Christmas Lights in Berkshire | Things To Do 2025
*This article is in the process of being updated – many attractions haven’t announced their activities for this year yet so I’ve kept last year’s events on for some attractions until I can update them.
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Seeing Christmas light displays is such a big part of the festive season and it’s always great to go and see the holiday lights being switched on too. Most towns make a huge thing of it, with Christmas market stalls, food and drinks and entertainers as well as the lights being turned on for the first time.
Here are all of the Christmas light switch on events across Berkshire so you can add them to your plans for the coming weeks. I’ve organised them in date order for ease.
Christmas light switch on events in Berkshire
Eton Christmas Lights Switch-on – Thursday 13th November 2025
Celebrate Christmas in Eton with food stalls, funfair rides, music, dancing and all the fun of Christmas! Kicking off at Jubilee Square from 5pm, the Chapel service starts at 6pm followed by a Christmas procession with Father Christmas and his reindeer. And then watch the Christmas lights switch-on in Jubilee Square at 7pm.
Newbury Christmas Lights Switch On 2025 – Saturday 15th November 2025
Newbury is set to dazzle with its biggest Christmas celebration yet! The town will come alive with a full day of festivities in the run-up to the Christmas Lights Switch On at 6pm.
Windsor Christmas Lights Switch-on – Saturday 15th November 2025
Visit Windsor for a programme of live entertainment throughout the day, culminating with the Christmas light switch on. From carol singing and community stalls through to the lights being switched on with the cast of the Theatre Royal Windsor’s panto, Jack and the Beanstalk.
Reading Christmas Light Switch On – Saturday 15th November 2025
Christmas in Reading officially starts with the Lights Switch On and festive market which will feature a great selection of food, drink and craft stalls – as well as live music starting from 12:30pm and going on into the evening.
Maidenhead Christmas Market and Light Switch On 2025 – Saturday 22nd November 2025
The Festive season kicks off with the official town Christmas Market and light switch-on. A whole day of entertainment and fun.
Hungerford Christmas lights Switch on Event – Sunday 23rd November 2025
More info to follow
Winnersh Parish Council Christmas Craft and Gift Market plus Christmas Light Switch On – Saturday 29th November 2025
More info to follow
Wokingham Winter Carnival – Sunday 30th November 2025
With over 125 stalls, funfair rides, food and entertainment there will be lots to do and see at this year’s Winter Carnival. A fun day out for the whole family, the town is closed to traffic for the day so children can join in the fun in a totally safe environment. There’s a host of street entertainers, music, singing, dancing and the fun of the fair with loads of different rides, whether you’re young or old. Plus Santa will be in his grotto and the lights will be switched on as part of the grand finale.
Warming Up For Christmas: Thatcham Christmas Lights Switch On – Friday 5th December 2025
The countdown to the lights switch on takes place with festive stalls open from 5pm and entertainment starting at 5.30pm. The lights will be switched on by the Mayor and special guests at 7pm. There will be snow, a special appearance from Santa and some special sparkles in the sky when the lights are switched on!
Christmas light events in Berkshire
Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross and Shinfield Charity Christmas Trail 2025
Join in the festive fun by walking a magical trail around Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross and Shinfield and find all the wonderfully decorated houses in the community! No decor is too big or too small
Windsor Great Park Illuminated – 14 Nov 25 – 3 Jan 26
Enjoy a magical evening with family and friends at Windsor Illuminated. This year it’s more dazzling than ever with a sprinkling of new installations and the return of some firm favourites.
You can read our Windsor Great Park Illuminated review here
Newbury Festival of Light – Newbury Town Centre – Sunday 14th December 2025
Soak up the atmosphere and watch hundreds of twinkling lanterns as the procession travels through Newbury town centre in this popular, annual Festival of Light. The procession will travel along Northbrook Street before arriving in the Market Place with live music and a festive atmosphere.
You can read about more Christmas light trails in Berkshire here
There are also many family friendly festive light events, light shows and days out across the country – and we have a few Berkshire holiday lights events too. They make for a fantastic evening out as a family or with friends and transport you to a beautiful twinkling world, the North Pole or to Santa Claus doorstep, perfect for the holiday season.
I hope that’s given you some inspiration for the rest of the year. There’s so much going on in Berkshire, with so many Christmas displays, and I hope you’ve now got more to add to your calendar throughout the Christmas season. If you need more inspiration for festive days out, these posts might be useful:
- Where to see Father Christmas in Berkshire
- Christmas Theatre and Pantomimes in Berkshire
- Christmas Ice Skating in Berkshire
- Christmas Light Trails in Berkshire
- Christmas Markets in Berkshire
