Reading Winter Wonderland is the free-entry Christmas fair on Hills Meadow, by the Thames, with fairground rides, an undercover real ice rink, Santa’s Grotto and a Bavarian bar. The organisers haven’t published the 2026 dates yet, but the event usually opens in early or mid-November and runs into the first weekend of January.
Here is what to expect in 2026 based on recent seasons, with hours, ride wristbands, getting there, parking and where to leave your bags.
Reading Winter Wonderland 2026 at a glance
| Dates | Expected November 2026 to early January 2027 (not yet announced). The 2025 season ran until Sunday 4 January 2026 |
| Hours (2025 pattern) | Weekdays 15:00–22:00, weekends 11:00–22:00; daily 11:00–22:00 in the run-up to Christmas |
| Location | Hills Meadow, George Street, Reading RG4 8DH |
| Entry | Free. Rides, skating and Santa’s Grotto are paid |
| Parking | On-site parking available |
Reading Winter Wonderland dates and opening times
The organisers announce dates each autumn on their website and social channels. Recent seasons opened in early to mid-November and closed on the first Sunday of January, so expect a similar window for 2026. We’ll update this page once the dates are confirmed.
In 2025 the fair opened from 3pm to 10pm on weekdays and 11am to 10pm at weekends, then switched to 11am to 10pm every day from mid-December, once schools broke up. Weekday afternoons in November are usually the quietest time to go.
What’s on at Hills Meadow
Undercover ice rink
The rink is real ice under a cover, so sessions still run when it rains. Skating is a paid extra and booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekend sessions in December.
Fairground rides
There’s a mix of family rides and bigger thrill rides, and the line-up changes a little each year. You can pay ride by ride with tokens or buy a wristband for unlimited rides over four hours.
Santa’s Grotto and character days
Santa’s Grotto includes a personalised gift and is popular on weekends, so book early. On character days, costumed characters walk around the site, which is worth checking if you have young children.
Reading Winter Wonderland prices and wristbands
Walking in is free. In recent seasons the official site listed an unlimited ride wristband for four hours at £22 to £24, with ice skating as a £5 add-on. Individual ride tokens are also sold on site. 2026 prices haven’t been published yet, so check the organisers’ website before you go.
Food and drink
The Bavarian bar serves German beers, and there are stalls for German sausages, burgers, crêpes and other hot food. Giant candy canes are a favourite with children. Bring a card, as most stalls take contactless.
Getting there and parking
Hills Meadow is on the north bank of the Thames, next to Reading Bridge on the Caversham side. From Reading station, leave by the north entrance and walk over Reading Bridge; it takes about 15 minutes. Several bus routes between the town centre and Caversham pass close by.
There is parking on site, and it fills up on December weekends. If you come by car on a Saturday, arrive soon after opening.
Luggage storage in Reading
If you’re passing through Reading on a train day out, or you’ve checked out of your hotel before an evening on the rides, Radical Storage has luggage storage points with local businesses in Reading. Book online, drop your bags and pick them up when you’re done, then walk to Hills Meadow with your hands free.
Bags are covered up to €10,000 per bag, cancellation is free and travellers rate the service 4.8/5. You can see storage spots closest to Hills Meadow on the map.
FAQ about Reading Winter Wonderland
The 2026 dates haven’t been announced yet. Recent seasons opened in early to mid-November and closed on the first Sunday of January.
At Hills Meadow, George Street, Reading RG4 8DH, on the north bank of the Thames by Reading Bridge.
Yes. You pay only for rides, ice skating and Santa’s Grotto.
In recent seasons a four-hour unlimited ride wristband cost £22 to £24, with skating as a £5 add-on. 2026 prices are not yet published.
Yes, there is on-site parking. It fills up on December weekends, so arrive early or walk from Reading station in about 15 minutes.
Yes. Radical Storage has luggage storage points in Reading. Book online, drop your bags and collect them after your visit. Bags are covered up to €10,000 per bag.