Christmas Places in Reading

Reading's Christmas market returns to Broad Street for seven festive weeks, with a row of wooden chalets lining the town's main shopping street beneath the Christmas lights. Browse for gifts, decorations and seasonal treats, warm up with a hot drink and soak up the atmosphere as you shop. It opens on the same day as the town's lights switch-on, so the first weekend is especially lively. Entry is free. Open 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sundays, from 14 November to 3 January.

Reading town centre officially welcomes the festive season as the Christmas lights are switched on, on the same day the Broad Street Christmas Market opens. Come into town for the afternoon to browse the new market chalets, then stay for the evening countdown, with the switch-on expected at around 5pm. It is a free, family-friendly occasion and a cheerful start to Christmas in Reading. Full running order is usually confirmed closer to the day.

Wokingham's Winter Carnival closes the town centre to traffic for a full day of festive fun, run by the volunteers of Wokingham Lions Club. Expect stalls, entertainment and family activities through the streets around the Market Place, building to the big finale when the town's Christmas lights are switched on. It is one of the busiest and friendliest days of the year in town. Free to attend, 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Every evening from 1 December to Christmas Eve, a new 'window' opens somewhere in Henley-on-Thames, revealing a short surprise performance. Doors, windows and courtyards across town become stages for local musicians, choirs and community groups. The acts are a closely guarded secret until the door opens at around 6.15pm, with everything from classical and jazz to spoken word and festive songs, each lasting about 20 minutes. Many raise money for local charities, and the finale on Christmas Eve is at St Mary's Church. Free to watch and wonderfully festive; check the daily location before heading out.

Twyford's Christmas Fayre brings the village together for a festive Friday evening along London Road, organised by the community group Twyford Together. Wander the stalls for gifts and seasonal goodies, enjoy local entertainment and catch up with neighbours over something warming. Last year the Bell Corner Christmas tree lights went on the same evening, giving it a lovely village feel. Free to attend, 6pm to 9pm.

Rub the lamp and make a wish: Reading's big family pantomime is Aladdin, and this year children's TV favourite Justin Fletcher leads the fun at The Hexagon. Expect a magical genie, a villainous Abanazar, a dame with a wardrobe to remember, flying carpets, catchy songs and all the slapstick and audience participation that make panto a Christmas tradition. Relaxed performances are scheduled on 11 and 30 December. Runs 5 December to 3 January, with tickets from around £20 to £47.50. Weekend shows sell quickly, so book ahead.