United Kingdom guide

Christmas in Reading 2026: Broad Street Market & Dates

Reviewed by Wanderistan editorial team · Last updated Jul 27, 2026

Reading's main festive draw is the Broad Street Christmas Market in the pedestrianised town-centre shopping street, running for weeks rather than a single weekend, alongside a separate one-day Reading Town Hall Christmas Market and smaller fairs in nearby Caversham and villages.

On this page

Quick answer

Reading Borough Council and the town's BID had not published 2026 dates as of late July 2026. The most recent edition (2025–26) ran 15 November 2025 to 2 January 2026 on Broad Street — the closest available pattern for planning purposes.

Reading Christmas 2026 — dates

Detail	Information
2026 dates	Not yet officially published (as of 27 Jul 2026)
Most recent edition (2025–26)	Broad Street Christmas Market: 15 November 2025 – 2 January 2026, 10am–8pm
Confidence	Predicted from pattern — not confirmed
Location	Broad Street, central Reading (pedestrianised)
Also nearby (2025 pattern)	Reading Town Hall Christmas Market (late Nov, one day); Caversham Christmas Market (early Dec, one day)

Planning your visit

Reading is a 25–30 minute direct train from London Paddington, making it a straightforward day trip. Broad Street itself sits a short walk from Reading station through the Oracle shopping centre.

Because Reading's market historically runs into early January, it is a realistic option for a post-Christmas or New Year shopping trip when many shorter European markets have already closed.

When is the Reading Christmas market in 2026?: Not yet officially announced as of late July 2026. The 2025–26 Broad Street Christmas Market ran 15 November to 2 January — check Reading BID or Reading Borough Council's site closer to autumn for the confirmed 2026 dates.
Where is the Reading Christmas market?: On Broad Street, the pedestrianised shopping street in central Reading, a short walk from Reading station via the Oracle centre.
Are there other Christmas markets near Reading?: Yes — recent years have also seen a one-day Reading Town Hall Christmas Market and a Caversham Christmas Market in early December, both smaller than the main Broad Street market.