Your festive guide to
Reading
shopping
dining
livingreading.co.uk
travel
events
Events
Christmas begins on Saturday 16 November when Reading’s sparkling Christmas displays are illuminated as dusk falls and both the Broad Street Mall and The Oracle mark the start of the festive season with spectacular switch-on events and activities.
Saturday 16 November
Lighting Up Christmas Reading Town Centre Brassroots, warm things up on Broad Street from lunchtime. This 7 piece brass band has an awesome sound and a great set list to boot! As dusk falls the winter garden themed lights are switched on. This impressive display is one of the biggest in the South East and features a beautifully lit tree as its centrepiece.
Check out the beautiful 50ft tree on The Oracle Riverside
Saturday 16 November
The Great Christmas Light Switch-On Broad Street Mall The fun starts at 10am when Santa’s grotto opens and the on-stage entertainment begins. As the excitement builds throughout the day there will be face painting, balloons and giveaways, before the big celebrity switch-on at 4pm, with Coronation Street stars, Catherine Tyldesley and Ryan Thomas. And after the switch-on, there will be a chance to meet the celebrities and get their autographs! broadstreetmall.com
Christmas Spectacular The Oracle The Oracle’s annual spectacular musical firework display will begin at 7pm on The Riverside and will be hosted by Heart FM DJ, Toby Anstis. The show is free but spectators must have a wristband to guarantee entry. Wristbands will be available on a first come, first served basis from 8 November at The Oracle Information Desk. theoracle.com
Saturday 16 November – Christmas Eve
Visit Santa in His Grotto Broad Street Mall Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Father Christmas in his magical grotto*. November Saturdays............10am – 3pm Sundays...............11am – 4pm December Saturdays............10am – 5pm Sundays ..............11am – 4pm Weekdays...........10am – 5pm (from 16 December) Christmas Eve.....10am – 3pm broadstreetmall.com
Have your photo taken with Santa at the Broad Street Mall
*
charges apply
Friday 29 & Saturday 30 November
Festive Artisan Market Market Place Browse amongst the festive deliciousness and stock your cupboards with foodie goodies in time for Christmas. youreventorganisers.co.uk
Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 December
Aunt Elsie’s Christmas Do Market Place
Local makers and artists come together to inspire you with some beautifully handcrafted gifts such as ceramics, prints, knitwear, vintage clothing, jewellery and books. jelly.org.uk
Saturday 7 December – Sunday 5 January
Jack and the Beanstalk
The Hexagon, Queens Walk This classic fairytale comes to The Hexagon stage starring Dani Harmer, Ken Morley, Emma Barton, Debbie McGee, Jon Clegg, Paul Morse, and Richard Morse. readingarts.com
Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December
Après Ski Broad Street
Take a break from your Christmas shopping and chill out in Reading’s very own heated ‘ski lodge’ on Broad Street. Grab a bite to eat from one of the festive food vendors and enjoy the super cool line up of acoustic acts playing alongside DJ Alfresco. livingreading.co.uk
Tuesday 17 to Sunday 22 December
Leapfrog Christmas Market Forbury Gardens Culinary delights together with crafts, clothing, accessories and some great gift ideas alongside a programme of live entertainment. marketsquaregroup.co.uk
For more info on Reading’s Super Cool Christmas season of sparkling events visit livingreading.co.uk
S
Dining
Relax and unwind at one of the many restaurants and bars. From cosy coffee shops and casual canteen style eateries to fine dining in stylish surroundings, you really are spoilt for choice...
Around the world A global feast is waiting for you – just take your pick: Jamie’s Italian, Prezzo, Pepe Sale, Strada (Italian); Yo Sushi, Wagamama (Japanese); La Courbe (Lebanese); Mangal (Turkish); Thai Corner, Art of Siam, Aroy Thai at The Warwick (Thai); Furama, China Palace (Chinese); Bengal Reef, Gurkha Square, Chennai Dosa, Royal Tandoori (Indian); Cote, Café Rouge (French); Kyklos (Greek).
