Reading Christmas lights switch on

About

The Christmas season in Reading officially gets underway on Saturday 16 November as we turn on the town centre’s Christmas lights. Featuring a brand-new display for 2024, with links to Reading’s rich culture and heritage from Huntley and Palmers to Henry I, a magical display of over 800,000 LED lights will bring the Christmas spirit to Reading town centre.

Join us outside Marks and Spencer on Broad Street for an afternoon of great food and festive music as we kick off the season in style. The festivities will start from 12:30pm, with live music from RASPO steel band, playing Christmas classics and Reggae tunes, followed by swing duo Zac Bauman and Max Hutton who will play swing, soul and festive tunes from 2:30pm into the evening.

The Broad Street Christmas Markets will officially be open, offering a whole host of traditional Christmas food and drink, sweets and treats – and, of course, lots of Christmas fayre to get everyone in the mood!

Event timings:

12:30–2:00pm: RASPO steel band playing Christmas classics and Reggae tunes

2:30pm-5:30pm: Live music from Zac Bauman and Max Hutton, playing swing music and traditional Christmas tunes

4:30pm: Christmas light switch on!

 

Please enjoy this event, safely!

As with any event of this nature, please bear in mind that there may be large crowds and some tightly packed areas along Broad Street – so please always keep small children close and be aware of other eventgoers. This is an outdoor event and will continue whatever the weather, so please check the forecast and come prepared with appropriate clothing (unfortunately, we can’t control Mother Nature!). Most importantly, bring some festive cheer!

We look forward to seeing you there.