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Christmas in Berkshire | Things To Do 2026

ByDonna Wishart

*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.

Prices correct at the time of writing. Click through to each venue for up to date pricing and information.

This post may contain affiliate links and I may receive commission if you visit a link and buy something. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust.

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 – Selected dates, 6th to 23rd December 2025

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 – Selected dates 22nd of November until the 24th of December 2026

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.

Legoland Windsor – Winkfield Rd, Windsor SL4 4AY

Legoland at Christmas – Selected dates, 21st November 2026 to 2nd January 2027

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 – 2nd to 24th December 2025 – £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.

Windsor Castle – Windsor SL4 1NJ

Christmas at Windsor Castle – Selected dates, 27 Nov 2025 – 5 Jan 2026

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, 19 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027

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 – 3rd to 6th December 2026

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 – 11th and 12th December 2026

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 – 17th to 19th December 2026

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 – Selected dates, November 2026

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 – 17th to 19th December 2026

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 2025

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 2025

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. 

The Base – Greenham Business Park, Communications Rd, Thatcham RG19 6HN

Festive Snowflake Decorations – 5th December 2026 – from £28 per person

Make your own sparkly snowflake decorations from foam clay. These family fun sessions are perfect for unique gifts, or Christmas tree decorations.

Children’s Christmas Soap Making – 6th December 2026 – from £27.50 per person

Join us for this fun festive family Melt & Pour Soap Making Workshop! Children will make their very own hand crafted Christmas soaps using festive silicone moulds in Christmas tree and snowflake shapes.

Family Willow Decoration Making – 12th December 2026 – from £15 per person

Join Judith Needham to make willow Christmas decorations. Fun for all the family, make willow trees, stars and mini reindeer to decorate your tree and home this Christmas.

Festive Storytime – 13th December 2026 – from £7.50 for one adult and one child

This interactive festive storytelling workshop with Fran Burgoyne will bring the magical Christmas story of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer to life, followed by a guided craft activity.

Children’s Festive Printmaking – 13th December 2026 – from £15 per person

Using easy-to-carve printmaking foam, children will learn exciting new techniques while creating their own festive -inspired prints. It’s a fantastic way to spark imagination, learn new skills, and make colourful art to celebrate the Christmas season.

Adult Christmas Events in Surrey

Wreath Making

These are so many wreath making events across Berkshire and you can see all the dates and up to date information here:

Berkshire Flower School – Unit 2 Elms Walk, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 2FE

Christmas Hanging Star Design – 21st November 2026 – £75 per person

Immerse yourself in the joys of our first workshop in this year’s Christmas season, you will have a huge selection to choose from to create that perfectly decorated star!

Contemporary Candle Design – 2nd December 2026 – £70 per person

Using a large pillar candle as our base and adding the wires around to make a frame, we will then add apple slices, dried oranges, cinnamon, cones and moss to make a modern christmas design for the coffee table or dining table.

Terrarium Masterclass: Christmas Gift – 16th December 2026 – £70 per person

Get creative this festive season and design a beautiful terrarium – the perfect handmade Christmas gift or a stunning addition to your own home. In this workshop, you’ll explore how different types of plants work together in a shared microclimate and learn how to care for these miniature ecosystems.

Christmas Table Centre and Napkin Rings – 20th December 2026 – £125 per person

Immerse yourself in the joys of our first workshop creating your very own bespoke napkin rings and contemporary table centre already for the Big Day. You will have a huge selection to choose from to create those perfectly designed and decorated napkin rings and table centre!

The Base – Greenham Business Park, Communications Rd, Thatcham RG19 6HN

Weave a Willow Reindeer – 15th November 2026 – from £90 per person

Using a whole range of basketry techniques, you will learn lots of skills in this class, as well as an impressive item to take home with you. Your complete willow reindeer will have twiggy antlers, which can be decorated with fairy lights if you wish. Suitable for beginners and those who have worked with willow before.

Make a Willow Star – 28th November 2026 – from £45 per person

Learn how to create and weave a willow star. Hang it on your front door instead of a wreath, show it off on the top of your tree or display it on a wall all year round.

Create Your Own Festive Soaps – 29th November 2026 – from £49 per person

Join our fun laboratory for a cozy festive melt and pour soap making workshop. Perfect for beginners, crafters, or anyone looking to make thoughtful handmade gifts this season.

Gold Leafing Festive Baubles – 29th November 2026 – from £42 per person

Come and join Resident Artist Ellie Kerr-Smiley in this festive gold leafing workshop! Learn the art of gilding with gold leaf whilst creating a beautiful and unique Christmas decoration.

Christmas Calligraphy – 29th November 2026 – from £65 per person

Jodie will guide you to learn the basic strokes of calligraphy. You will learn to write the lowercase of the alphabet in addition to simple flourishes that will elevate your writing style.

Festive Candle Making – 29th November 2026 – from £42 per person

Make your own soy wax festive candle with Lindsey from Mount Cottage Crafts. Using real pressed flowers and leaves you will decorate a jar then fill with scented soy wax. You will leave the workshop with a personalised handcrafted candle to proudly display in your home or give away as a unique gift! You’ll also gain the confidence and skills to create many more homemade candle masterpieces for your home.

