Christmas is creeping up fast and after a year of uncertainly, only one thing is for sure. We will make the very best of this Christmas and spread cheer wherever we go! If you’re planning a trip over the festive season, Reading is a one stop shop for Christmas shopping, dining, sightseeing and enjoying the festive feel around the city. Here’s what to expect from your trip to Reading, including a stay in our centrally-located serviced apartments in Reading.
Christmas Shopping in Reading
This year, more than ever, it is important to shop local. While multinationals like Amazon sometimes offer lower prices, when you choose to shop local or buy British brands, you are really making a difference to our economy. Local shops employ local people and supporting them means keeping food on the table and gives excellent UK made gifts a place on our high street. So, if you can, be a hero and buy British this year!
Reading is an excellent place for Christmas shopping. Dotted along our streets is a huge selection of high street brands, high-end favourites and some small artisan shops and pop-ups. Broad Street has a great range of shops whether you are looking for a Christmas gift in high street fave Boots, or a beautiful piece of art, greeting cards, jewellery, gift or homeware from a nearby independent retailer like But Is It Art? A wander in and around Broad Street will have you spoiled for choice.
The Oracle
The Oracle is our largest shopping mall with over 100 shops and stalls selling everything you need to fill your stockings. They have some excellent brands like House of Fraser, Next and Apple catering to all of your fashion, homeware, gift and lifestyle needs. They also have some fantastic events taking place in December and what’s more festive than snow and Christmas lights? Every day from 4th December until Christmas Eve, every 15-minutes, snow will fall from the skies above Riverside. It’s a perfect photo op to remember a fun-filled trip to Reading.
This year, we are so lucky to have a new indoor artisan market right beside the Oracle, selling the very best of British. The massive retail outlet is packed with gorgeous handmade items like cards, jewellery, clothing and unique & quirky artwork. They have gift ideas from over 80 local, independent suppliers and are open 7 days a week until January 2021. It’s an ideal way to support a small business while gifting someone you love with something they will treasure.
Restaurants in Reading
Make a day of it when Christmas shopping in Reading and visit some of the many excellent restaurants. Dining out over Christmas can be expensive but we don’t want any of our guests to miss out. We have partnered with some of the city’s best restaurants to offer all of our guests up to 15% discounts on the best food and drink in Reading. Restaurants include Miller & Carter, Soju, The Real Greek and Pho Restaurant. We can personally vouch for these restaurants, having tried and tested their food ourselves! We are always working on new partnerships and hope to offer many more excellent discounts for guests in 2021.
If you’ve seen enough of the city after a long day of shopping and exploring, you can always order a takeaway to enjoy in the comfort of your home from home. You could also make full use of your fully equipped kitchen and cook up a storm!
The Twilight Trail
A Christmas highlight in Reading this year is the magical festive trail full of sparkles and illuminations lighting up Forbury Gardens and the Abbey Ruins from 8th December. The Twilight Trail will also have plenty of festive food & drink, special personalised video calls with Santa, theatrical talent and an extra special accessible day dedicated to extra special neuro-diverse guests. It is sure to be a Christmas tradition and the highlight of many family outings for many years to come. We are offering our valued guests of PREMIER SUITES Reading 10% off the ticket price, giving you more to spend on Hot Chocolate and Mulled Wine! Just speak to one of our friendly team before you book your slot.
If you’d like to book your festive stay in our serviced apartments in Reading, contact one of our friendly team today or visit our official website. We would like to wish all of our guests, clients and friends a very merry Christmas and a safe and peaceful start to 2021.
