Christmas events in Berkshire for families 2026

If you’re looking for the best Christmas events in Berkshire, this guide will give you everything from festive light trails and Santa experiences, to ice skating, pantomimes, and festive days out.

From Windsor and Ascot to Newbury, Reading and Wokingham, there are plenty of family-friendly Christmas events in Berkshire to choose from.  Whether your children want to meet Father Christmas, watch a festive pantomime or skate beneath the stars, there’s something for every age and budget.

Plus, we’ve also included some fantastic festive attractions from just beyond the border to help you make the most of your season. Let the festive fun begin!

• Some tickets have previously been gifted but all opinions are our own.
• This post contains some affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but we may receive a small commission

Few things feel more festive than wrapping up warm and heading out to a Christmas light trail.  We love to go early in December to kick start the festive season.  These festive light trails are among the most popular Christmas events in Berkshire, attracting families from across the county every year.

📍 Windsor Great Park, Wick Lane, Englefield Green, TW20 0UU

Windsor Great Park Illuminated was the first light trail we ever went to and still remains one of our favourite festive nights out.

The woodland and lakes come alive with stunning projections, lights and seasonal displays creating an unforgettable Christmas experience.  There’s even a talking tree!

Visitor Information:  Check the Illuminated at Great Windsor Park website for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Spectacle of Light, Welford Park, Welford, Newbury, RG20 8HU

Wander through the beautiful grounds of Welford Park after dark and discover an enchanting display of colour, music, and light.  This family-friendly illuminated trail winds through the woodland and formal gardens creating a festive atmosphere beneath the stars.

📍 Alexander Gardens, Windsor, Berkshire

Just minutes from the royal castle, Windsor on Ice is one of the best venues for ice skating in Berkshire at Christmas.  As well as skating, families can enjoy funfair rides, food stalls, and meet Father Christmas at the weekends.  Don’t worry, if you can’t skate, they’ll provide cute penguin skate aids.

Visitor Information:  Check the Windsor on Ice website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Winter Wonderland, Hills Meadow, Reading, RG4 8DH

Reading Winter Wonderland combines festive fairground attractions, family entertainment and seasonal food with one of Berkshire’s most popular ice rinks.  Visitors can also enjoy a Father Christmas experience and lots of opportunities for Christmas shopping.

Visitor Information:  Check the Reading Winter Wonderland website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Forest, Swinley Road, Winkfield Row, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8BD

When it comes to meeting Father Christmas in Berkshire, Lapland UK is hard to beat.  We took the twins when they were younger and they had the most amazing time.

This immersive festive experience transports families into a magical Christmas world where children can help the elves, decorate gingerbread, skate on ice, meet the reindeers and of course, Father Christmas himself.

Tickets sell out quickly each year, so book early.

Visitor Information:  Check the Lapland UK website for the dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Beale Park, Lower Basildon, RG8 9NW

Visit Beale Park at Christmas Time to meet Father Christmas, as well as all the animals.  Meeting him is included in your park admission.

Visitor Information:  Check the Beale Park website for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Daniel Dept Store, 120-124 Peascod Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1DP

A Christmas tradition in Windsor, Daniel’s Department Store welcomes Father Christmas to his cosy grotto each year.  Children can enjoy a personal visit with Santa and receive a small gift.

Visitor Information:  Click Daniel’s Santa’s Grotto to book your visit.

📍 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, Newbury Road, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8JY

The Magical Christmas Adventure is a 3-hour immersive Christmas experience with live theatrical performances, festive activities and a private visit to Father Christmas.

Visitor Information:  Check The Magical Christmas Adventure for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Legoland®, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY

Legoland® transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season,  with twinkling lights, snow dusted trees, festive LEGO displays and many of the park’s favourite family rides.  It’s one of Berkshire’s best Christmas days out for younger children.  If you really want to make the most of it, book an overnight Festive Sleepover in one of their themed rooms.  We loved our stay, and we only live up the road!

Visitor Information:  Check Legoland at Christmas for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Peach Place, Wokingham

A popular community event, Wokingham Christmas Carnival brings festive entertainment, local stalls, performances and family activities to the heart of the town.

Best of all, much of the entertainment is free to enjoy.

Visitor Information:  Check Wokingham Winter Carnival for dates and times.

📍 Hungerford Town Centre

Another great free community event, The Hungerford Victorian Extravaganza sees the town transformed into a Victorian Christmas scene, complete with steam engines, festive stalls, street performers, carol singers, and traditional entertainment.  This year the Hungerford Extravaganza takes place on 11th December at 5pm.

📍 Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX

Alongside the racing, families can enjoy festive entertainment, fairground rides, Christmas music and even a visit from Father Christmas and his reindeer.

Visitor Information:  Check Ascot Christmas Raceday for dates, times and ticket prices.

📍 Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ

During the Windsor Castle Festive Weekend visitors can take part in a variety of festive Victorian-themed activities, including food demonstrations, storytelling, and carol singing under the tremendous Christmas tree.

Visitor Information:  Check Windsor Castle Festive Weekend for dates, times and ticket prices.

The National Trust always hosts great Christmas events in Berkshire and this year is no different.  Check the National Trust website for full details.  Here’s a few of our favourites.

📍 Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9NR

This year Basildon Park’s Christmas theme is All the Magic of the Musicals and is inspired by famous musicals.  Expect to see beautifully decorated rooms, and interactive family activities.

📍 Cliveden House, Taplow, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 0JF

For 2026, Cliveden’s Christmas theme is The Snow Queen.  Families can enjoy immersive installations and storytelling woven throughout the gardens and estate.

📍 Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4PG

Just on the Berkshire border, Greys Court will be creating scenes from some of our favourite childhood books.  Children will be able to seek out their favourite characters and items from the stories in the grounds of this lovely National Trust property.

For me, one of the best days out at Christmas is the annual pantomime.  Here’s a round-up of the best pantomimes in Berkshire for 2026:

What are your favourite things to do in Berkshire at Christmas?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

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