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Christmas in Berkshire | Things To Do 2024

ByDonna Wishart

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Christmas is just around the corner and there are so many festive activities and magical Christmas events coming up that I thought I’d share them with you. They’re great for inspiration if you have a free weekend, a few hours spare after school or are looking for ways to fill up the Christmas holidays.

So here are some ideas of things to do over the festive season taking place across Berkshire:

Meeting Father Christmas in Berkshire

I know one of the main things people want to know at this time of year is where to see Father Christmas so I’ve put together a post that tells you just that. Santa events and activities are also listed on this page but if you’re specifically looking for Father Christmas, this post might be helpful.

Days Out in Berkshire

If you’re just looking for a day out to enjoy over the festive period then we have a lot of inspiration for you across Berkshire and a little further afield. These posts should be helpful:

But, carry on reading for special Christmas themed days out and activity ideas across Berkshire over the festive season.

Christmas Afternoon Tea

If you fancy going for afternoon tea as a festive treat there are plenty of places to choose from and these guides may help you find somewhere perfect!

Christmas Tree Farm Berkshire

A great festive activity is going to choose a Christmas tree and it’s lovely being able to go and pick one freshly cut from a Christmas tree farm.

Some options across Berkshire include:

You can read about more places to get Christmas trees in Berkshire here.

Christmas Events in Berkshire

Wherever you are in Berkshire, there are so many festive events to keep the whole family entertained. Here are a few ideas from across the county suitable for all ages.

Here are a couple of specific posts that you might find useful:

Days Out with Christmas Activities in Surrey

Bucklebury Farm Park – Pease Hill, Reading RG7 6RR

Christmas at the Farm – SOLD OUT

Father Christmas is coming back to Bucklebury Farm! His elves are very busy plotting and creating the most magical experience for your little ones. A 5 minute private grotto session with Father Christmas, a present, plus Festive activities!

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park – Newbury Road, Headley, Thatcham RG19 8JY

The Magical Christmas Adventure – 23rd of November until the 24th of December

Your adventure starts with a thrilling flight to the North Pole aboard Santa’s Shuttle. You’ll walk, wonder and play through fantastical locations and rooms, before boarding the train for a scenic ride back to 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park.

Wellington Country Park – Odiham Road, Riseley, Berkshire RG7 1SP

Wellington Illuminova – 22nd November – 23rd December 2024

Landing at Wellington Country Park this winter, prepare to be captivated by the magic of Wellington Illuminova as you step into a world where imagination knows no bounds. Embark on a journey through the illuminated paths and let the enchanting lights spark your creativity and transport you to a realm where dreams come to life.

Legoland Windsor – Winkfield Rd, Windsor SL4 4AY

Legoland at Christmas – Selected dates, 23rd November 2024 to 4th January 2025

Enjoy a festive family day out with your little elves as Legoland transforms into a wintery wonderland! There’s twinkly lights, a giant Duplo Christmas tree and magical atmosphere that will have the whole family full of Christmas spirit.

Reading Museum – Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH

The Forgetful Elf’s Christmas Feast Trail – Throughout December 2024 – £1 per trail

Follow this fun festive trail through the Museum galleries with a favourite Elf! Don’t forget to stop for a rest along the way and write your secret letter to Father Christmas ready to drop in the post box before you leave.

Make & Take: Christmas Special – Saturday 30th November and Saturday 14th December 2024 – £2 per person

Create some traditional Christmas crafts to take away and decorate your home!

Windsor Castle – Windsor SL4 1NJ

Christmas at Windsor Castle – Selected dates, 21 Nov 2024 – 6 Jan 2025

Step into Christmas and 1,000 years of royal history at Windsor Castle. This festive period, see the State Apartments decorated with magnificent Christmas displays. The highlight of this year’s decorations include a 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree in St George’s Hall, taken from Windsor Great Park and dressed with thousands of twinkling lights. 

Festive Family Fun at Windsor Castle – Selected dates, 22 Dec 2024 – 5 Jan 2025

Step into the shoes of a Victorian child this Christmas as you enjoy the beautifully decorated Castle. Drop by the Castle’s Learning Centre to hear all about a Victorian Christmas and make a memento to take home, such as a tree decoration, a wreath or an angel, just as Victorian children may have made. You can also devise your own Christmas menu for Queen Victoria and her family to enjoy on Christmas Day or dress up as an elegant Victorian stepping out on Christmas morning. 

Highclere Castle – Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN

Christmas at Highclere: Castle Tours & Carols – 5th-8th December 2024

Step into the festive spirit! Tour the Castle State Rooms and Gallery Bedrooms, admire the Christmas decorations and enjoy listening to traditional carols and music as you explore the rooms before stopping for warming mulled wine and other traditional fayre. There will also be a chance to explore Highclere’s winter garden.

Evening Tours with Champagne, Canapés and Christmas Carols – 13th and 14th December 2024

Enjoy Champagne and Canapés throughout this festive evening, as you tour the beautifully decorated Castle inspired as ever by Highclere’s history. Explore the State Rooms at your leisure, climb the Oak Staircase to the Bedrooms and discover the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars.

Christmas at Highclere Talk by Lady Carnarvon & Guided Castle Tours – 18th and 19th December 2024

In the final days before Christmas, is there anywhere better to get into the festive spirit? Join Lady Carnarvon at Highclere Castle for a festive talk and guided tour of the Castle.

