STAGE & SCREEN

Theatre Royal Windsor A Christmas Carol (On Air)

Feeling like a Scrooge and want to ditch the pantos? Well, by popular demand Theatre Royal Windsor is bringing back A Christmas Carol (On Air) on 12 – 16 November. It’s a radio play performance that’s little on visuals, but big on dialogue, music and sound effects to tell the story. The star casting is yet to be announced but previous years have included Eastenders heart-throb, John Partridge, and The Sandbaggers star, Roy Marsden. Now that’s the spirit of Christmas!

A remote island setting, mysterious disappearances, and creepy dolls are just a few of the things you can expect to see in the adaptation of Berkshire author Rebecca Netley’s award-winning novel, The Whistling. Set to apparate in all its ghoulish glory at The Mill at Sonning theatre this autumn for a huge 7-week run, now – 16 Nov. Just don’t blame us if things go bump in the night. Psst, you can check out our chin-wag with Rebecca here.

PANTOS

Village idiot Cuthbert wear Orange top and pants with a purple bow in Beautu and the Beast panto at the Corn Exchange Newbury

Newbury panto patrons and comedy writing duo Plested Brown and Wilsher are back with a show that promises plenty of magic and sparkle, fun and, of course, lots of laughter. This year, it’s Dick Whittington which also feature Harry Potter star Chris Rankin who played Ron Weasley’s swotty older brother Percy in the wizarding franchise. Magic. Can Dick conquer the evil King Rat? Well, that’s not a sentence you hear often. You’ll just have to head to Newbury between 29 Nov – 5 Jan to find out.

If you can’t get enough of Dick (oi naughty, mind out the gutter please!) you can head to Theatre Royal Windsor to see the nation’s favourite fox is back at it for another round of Christmas cackles. They are also doing Dick Whittington (22 Nov – 18 Jan) starring panto bigwigs Kevin Cruise, dame Steven Blakeley, and Hilary O’Neil. Boom, Boom!

You know it’s going to be magic when Hans Christian Andersen is involved. This festive season, Reading Rep are adapting the frosty tale of The Snow Queen in an exhilarating adventure where she wrestles with bandits, befriends reindeers and comes face to face with her greatest fears. Just your regular Christmas then. On 29 Nov – 31 Dec with tickets starting at £5.

pinocchio norden farm christmas show in berkshire — Credit: Mark Morreau

Who doesn’t love the tale of the wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy? It’s one that really does just pull on your heart strings. Sorry, I had to. The stunning production of Pinocchio is Norden Farm’s official Christmas show for 2024. Expect the theatre company’s hallmark hilarity, skilled puppetry, original music, fantastic staging, outstanding performers and extraordinary physical tricks. Suitable for 3+. On 26 Nov – 28 Dec.

More where that come from at the gorgeous Watermill Theatre who are also putting on a family classic rendition of the most famous puppet the world has ever known. See it between 15 Nov – 5 Jan.

Bonkers panto fun with all the thrills, frills, and feels. The panto productions at South Hill Park are always fantastic and this year they are showcasing the swashbuckling tale of Robin Hood & The Magic Arrow following their award-winning production of Sleeping Beauty last year. It was a smash-hit by the way (check out our review here). It will be fun, fun, fun and leave you tail-spinning with laughter. On 29 Nov – 5 Jan.

See the full list of pantos happening this festive season here.

FESTIVE FUN

Windsor Castle Christmas things to do locally this november

Start the festive season off in proper style. If it’s good enough for His Maj the King, it’s good enough for us. From 21 Nov – 6 Jan, the halls of Windsor Castle will be decked with twinkling lights, garlands, real Christmas trees (a 20ft whooper from Great Windsor Park), and baubles aplenty. See Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House with new decorations, including mini Christmas trees and a garland decorating the staircase. There will be craft activities and workshops for the kids to get stuck into, plus an insight in how Christmas was celebrated in Victorian times. Magic.

Staying in Windsor, don’t miss Windsor on Ice (23 Nov – 29 Dec). I mean is it really Christmas if you haven’t stacked it in front of a group of laughing teens at the rink? There will be other fairground faves including the Dodgems and Santa’s Sleigh roller coaster (rumour has it he’ll be popping up too), and food outlets will be serving up all the festive delights.