Silk Painted Christmas Cards – 4th December 2026 – from £35 per person

Create your own silk painted Christmas cards using iron-fixed silk paints. You will learn techniques including blending & tinting to build up your own cards using pre-outlined images.

Christmas Copper Garland – 5th December 2026 – from £55 per person

Learn the art of embossing onto coloured foil with sculptor Flora Gare. Inspired by winter themed images, design a garland to decorate your home.

Mosaic Garden Robin – 5th December 2026 – from £140 per person

Join mosaic artist Denise Jaques to create a shimmering Garden Robin. Learn how to cut, shape and apply mosaic tiles using the direct method.

Festive Stained Glass – 6th December 2026 – from £90 per person

Emy will teach you everything you need to know about the copper foiling stained glass technique before you choose from a selection of Christmas themed designs such as stars, Christmas trees and angels. You’ll then choose from a huge selection of vibrant glass colours, cut your shapes, grind your shapes edges, foil your shapes and finally solder it all together. During the session you will each create one vibrant piece that will be ready for you to take home and display that very day.

Weave a Willow Christmas Tree – 12th December 2026 – from £50 per person

Learn a range of weaving skills to weave a standing tree about 50cm. Standing in a log, you will make a star for the top and decorate with fairy lights, baubles and presents if you wish.

Micklems Farm – Knowl Hill Common, Knowl Hill RG10 9YD

Festive Decorations in Glass – 15th November 2026 – £85 per person

Make this Christmas special with a sparkle of glass. Enjoy creating your own unique table centre piece or Christmas Wreath in clear glass as well as some exciting tree decorations during this seasonal workshop. This is an opportunity to further experiment with glass fusing techniques. There are many possibilities and whether you are new to glass or have experience of fusing there will be lots to inspire you and ideas to share, with beautiful results.

Lino Printing Christmas Cards – 21st November 2026 – £85 per person

There is something very special about personally designed and printed Christmas cards and gift tags. Here is the opportunity to design and print your own unique creations. In this workshop we will help you to choose a suitable design that can be easily replicated as a lino print. We will transfer the design onto soft cut lino, cut, ink and print it onto a variety of papers and card stock.

Improvers Christmas Modern Calligraphy – 25th November 2026 – £70 per person

Join Louise Ralphs from LouPaper for an improvers Christmas themed modern calligraphy workshop. Perfect for anyone that has attended a beginners workshop, or those that have a basic understanding of modern calligraphy. You will learn how to develop your own unique modern calligraphy style, improve your overall technique and be introduced to metallic ink and different surfaces, creating your own Christmas cards and tags. Working on a written quote or phrase, we will focus on improving your overall modern calligraphy technique, exploring spacing, joining and proportions, with the aim of creating a finished piece at the end of the class.

Festive Modern Weave Wall Hanging – 11th December 2026 – £85 per person

Create a festive modern weave wall hanging in this full day workshop. You will be taught basic weaving techniques using a wooden loom & hand crafted Ukrainian tools. Learn different stitches including fringe, somac, Rye & Lark’s head knots & looped Tabby stitch along with creating stunning accessories including stars & personalised tags from air dry clay.

Festive Paint and Print – 13th December 2026 – £85 per person

In this fun seasonal workshop we will explore a variety of ways to work with watercolours or gouache, covering a wide range of techniques. We will play with some simple printing as a starting point, then embellish and develop our images using loose and lively paint techniques and linework to create colourful illustrative images – perfect for Christmas cards, decorations, boxes & tags.

Dry Needle Felt Robin – 15th December 2026 – £55 per person

The workshop will begin by drawing out the shape of your robin onto a piece of felt. Using wool strands, you will then layer the wool to create your piece. There will be plenty of demonstrations and hands on assistance.

Festive Jesmonite Casting – 17th December 2026 – £70 per person

Level up your Christmas decor with this fun, creative, and experimental festive workshop. Learn how to cast your own homewares using Jesmonite, metallic mica powders and a variety of moulds. Jesmonite is a versatile, non-toxic material that sets into a beautiful stone-like finish. It’s a professional quality eco-resin that offers great design possibilities.

Festive Mosaics – 19th December 2026 – £85 per person

Come and learn the ancient art of mosaic-making with a modern twist! Use recycled materials to make your own unique mosaic Christmas decorations. You will learn the direct method of mosaic making in a supportive and friendly environment. This course is suitable for complete beginners and also those with experience making mosaics. All are welcome!

National Trust Days Out with Activities

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

The Enchantment of Ballet: Christmas at Basildon Park – 15 Nov 2025 to 4 Jan 2026

Experience the enchantment of ballet at Basildon Park with beautifully decorated house and gardens featuring classic ballet elements and festive themes to inspire your Christmas spirit.

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

Christmas at Cliveden: The Nutcracker – 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026

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

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

  • Manhattan Music presents The Rat Pack at Christmas – 30th November and 7th December 2025

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:

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