Christmas Tours and Afternoon Teas – November/December 2024

Following a tour of the State Rooms and Gallery Bedrooms, you will be invited to explore the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars, which tells the story of the world-famous discovery in 1922 of the tomb of Tutankhamun by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter. Following your tour, you will make your way outside to the Christmas Marquee on the Castle Lawns for a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea.

Charles Dickens Evening at Highclere Castle – 18th and 19th December 2024

The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon are delighted to welcome you to their home, the Real Downton Abbey, for a festive evening to celebrate a Victorian Christmas.

Beale Wildlife Park – Lower Basildon, Pangbourne, Reading RG8 9NW

Christmas at Beale Park – Open daily

Get in the Christmas spirit at Beale Park! From the amazing animals and decorations to festive activities. It’s a great Christmas day out.

ELF Stocking Trail – Selected dates throughout December

Let the festive fun begin! Santa’s Elves are taking over the magical activity trail this Christmas season. Solve riddles, tick them off the list, and find the Elf for a special present!

Reindeer Feeding – Selected dates throughout December

Get up close with reindeers during exclusive feeding experiences. Learn fun facts from our expert keepers while hand-feeding these gentle giants. An unforgettable Christmas experience. 

Adult Christmas Events in Surrey

Nature Discovery Centre – Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 3FU

Adult Winter Wreath Making – 30th November and 1st December 2024 – £35 per person

Using natural materials harvested from the reserves, come along and enjoy a relaxing couple of hours getting creative with willow and winter foliage to produce a beautiful wreath to take away and decorate your home. During the session there will be the opportunity to listen to festive music (and sing along if you like!) and enjoy a hot or cold drink and sweet treat too.

Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre – Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 3LJ

Adult Winter Wreath Making – 5th and 6th December 2024 – £35 per person

Using natural materials harvested from the reserves, come along and enjoy a relaxing couple of hours getting creative with willow and winter foliage to produce a beautiful wreath to take away and decorate your home. During the session there will be the opportunity to listen to festive music (and sing along if you like!) and enjoy a hot or cold drink and sweet treat too.

Basildon Park National Trust – Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop – 25th and 26th November, 2nd to 6th December 2024

Visit Basildon Park for a fun session of wreath-making. Get prepared for Christmas by creating a wreath to decorate your house. Tea, coffee and festive snacks will be provided along with all materials you need.

Cliveden National Trust – Cliveden Rd, Taplow, Maidenhead SL1 8NS

Christmas Wreath-making Workshop – 28th November and 5th December 2024

Visit Cliveden this Christmas and craft your own festive wreath using greenery foraged by the gardeners and rangers from the Cliveden Estate.

National Trust Days Out with Activities

The Vyne – Vyne Rd, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke RG24 9HL

Wonderland Christmas at The Vyne – 20 Nov 2024 to 5 Jan 2025

With sparkling trees and quirky displays, in The Vyne’s house and gardens, lose yourself in Lewis Carroll’s dreamlike children’s classics Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass

Basildon Park National Trust – Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR

Christmas children’s trail at Basildon Park – 16 Nov 2024 to 5 Jan 2025

Visit Basildon Park during the festive season and take part in a children’s trail around the gardens.

Christmas at Basildon Park – 16 Nov 2024 to 5 Jan 2025

Experience the enchantment of the season at Basildon Park as it pays tribute to timeless Christmas films. Immerse yourself in a wonderland of beautifully adorned trees, garlands, and twinkling fairy lights, all inspired by classic Christmas films.

Cliveden National Trust – Cliveden Rd, Taplow, Maidenhead SL1 8NS

Christmas at Cliveden – 23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025

Experience the festive charm of Cliveden this Christmas with twinkling lights, decorated trees, and a Christmas mystery trail. Enjoy a warming hot chocolate or mince pie at the Conservatory Café, and browse the winter range in the gift shop, along with seasonal finds in the second-hand bookshop

A Christmas Mystery Trail at Cliveden – 30 November to 31 December 2024

“It’s Christmas eve 1924 and you have received an invitation to the event of the year, an elegant Christmas party thrown at the Cliveden Estate by none other than the glamorous socialite, Lady Nancy Astor. But someone has scrawled a message at the corner of the invitation ‘Please come, I need your help’. Bring your detective skills and puzzle solving brain and use the clues to work out who stole Lady Astor’s precious heirloom before the wrong person gets accused!”

Theatre Shows

Going to the theatre is a great activity that the whole family will enjoy and Berkshire has a lot of great theatres to really make the most of. Here are the family shows on over the Christmas period:

Theatre Royal Windsor – 32 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1PS

Corn Exchange – Market Pl, Newbury RG14 5BD

South Hill Park Arts Centre – Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7PA

The Hexagon – Queen Walk, Reading, Berkshire RG1 7QF

The Mill at Sonning – Sonning Eye, Reading RG4 6TY

I hope that’s given you some inspiration of things to do in Berkshire over the festive season. I’ll add more Berkshire Christmas events as I become aware of them and if I’ve missed your favourite event please do get in touch and let me know. I’m sure there will be more winter wonderlands announced nearer the time. I hope you have a lovely Christmas!

If you’re looking for other festive activities and inspiration, these posts may help:

Author

  • Donna Wishart is married to Dave and they have two children, Athena (13) and Troy (11). They live in Surrey with their two cats, Fred and George. Once a Bank Manager, Donna has been writing about everything from family finance to days out, travel and her favourite recipes since 2012. Donna is happiest either exploring somewhere new, with her camera in her hand and family by her side or snuggled up with a cat on her lap, reading a book and enjoying a nice cup of tea. She firmly believes that tea and cake can fix most things.

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