent businesses.
Full details of events are available via: whatsonreading.com
