If you are staying in Reading or on campus over the winter break, it’s a great opportunity to connect with your local Community and explore the local area. Student Local Guide, Rosy, shares her suggestions for festive fun and winter activities for you to try…
What Christmas means to each person is different, with Christian, pagan, family and, more recently, consumer traditions. Christmas away from home can sometimes feel a little strange as many things close and many friends and colleagues are away. There’s absolutely no right or wrong way to spend Christmas, but however you choose to spend it, it’s lovely to brighten up the darkest time of the year. We’ve come up with a few budget-friendly ideas to celebrate below.
Worth noting most shops are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions, so best to stock up on food beforehand (how about trying to cook a traditional Christmas dinner?), or check out the cafes/restaurants listed.
Things to do
- Parkrun, start at 9 am, Thames Valley Park
Participate in Reading Parkrun, a 5 km fun run or walk for all. Fancy dress is encouraged! Or, if you don’t fancy taking part but want to get involved, you could volunteer as a marshal. It’s a good way to engage with the community and stay active. Worth noting the run can be very muddy at this time of year! - Christmas Day Church Service (anyone welcome!), various times, your local church
Many local churches offer Christmas services that are open to everyone, providing a chance for an insight into Christmas in the UK, sing some carols, and to connect with the local community. There is no need to be Christian or part of the church, as long as you are respectful. If you’re up late, you could even check out Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve! - Christmas Lights Tour
Grab a hot drink from home (our favourite for the cold weather is hot chocolate with peppermint syrup and cream on top!) or from one of the cafe’s below, and take a walk around Reading’s Christmas light displays. Taking in the decorations are a lovely (and free!) way to enjoy the town’s festivities. If you’ve got friends you could even turn it into a game of Christmas icon bingo.. prize for whoever spots a snowman first?!
Places to grab some food or drink
Typically, shops, restaurants and pubs are closed on Christmas Day, however there will be a handful open. Restaurants doing traditional Christmas lunch typically need to be pre-booked, and can be very expensive (~£100 per person!), so here are some alternatives
- Tutu’s Ethiopian Table, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm, Palmer Park (£)
This lovely cafe has a real community feel and will be serving free mince pies and coffee! Pair it with a walk around the park for a lovely morning.
- The Hop Leaf pub, open from midday, Southampton Street (££)
There is no food menu, but they put nibbles out for Christmas revellers. Good place to grab a drink and play some games.. darts anyone?
- Workhouse Coffee, 10.30 am – midday, Oxford Road (£)
A lovely spot for a hot drink and the staff are very friendly. The purple 17 bus stops right outside, why not get the bus there and walk back through town with a hot drink in hand to check out the Christmas lights? - Madras Flavours, 10 am – 10 pm, Kings Road (££)
Open as normal, ready for your fix of delicious vegetarian Indian food. The portions are big and flavourful, and the dosa’s are legendary!
- Toby Carvery, 11.30 am – 6 pm, Chalfont Way (£££)
If you’re looking for a classic British Christmas roast dinner, Toby Carvery is serving 3 course meals for £54.99. Pre-booking is advised if you want to eat in, though they’ll be doing deliveries on the day too. If you get a table, it’s just a short ride away from campus on the 21 claret bus.
Boxing day (26 December)
Many shops and restaurants open again on the 26th, but many still have reduced hours as it’s a UK bank holiday, worth checking the hours with your locals. Many people choose to head out to explore some nature, watch the football, or grab some bargains in the Boxing Day Sales. One of our favourite walks is Dinton Pastures, you can get the X4/4 lion bus to Loddon Bridge roundabout and walk over from there, be sure to wrap up warm!