Santa Claus is preparing to make his way to Reading for some last-minute Christmas shopping, and he’s hoping to bump into good boys and girls as he does so.
The jolly bearded chap who likes to make wishes come true will be visiting the town as part of Reading’s festive fun.
REDA (Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency) has activated its special hotline to the North Pole and promise that he will be making a stop in the town ahead of his Christmas Eve delivery service.
His visit is one of several special guests who will be in the town ahead of December 25.
Magical Christmas Storytime
On Sunday, December 15, Reading Biscuit Factory on the corner of Broad St. Mall next to Queens Walk will be the venue for a story time session aimed at children aged seven or under.
Organised by Reading Children’s Book Group, the event will feature stories from Christmas-themed picture books and other classic festive tales.
No booking is needed: people can come along between 1pm and 3pm.
A huggable snowman and a Snow Queen
On Saturday, December 21, fans of a very popular animated film will be delighted when lookalikes pay a visit.
The Snow Queen and the Huggable Snowman will be making appearances on Broad Street between 11am and 4pm.
Children are invited to join in their festive magic, pose for pictures and ensure that Frozen Hearts are melted, as they ask Do You Want To Build A Snowman?
Santa Claus will be popping in
Find out if you are on the nice list when Santa visits Broad Street on Sunday, December 22.
He will be making an appearance in Broad Street between 11am and 1pm.
This is an opportunity to say hello and have a catch up before he heads back to the North Pole ready to make his deliveries on Christmas Eve.
These events are all free to attend, and form part of REDA’s Christmas festivities.
What else is REDA doing this Christmas?
Well, if you meet Santa in Broad Street you will have seen …
They have arranged for new Christmas lights to be installed in the town, with a distinctly Reading feel to them.
In all, more than 800,000 LED lights have been installed in Reading town centre with a giant READING in Broad Street next to the entrance to Smelly Alley.
Other lights pay tribute to Reading institutions including the RBH, the Royals, the Abbey ruins, and even a Cheeselog.
Underneath the lights there is a Christmas market, with more stalls than in previous years.
There are food and drink, hot chestnuts, craft stalls and sweet treats to enjoy, including a fire pit where you can toast giant marshmallows.
At weekends, REDA has organised some Christmas music to be performed. Expect anything including steel bands, choirs, soul singers and brass bands. There will be a mixture of music to enjoy.
Want to see Santa, but can’t make Sunday, December 22?
Well, worry not as thanks to his special magic, the big man will also be appearing at Broad St. Mall every day from Wednesday, December 11, through to Christmas Eve.
On most days, he will greet children from 10am to 1pm, and 2pm to 5.30pm, apart from Sundays, when he visits from 11am to 1pm and 1.45pm-5pm.
His Christmas Eve session runs from 10am to 3pm – he has to leave early to ensure he’s ready for his nightshift.
A visit costs £6 and includes a special gift. Photos and other souvenir gifts can be purchased on the day.
There is no need to book in advance but be prepared to queue.
To help make the queues more bearable, Broad St. Mall is welcoming two musical groups for free concerts.
On Saturdays December 14 and 21, Reading Operatic Society will perform from 10am to 1pm, and from 1.30pm to 2pm, the Silver Tones Choir will be on hand to entertain shoppers.
For more details, log on to: https://www.broadstreetmall.com/whats_on/magical-melodies-2024/
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