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.
This post contains 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.
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 14th November 2024
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 2024 – Saturday 16th November 2024
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, before Newbury Racecourse hosts the official Lights Switch On Afterparty with a live DJ set from Denise Van Outen.
Windsor Christmas Lights Switch-on – Saturday 16th November 2024
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 16th November 2024
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 2024 – Saturday 23rd November 2024
The Festive season kicks off with the official town Christmas Market and light switch-on. A whole day of entertainment and fun.
Wokingham Winter Carnival – Sunday 24th November 2024
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.
Winnersh Parish Council Christmas Craft and Gift Market plus Christmas Light Switch On – Saturday 30th November 2024
More info to follow
Hungerford Christmas lights Switch on Event – Sunday 1st December 2024
More info to follow
Warming Up For Christmas: Thatcham Christmas Lights Switch On – Friday 6th December 2024
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 2024
Windsor Great Park Illuminated – 15 Nov 24 – 4 Jan 25
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
Neverland Illuminova – 22nd November – 23rd December 2024
An illuminated kingdom awaits you in the heart of Wellington Country Park this Winter with even more Neverland to discover. Venture with Hope on a journey into Neverland that will ignite your imagination along the way. Enjoy poetic paths and embark upon enchanting adventures on the illuminated night trail that never grows old.
Find out more here
Newbury Festival of Light – Newbury Town Centre
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.
Find out more here
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
