The mistletoe, mulled wine, and carols season is slowly swooning in around Donnington Grove and if there’s one thing that brings our estate joy in the winter, it is the Christmas markets transforming our countryside into a magical scenery.
Berkshire Christmas markets are known for their beautiful, extravagant and family-friendly Christmas festivities and as we prepare to welcome holiday guests, we couldn’t help but map out the most enchanting and delicious Berkshire Christmas markets around us.
Location: The Lexicon, Bracknell, RG12 1AP
If you’re visiting Berkshire Christmas markets with children, make sure to stop at The Lexicon mall Christmas Market. From November 18th until Christmas eve, The Lexicon will be home to red wooden huts, live music, and magical activities that will entertain the whole family.
As you stay warm inside browsing the festive decorations, let children follow the starlight trail across the shops, then pop over to Princess Square and sit them down for storytelling time with elves and Santa.
There are plenty of delicious food and drink stalls both inside and out to entertain the adults, and a photobooth to capture your annual family Christmas frame. As a halfway point between London and Donnington Grove, The Lexicon is the ideal Berkshire Christmas market pit stop this season.
Location: Newbury town centre
On Sunday November 20th, the Newbury Vegan Christmas market set up shops in the town centre. Only 10 minutes drive away from the estate, It is the perfect Berkshire Christmas market for those looking to fill their stockings with eco-friendly gifts.
Local artisans come together to bring you a selection of handmade and sustainable jewellery, tree ornaments, and more. While browsing for the perfect gift among the Christmas stalls, you’ll also have the chance to try cheese and meat boards with a vegan twist, mulled wine, and other seasonal deliciousness.
Let your little ones enjoy the light-inspired installations, and if they’re looking to meet Santa, make sure to stop by the day before for the Newbury light Switch-on event from 10.00 AM.
Location: Newbury town centre
If you can’t make it on time to the Newbury Vegan Christmas market, then come by on the first weekend of December – 3rd and 4th – for the Newbury Victorian Fayre. Among seasonal stalls offering warm waffles, hot chocolates, and tree ornaments, you will be greeted with entertainment inspired by the regency and Victorian era - a truly historic Berkshire Christmas market.
Traders will be dressed in their fanciest attire and – while not mandatory – you can dress the family up as your best Bridgeton character and take part in the weekend’s celebration.
Father Christmas will be there to illuminate children’s faces all weekend and overall, the Newbury Victorian Fayre is the quirkiest market to attend if you want to give your Berkshire Christmas market getaway a fun and historical twist.
Location: Various locations in Reading
Pop in the lively town of Reading for a multitude of Christmas activities this season. You can book a free lantern making workshop on December 3rd at the Whitley Wood Community Centre or head to Market Place with the family to browse through jewellery, candles, and other stocking fillers.
A carol show will be on throughout December at the Reading Rep Theatre, as well as a lantern night parade around the town on December 10th.
Throughout the month, Reading will have festivities to please all ages so make sure to stop by for the above or for the wreath making workshop on December 1st at the Reading biscuit factory and the children's Christmas concert with Santa on the 17th.
Location: The Rowbarge, Station Road. Woolhampton Berkshire RG7 5SH
This season, The Rowbarge in Woolhampton will host its very first Christmas market on the second weekend of December – 10th and 11th. Cuddle up in your favourite coat and drive 20 minutes west from Donnington Grove to the traditional pub for craft items, holiday knick-knacks, and sugary waffles.
The Rowbarge promises a beautifully-decorated setting that will mesmerise both adults and children. On Saturday, there will be live music, a garden lighting display, and opportunities for the little ones to pet local farm animals. Santa’s visit is kept as a secret, but he might make an appearance throughout the weekend.
In the meantime, you can look forward to the Carols by the fire from 7 to 9 PM on Sunday and if you’re scouting around Berkshire Christmas markets the week prior, The Rowbarge will host a wreath making workshop paired with drinks and meals from 6.30 PM on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th. No matter your choice, you won’t be disappointed to join in on the traditional pub’s Christmas festivities.
Location: Newbury racecourse, Racecourse Road, Newbury RG14 7NZ
More than just a Christmas market, the great Christmas carnival is the holiday festivity you won’t want to miss on your getaway to Berkshire. Opening on November 27th, celebrate the winter season at the iconic Newbury racecourse.
The Christmas tree maze will be the perfect place to start your visit and get your senses stimulated with the smell of fresh pine trees. Children will have the opportunity to hunt for Santa’s elf, which will lead them to Santa’s grotto, another popular venue in the carnival. A beautiful ice rink under twinkling lights will also await you, surrounded by Christmas huts serving mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and hot chocolate.
Just a short 10 minutes ride from Donnington Grove, the carnival has so much to offer – including a live circus show and roller coaster ride – but make sure to book your tickets in advance, as most activities will be capped to ensure everyone enjoys the Christmas carnival to its fullest.
No matter which Berkshire Christmas market sparks your festive cheer, Donnington Grove welcomes you throughout December. Our history-rich rooms can suit all families and the onsite Christmas festivities – from our weekly party nights to the Christmas and New Year’s Eve dining experience – will be the immersive getaway you’re longing for this season.
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