LEGOLAND Windsor Christmas things to do berkshire november

Expect festive fun by the sleigh load at LEGOLAND Windsor this year. There’s festive scenes to discover as well as activities, live entertainment, and plenty of character to meet (Santaaaaaaa!). Christmas spirit guaranteed. From £29pp.

Santa is setting up a grotto at Daniel Department Store in Windsor (16 Nov – 24 Dec) and it is said to be the Royal town’s most enchanting event ever. Have a natter with Mr Claus and afterwards the kids will take home a lovely gift to remember their magical encounter. £15pp.

Lots of festive cheer to be spread at Berkshire’s local National Trust hotties. Christmas at Basildon Park kicks off 16 Nov – 5 Jan with trees, garlands, and twinkling fairy lights, all inspired by classic Christmas films. Similar vibes at Cliveden (23 Nov – 5 Jan) where there is the addition of a scenic winter trail.

Wellington farm shop christmas whats on November near me

I’m sorry to say, but this month, you may have to face the dread C S. Fine, I’ll whisper. Christmas shopping. Cobbs should help you get started at their Christmas Tasting Day at Englefield and Hungerford on 30 Nov. They are offering Festive Afternoon Tea between 11 Nov – 31 Dec in case you get hungry in the meantime. Additionally, you can shop ’til you drop at Wellington Farm Shop 28 Nov where you can sample lots of merry delicacies and explore a treasure trove of local talented craft gift, food and drink producers.

LIGHT TRAILS

windsor illuminations things to do november berkshire

Hold onto your Santa hats because Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns for another year (15 Nov – 4 Jan) – set to be even more dazzling than before with brand new installation and a sprinkling of returning favourites. A woodland awash with colour, dancing fairies and a flood lit fountain – in a word: Magical. Mulled wine and toasted marshmallows around a roaring fire is the cherry on top. Tickets from: adults £22.55, kids £14.85, family £67.12.

Neverland Illuminova Wellington Country Park

It’s back baby! An illuminated kingdom awaits you this Winter with even more Neverland to discover including awakened woodlands and an extended trail. Enter at dusk and enjoy an illuminated quest with your friends and family at Neverland Illuminova (22 November – 24 Dec). This is a sensory experience with colour and sound creating a symphony of light. Grab a bite at their new food area, Basecamp, too. There’s hot and cold snacks and tasty grub including the festive deluxe burger. Tickets adults £28, kids £24.

See the full guide to light trails in Berks and beyond here.

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ONS

Eton Christmas Lights Switch on, 14 Nov
Windsor Christmas Lights Switch on, 16 Nov
Reading Christmas Lights Switch on, 16 Nov
Newbury Christmas Light Switch On Festival, 16 Nov
Maidenhead Christmas Market and Light Switch On, 23 Nov
Thatcham Christmas Light Switch On, 6 Dec

CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND FAIRS

Like the Avengers but much, much cooler, the Modern Makers are back together and ready to do some serious damage. To your bank balance that is. Join their Christmas Market on 23 – 24 November for a celebration of slow craftsmanship featuring a group of 24 exceptional artists, designer-makers and craftspeople. Jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass, printmaking, bookbinding, furniture, knitwear, and basket weaving all ready to find new homes. Refreshments available. 10am – 4pm, £3pp entry, under 16s go free.

It’s back! Reading’s Winter Wonderland will be popping up in Hills Meadow Car Park. Expect more festive fun than a Mariah Carey video. There’s an ice rink, fun fair, Aprés bar, Santa’s grotto, German sausage and lots and lots of mulled wine. It’s free to enter, but you can buy tickets now for Santa’s Grotto, Ice Skating and an unlimited ride pass. On 9 Nov – 5 Jan.

Craftaholics make some noise as South Hill Park (16 – 17 Nov) will be hosting two days worth of the UK’s best handmade crafts throughout the Mansion and Wilde Theatre. Joined by over 60 artists selling their fabulous wares, get ahead of the gift giving game and stock up on pressies for the big C-word. It’s free entry too.

Giddee up to Ascot (14 – 17 Nov) and nail your Crimbo shopping in one go. Loads of indie pop ups offering seasonal goodies not available on the high street. A staggering 150 pop-up boutiques selling gifts, homewares, toys, decs, fashion, stocking fillers, foodie treats and more. Shop, hit the bubbles, and relax. Well, it is Christmas.

