Reading Winter Wonderland Grand Opening 2026

Reading Winter Wonderland opens at Hills Meadow on Saturday 7 November, starting at 11:00 am and running through to Sunday 3 January 2027. It's the sixth year the event has come to Reading, and it's been at Hills Meadow since 2021 when it moved from Forbury Gardens. Because the site is council-owned, the organisers have to apply for temporary planning permission every year to set up.

There's a bit of a change to the layout this time around. The rides have been moved to the gravel area of the park to protect the local wildlife, which leaves the wildlife strip intact alongside the public footpath. As for what's actually there, it's a proper fairground setup: a real undercover ice-skating rink, a giant observation wheel, penguin-themed bumper cars, Santa's Grotto, a Matterhorn-style alpine ride, a fun house and a family rollercoaster. There's also a festive après-ski bar, street food and traditional funfair games to drift between when you're not on the rides.

Entry is free, so you can wander in without spending a penny. The rides and attractions are between £2 and £5 each, and there's a £24 unlimited wristband that gives you four hours of access. Ice skating is an extra £5 on top of that, or £10-£15 if you're just doing it on its own. Santa's Grotto and the ice skating tend to sell out, so they're best booked online in advance if you've got your heart set on them. With the season running until early January, you've got plenty of time to fit it in.