Tiny Diners Eating out with younger children is positively encouraged at these restaurants: Ed’s Easy Diner, Five Guys, Bill’s Café, Carluccio’s, The Place to Eat (John Lewis), Pizza Express, Jamie’s Italian, Wagamama, Pizza Hut, Nando’s.
Coffee Stop A coffee lover’s heaven, Reading has all your favourites as well as some quality independents like Picnic, Workhouse Coffee, Bill’s Café and Boswell’s.
Dining in Style Fine dining is on offer at Forbury’s Restaurant, Cerise at Forbury Hotel, London Street Brasserie and Malmaison Brasserie.
Eating and Drinking Refuel and enjoy a quick bite to eat and drink at Sweeney & Todd’s, Wild Lime and The Tasting House.
Stop for a Christmas cocktail at Milkbar, Be At One or The Bowery District
Shopping Have a super cool Christmas in Reading as you enjoy shopping in one of the South East’s top retail destinations. From quirky independents to major department stores and impressive shopping centres, The Oracle and Broad Street Mall, Reading has it all. Come to Reading and find Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Debenhams and House of Fraser all within easy walking distance of each other. Spend your day browsing in Cath Kidston, White Stuff, East, Waterstones and Clas Ohlson, or track down that ‘must have’ toy at The Entertainer, Mothercare and the Early Learning Centre. Harris Arcade and Kings Walk are home to some lovely little boutiques and specialist shops and are definitely worth exploring for that extra special present. Many of the major stores offer a gift wrapping service giving you even more time to relax and enjoy Christmas!
Don’t forget to visit our handy store guide at livingreading.co.uk
Shop late into the night with extended hours for the festive season! Check out these core opening hours to plan your shopping trip. You’ll find more detailed info on individual websites.
Broad Street Mall Open until 8pm throughout December. Sunday trading, 11am – 5pm throughout. NHS Walk in Centre is open 8am – 8pm, 365 days.
John Lewis Late night shopping until 8pm on 16 November especially for Lighting Up Christmas. Extended hours from 9am to 8pm from 23 November until 2 December and then 9am to 9pm weekdays, and 9am-8pm on Saturdays. Sunday trading, 11am – 5pm throughout (browsing from 10.30am).
Marks & Spencer Extended hours from 8am to 9pm weekdays and 8am to 8pm on Saturdays from 2 December. Earlier opening of 7am from 17 December. Sunday trading, 11am – 5pm throughout.
The Oracle Standard opening hours throughout November. Extended hours from 9am to 9pm from 9 December and until 10pm from 16 December. Sunday trading, 11am – 5pm throughout. Broad Street Mall
John Lewis
M&S
The Oracle
Christmas Eve
9am - 4pm
9am - 5pm
7am - 5pm
9am - 5pm
Christmas Day
Closed (NHS open)
Closed
Closed
Closed
December 26
10am - 5pm
Closed
8am - 6pm
9am - 6pm
December 27
9am - 6pm
8am - 8pm
8am - 6pm
9am - 8pm
New Year’s Eve
9am - 5pm
9am - 6pm
8am - 6pm
9am - 5pm
New Year’s Day
10am - 5pm
Closed
Closed
12noon 6pm
For the latest shopping and event news facebook.com/christmasinreading LivingRdgEvents
Travel Christmas
Keep your cool and use our handy travel guide to avoid traffic queues and parking stress.
By Bus: Whatever you are doing this Christmas choose
Reading Buses for a stress-free journey to and from the centre of Reading. ‘Next Bus’ displays at bus stops throughout Reading provide up to the minute information on services, making your journey even easier. reading-buses.co.uk If you want to spend the evening in Reading, NightTrack will get you home with services running into the early hours.
STATION HILL
in
Forbury Gate Retail Park
Reading
The Town Hall
Map Key Q Park
Subway
Park and Ride: For a fast, stress-free journey to and from
CHATHAM
the centre of Reading – perfect for Christmas shoppers. Buses run every 7-8 minutes.