Shaking their buckets for The Base Charity, visit the magical Gallery grotto at The Base in Greenham for the Winter Craft Fair where you will be able to meet makers and buy unique and unusual gifts for loved ones directly from the artists themselves. Tickets are pay what you can. On 23 – 24 Nov.

L-u-x-u-r-y! Fill the wicker basket in style with over 40 super trendy stalls from quirky brands, local artisans, unique gifts, innovative fashion, homewares, festive food, local art and more… seriously, there’s more? Wowee. On at the fancy The Retreat at Elcot Park on 26 – 27 Nov. Free entry.

See the ultimate guide to Christmas markets and fairs in Berks here.

WORKSHOPS

There’s more cookery courses happening over at Honesty Cookery School than you can swing a rolling pin at. Catch French Country Kitchen (19 Nov), The Chocolate Experience (22 Nov), and Forgotten Flavours of Anatolia (26 Nov). Paul Hollywood who?

Ritzy The Woodspeen in Newbury joins in the cookery cheer in their state-of-the-art kitchen with a series of different courses taking place over the month. They range from £115 to £165, but worth it for the Michelin star you’ll surely be earning by the end.

You’ll be a pasta pro by the time you’re through with a fresh pasta making class on 21 November. It’s happening at new kids on the block the Gourmet Pasta Co in Newbury where you’ll enjoy making fresh pasta before indulging in a three course whopper. Adults £45, under 18s £35.

There’s Christmas courses aplenty going on across the county this month. First up, forget popping down Waitrose for your Christmas decs. Why not make them yourself? The Base at Greenham is running several fun festive workshops. Definitely worth a mooch through the list. More where what came from at South Hill Park.

I’m a huge fan of Charlotte Manser’s fabulous pottery workshops from her beautiful studio in South Fawley. Well worth checking out her Festive Mindful Pottery Evening on 28 Nov where you’ll make ceramic Christmas decorations with Charlotte Manser before a Guided Creative Mindfulness session with Libby Witney. £35pp.

WREATH MAKING

Always make a fragrant entrance after creating a Sonning Flowers traditional door wreath. Learn how to moss and dress your wreath with a large range of decs, including fruit, fir cones, baubles, cinnamon sticks, ribbons and then make it your own. Would an Elton John feathered creation be so wrong? They are running workshops all over the county this festive season. Catch wreath making and afternoon tea at The Mill in Sonning (26, 27 Nov & 6 Dec), wreath making and a cheese board at Stanlake Park (28 Nov & 4 Dec), Wreath and Chocolate making (5 Dec), plus there’s one at Blue Collar Corner in Reading (8 Dec) and virtual classes on 29 Nov with all materials delivered directly to you.

Head to floristry school at Norden Farm (22 – 30 Nov) led by pro florist Louise Temple. On the course you will learn how to create a beautiful and unique handmade festive door wreath using fresh foliages year after year. Lots of decorations available to choose from. We love!

Join George and Amal Clooney creating something festive and fab. I mean, they’ve not confirmed, but we’re convinced they’ll be shaking their baubles at The Great House (24 November), swaying to Last Christmas. Under the expert guidance of resident florist Emma Curtis you’ll take home the most impressive wreath for your front door and a kiss from George under the mistletoe. A girl can dream. Price is £71pp with a complimentary glass of bubbles.

Five star wreaths in a five star location? Get your wreath ticked off the to do list early this year with Allium Design – The Vineyard’s in-house florist. You’ll get champagne, afternoon tea, and leave with one beautiful piece of door candy. Casually scrambles to sign up. £99pp. On 17 Nov.

See our full guide to Christmas Wreath Making Workshops here.

FOOD & DRINK

Seasonality, which won the Good Food Guide’s best restaurant in the South East last year, are the supper club kings. Pure late autumn comfort food awaits on 29 & 30 November which includes the signature cheese & beer soup to partridge pie and chocolate and hazelnut dessert. Book here.

Winter doesn’t have to mean dreariness and cold nights. Shurlock Inn in Reading are hosting Winter Drinks on the Terrace on 15 Nov to welcome the new cosy season in style. Join for a complementary mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive cocktails on the terrace with live music and a light switch on. We’ll cheers to that!

For something on the upper end of the classy scale, The Vineyard always has it going on. All eyes are on the Seasoned To Perfection (28 Nov) where Chef Tom Scade unites with two other top chefs to curate courses highlighting their local regions and pairing them with exquisite glasses of wine. Gorgeous.

