Winter wonders at the University of Reading

Here is a roundup of what’s happening on and around campus this festive season. The below events are open to all members of the local community. 

Winter Festival

Kick off the festive season at our Whiteknights campus with the return of the University of Reading Winter Festival on Thursday 27 November (17:30-20:00). There will be music, market stalls, food and drink, and a visit from some real reindeer. We’ll also be switching on the Christmas lights in the Palmer Quad.

Santa Run

The Santa Run returns to Whiteknights Campus on Sunday 7 December. The 2k mini run or walk starts at 10:30 with the timed 5k run starting at 11:00. Open to everyone, you can purchase your ticket at santarun.co.uk. Don your best Santa hat and raise money for local charities, No5 and Berkshire Music Trust.

Please note there will be some campus road closures on the day. Please see the Santa Run site for more details.

Make someone’s day with the Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is back! The University has been taking part in this community ‘secret Santa’ campaign run by Connect Reading for the last few years and staff have donated hundreds of presents to local people during that time. 

Visit the Library Foyer, the Museum of English Rural Life or The Oracle, take a tag and buy a present for someone in our community. Bring the unwrapped gift to one of our collection points on campus (details below) or The Oracle by Friday 12 December.

This year, gifts will be going to local children and families who are supported by Berkshire Healthcare Charity and the Kennet Federation.

Collections points on campus include: the Welcome Desk in the Students' Union or the Museum of English Rural Life.

From Carols to the classics

Enjoy the sounds of the season with two special events.

On Wednesday 17 December, A Very Merry Medley brings orchestral, choral, and ensemble music to the Great Hall, courtesy of UoR Music and Reading University Music Society (from 19:30, tickets £15.50, including a complimentary drink).

On Thursday 18 December, join the community for a traditional Carol Service at Reading Minster from 18:00, featuring classic carols and festive readings.

See the full list of Winter events hosted by UoR Music.

Magical Lights at the MERL

Celebrate the end of the year with crafts, lanterns, and lights in the MERL garden on Monday 15 December. Activities are aimed at children aged 3-11 and will include a torchlight trail, lantern making and more.

Tickets are £7 per child and free for accompanying adults. Choose from Magical Lights (18:00-19:30), and Magical Lights: My Way (16:30-17:15), a relaxed version of the trail for neurodivergent visitors and their loved ones.

The MERL’s gift shop will also visit the Whiteknights Library foyer on 1 December to help you find the perfect present, while the main shop at London Road has 10% off all gifts until 30 November.