PL
KING’S
Madejski Stadium (J11, M4) 600 car park spaces. NB: parking is affected on match days. Loddon Bridge (A329M, Showcase Cinema) 400 car park spaces.
Your festive guide to
Visit reading-travelinfo.co.uk for all timings and routes, including details of Christmas and New Year special services.
Reading
By Train: With Reading Station being just a few minutes
walk from the shops, it’s an ideal way to travel this Christmas. Reading’s impressive station development continues over the festive period so be sure to check the most up to date travel information at: firstgreatwestern.co.uk
Cycle Hire Hub (from early 2014)
shopping
By Car: Look out for the real time signs on the major
dining
routes into the centre for details of available parking spaces and local information.
livingreading.co.uk This guide is brought to you by the Reading Business Improvement District Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information was correct at the time of going to print. Please check individual websites for the most up to date information.
All car parking is well sign-posted, but remember that demand will be very high on peak weekends. Many car parks offer discounted rates after 6pm, perfect for late night Christmas shopping.
LATE NIGHT OPENING: Take advantage of longer shopping hours in the run up to Christmas! No crowds, no queuing, no For up to the minute travel info visit traffic hold-ups. Many shops are open until 9pm and if you park after 6pm you can reading-travelinfo.co.uk pay as little as £2 for the whole evening.
Map Scale 250 metres (approximately)
Check out the beautiful Christmas tree on The Oracle Riverside and sample their seasonal food.
Visit Santa in his grotto at The Broad Street Mall from 17th November.
Discover Reading’s gorgeous new Christmas light displays, including a tree of lights on Broad Street.
livingreading.co.uk
travel
events
Travel Christmas
Keep your cool and use our handy travel guide to avoid traffic queues and parking stress.
By Bus: Whatever you are doing this Christmas choose
Reading Buses for a stress-free journey to and from the centre of Reading. ‘Next Bus’ displays at bus stops throughout Reading provide up to the minute information on services, making your journey even easier. reading-buses.co.uk If you want to spend the evening in Reading, NightTrack will get you home with services running into the early hours.
STATION HILL
in
Forbury Gate Retail Park
Reading
The Town Hall
Map Key Q Park
Subway
Park and Ride: For a fast, stress-free journey to and from
CHATHAM
the centre of Reading – perfect for Christmas shoppers. Buses run every 7-8 minutes.
PL
KING’S
Madejski Stadium (J11, M4) 600 car park spaces. NB: parking is affected on match days. Loddon Bridge (A329M, Showcase Cinema) 400 car park spaces.
Your festive guide to
Visit reading-travelinfo.co.uk for all timings and routes, including details of Christmas and New Year special services.
Reading
By Train: With Reading Station being just a few minutes
walk from the shops, it’s an ideal way to travel this Christmas. Reading’s impressive station development continues over the festive period so be sure to check the most up to date travel information at: firstgreatwestern.co.uk
Cycle Hire Hub (from early 2014)
shopping
By Car: Look out for the real time signs on the major
dining
routes into the centre for details of available parking spaces and local information.
livingreading.co.uk This guide is brought to you by the Reading Business Improvement District Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information was correct at the time of going to print. Please check individual websites for the most up to date information.
All car parking is well sign-posted, but remember that demand will be very high on peak weekends. Many car parks offer discounted rates after 6pm, perfect for late night Christmas shopping.
LATE NIGHT OPENING: Take advantage of longer shopping hours in the run up to Christmas! No crowds, no queuing, no For up to the minute travel info visit traffic hold-ups. Many shops are open until 9pm and if you park after 6pm you can reading-travelinfo.co.uk pay as little as £2 for the whole evening.
Map Scale 250 metres (approximately)
Check out the beautiful Christmas tree on The Oracle Riverside and sample their seasonal food.
Visit Santa in his grotto at The Broad Street Mall from 17th November.
Discover Reading’s gorgeous new Christmas light displays, including a tree of lights on Broad Street.
livingreading.co.uk
travel
events
livingreading.co.uk This guide is brought to you by the Reading Business Improvement District Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information was correct at the time of going to print. Please check individual websites for the most up to date information.