The Vineyard Charity Fundraiser Will Young

I think I want to leave right now… to go to The Vineyard’s star-studded Charity Fundraiser! Shaking their buckets for one night only in aid of Newbury Soup Kitchen, the charity’s patron Will Young will be hosting an unforgettable night at the swanky hotel complete with a Champagne canapé reception followed by a delicious 3-course sit-down dinner with accompanying wines. Rob (Judge) Rinder MBE will be auctioneer and compère for the evening, and magician Leigh Edgecombe will be wowing guests with his tricks. It’s on Fri 22 Nov and tickets are £200pp.

silchester farm feast food events near me

Silchester Farm is an overload of gorgeousness and their Winter Fire Feast on Fri 15 November isn’t to be missed. An outdoor kitchen will be fired up ready to welcome you before you cosy up in the Cow Shed for some seriously good nosh. £65pp.

Choc and booze night? Nope, you’re not dreaming. It’s happening at Stanlake Park on 15 Nov. £35pp. There’s a Sparkling Wine Tasting Xmas special on 29 Nov too. If you can’t get enough, join Fourbears Books on 28 Nov for Festive Wine with Words where some merry readings will accompany you through six wine tastings. £35pp.

COMEDY

Jimmy Carr, The Hexagon Reading comedy nights near me

Funny man Jimmy Carr is back (21 Nov) at The Hexagon. While his dark comedy isn’t for everyone, if you love it, you LOVE it. The 7pm show is already sold out, but limited tickets are still available for the 9.45pm showing – be quick. 16+.

The Curve always has a decent line up of theatre and comedy on its roster. Get Noreen Khan in the diary as she brings her first explosive one-hour special to audiences all over the UK. Her energy is infectious so it’s bound to be a hoot. On 15 Nov. Tickets £15.

After a fifteen year hiatus, Ben Elton returned to the stage with a sold-out tour back in 2019. Now, he’s back on the road again with his new show – Authentic Stupidity. Watch Ben continue to set the standard for gag-filled, taboo busting, tonsil rattling, and mind expanding stand-up comedy at The Hexagon Reading on 19 Nov. Tickets £35.

Double-Barrelled Brewery in Reading is hosting its own night of laughs with Comedy at The Taproom (24 Nov). Geoff Norcott is the headliner who you may recognise from Live at the Apollo, Mash Report, Mock the Week and Question Time. He’s supported by three of the best up-and-coming talents on the circuit.

EVENTS

Know your Lord of the Rings from your X-Men? Or maybe your Harry Potter from your Captain America? Back for another year, Reading Comic Con swings into action 24 Nov – a great day for families, sci-fi collectors, fans, and well, pretty much everyone. Expect cosplay aplenty as well as celeb meet and greets (Brian Blessed, Sean Biggerstaff, Craig David Dowsett), displays, props, and traders. Let loose and get your geek on!

Get your brick on! Bracknell’s Brick Festival takes place Sat 30 November – a celebration of all things LEGO with speed building competitions, large scale displays, activities, traders selling loose bricks, new LEGO sets, retired LEGO sets, minifigures & accessories plus a dedicated building area.

Pilates and lattes sounds pretty sweet to me. Break a sweat at Renegade Brewery in Yattendon on 30 Nov with all proceeds going to West Berks MENCAP.

You glow, girl! Who said paddleboarding was a summer thing? On 17 Nov & 15 Dec, experience Dinton Pastures Country Park like never before with a Full Moon Glow Paddle on the serene waters of Black Swan Lake. Just the peaceful sounds of the night and the shimmering reflections on the water? Sounds like heaven.

EXHIBITIONS

reading museum exhibition whats on november

Every picture tells a story and Reading Museum’s latest arty exhibition certainly does. Beeline to the Sir John Madejski Art Gallery to feast your eyes on exciting contemporary paintings, photographs, prints and sculptures such as pieces by Pablo Picasso and Cornelia Parker. Art Stories is on now until 22 Feb 2025.

Over at The Base in Greenham, contemporary artist Kurt Jackson will be showing his work until 17 November. In this never-seen-before exhibition, Kurt explores trees in all their glorious beauty. It’s £8.25 full price, £7.25 concessions and free for under 18s and Base pass holders. Book a time slot and date here.

OOPS… YOU MISSED IT

FIREWORKS

Family Fireworks Spectacular Ascot Racecourse

Ascot Racecourse is offering a full day of National Hunt racing on 2 November, white knuckle fun fair rides, gentler ones for littlies and pop-up laser tag (free until 4pm, then £1 per ride). Watching the races is nail-biting work, so there will be plenty of delicious food vendors and drink stands – well-stocked with fizz of course – to keep you fuelled up. After the races are over, expect to see 20,000 shots launch into the night’s sky, set to music. Under 18s get in for free for the race day with a fee-paying adult. All proceeds go to local charities. Just want to ooh and aah at the fireworks? Enter at 4pm (advance tickets £7 for kids and £9 for adults). Talk about bang for your buck.

Windsor Racecourse’s magic display is a whopper. This year they are bringing the whole kaleidoscope with an awe-inspiring display that will paint the sky. Attendees are encouraged to go gaga with as many bright colours as you can muster. On the night enjoy a dazzling display of stalls, food and entertainment including a pay-as-you-go funfair, plus glow robots, led violinist, glow stilts and more! Ritzy dining and hospitality packages are also available (hm hm, arrive by boat people). So book up, it’ll be a sell out. On 2 Nov.

After 30-odd years, I think the good people of Wokingham know what they’re doing – and it’s properly old school at their Fireworks Spectacular (2 Nov). The evening kicks off with a torchlight parade from Market Place, setting off at 6.15pm. Nothing says ‘get off my land’, like several thousand people carrying flaming torches. At the same time the funfair opens on Cantley Field for those who prefer an adrenaline boost before the main event. This year the funfair promises to be bigger than ever, with many rides for young children. Plus, all the proceeds go to charity. Tickets £9, under 7s, £1.

We’re pretty lucky to have the River Thames running through Berkshire, so a riverside fireworks fiesta (3 Nov) is guaranteed to be pretty special. The organisers have promised a boom-tastic display, delicious hot food, music and a bar. Oh, and novelty glow sticks. But the river will steal the show for sure. Proceeds go to supporting the children at Purley Primary School. Top tip: arrive early to avoid the rush. You want to nab the best viewing point. Tickets: adults £9, kids £3.50, family £22.

See all the best fireworks displays going on in Berkshire here.

Culture vultures you’re in for a treat as Jools Holland and his excellent orchestra will be taking to the stage alongside special guest Imelda May on vocals. With Jools tickling the ivories, expect seriously tantalising tunes and goosebumps all around. On at The Hexagon Reading, 10 Nov.

All is merry and bright over at Welford Park for their Spectacle of Light Show spectacular taking place now – Sun 10 Nov. This magical after-dark activity for all the family will leave you dazzled as you weave your way around the illuminated trail (hot choc in hand of course) through the majestic woodland and gardens under the stars. Psst, keep your eyes peeled for Prue and Paul too. Adults from £19.80, Child £10.80, Family of four £53.10. Under 3s go free.

For something totally different, how about dining in the dark? The Boathouse at Boulters Lock are doing a Blackout Night on 7 Nov in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Don’t worry, you won’t be left fumbling for your napkin. The pub will be lit with candles and the menu will see warming wartime classics like Bangers and Mash, Stews and Dumpling, and Spotted Dick.

Warming up for his upcoming tour, TV legend Harry Hill comes to Maidenhead this autumn to put his new material to the test. Leave the kids at home for this one though – it’s 14+. £20. On 5 – 8 Nov.

Hot Diggity Dog! You won’t want to miss Ed Gamble taking the Reading stage on 6 November. It was a sell-out in June, but this is your second chance to see the acclaimed show in action. Expect your classic Gamble ranting, raving and spluttering, but apparently he’s doing fine mentally. Promise. For 14+. Selling fast.

Bookworms, it’s happening! Just over the border, Wantage Literary Fest is taking place now – 9 Nov and will see a star-studded line up of authors taking to the stage including Larry Lamb, Johnny Ball, Plum Sykes, and many more.

To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a display in the house at Basildon Park explores the significant connection between the estate and the Second World War. It’s fascinating stuff. In fact, during World War II, Basildon Park was requisitioned and used by the 101st Airborne Division of the American Army for D-Day training. Free with normal admission prices. On until 10 Nov.

Knockout November! Things to do in Berkshire this month

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