Reading is kicking off the holiday season with a lively lineup of festive, family-friendly traditions that welcome the whole community. From tree lightings to local shopping nights and concerts, here’s what we’ve got around town this year.
If you would like to add your event to this ongoing list, please email editor@thereadingpost.com.
Reading Common Tree Lighting
The 32nd annual tree lighting will take place on Sunday, November 30 from 2:00 to 4:30 PM on the Reading Common, where Santa will arrive to light all of the trees throughout the downtown area. Drawing more than a thousand people each year, the celebration is free and features s’mores and ice sculptures, making it a classic event and a perfect start to the holiday season. – by Sophie Karlskind
Shop the Block
On Thursday, December 4, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, downtown Reading’s independent businesses are coming together once again for Shop the Block, an annual promotion that highlights and supports local shops. Visitors are welcome to stroll through local shops, enjoy special promotions, and support the small businesses that help make Reading’s center so unique and vibrant during the holidays. – by Sophie Karlskind
“A Little Women Christmas”
From December 5-7, audiences can experience “A Little Women Christmas: A Live Radio Play” at The Old Hose House Theater on 1249 Main Street, a historic firehouse that has been the home for Reading’s community theater since 1961. This adaptation by Jennifer Estabrooks brings Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story to life in the nostalgic style of a classic radio broadcast. This wonderful production is directed by Laura J. Bilodeau, produced by Jennifer Estabrooks, and stage-managed by Alex Surro, all of whom have been involved in local arts for countless years. The show offers a cozy, nostalgic way to celebrate the holiday season with one of literature’s most cherished families. Tickets are sold online for $20 with early purchases encouraged due to limited seating. – by Sophie Karlskind
Festival of Trees
The annual Festival of Trees transforms Parker Middle School’s cafeteria into a winter wonderland on Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday, December 7, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is $5 per individual or $10 for the whole family, and guests can enjoy musical performances throughout the weekend by Reading students in various bands and choirs. Decorated artificial trees are displayed during the event with different themes and winnings attached. Trees donated by local families, businesses, organizations, and schools range from tabletop arrangements to towering 11-foot designs, all of which are guaranteed to catch the eyes and hearts of everyone in the family. Raffle tickets may be purchased to enter for any tree of choice, and each one is raffled off to a winning family, making this the exciting fundraiser that has become a Reading favorite. – by Sophie Karlskind
Reading Community Singers Holiday Concert
The Reading Community Singers will present their annual holiday performance, “Hope for the Holidays,” on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 PM at RMHS. The concert blends classic and modern seasonal music celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and more. Their lineup consists of warm tunes such as “Be A Light,” the Jonas Brothers’ “Like It’s Christmas,” “What the World Needs Now,” and a medley from A Muppet Christmas Carol. “These last two musical numbers will also spotlight our Youth Chorus. It’s a wonderful evening of seasonal entertainment for all ages,” the singers say. Tickets are available online or at the door, with a discount for students and seniors and admission free of charge for children under 5 years old. – by Sophie Karlskind
Reading Community Concert Band
The Reading Community Concert Band will perform “Sounds of the Season” on Sunday December 7th at 3:00pm at the First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn Street, Reading MA. The Reading Community Concert Band (RCCB) has been bringing music to our town since 1994, first as a summer band and now as a year-round community ensemble. Founded by Cara Canady and carried forward by dedicated directors and musicians, RCCB continues to unite developing and experienced wind players through performances that blend serious repertoire with fun, accessible favorites. Under the direction of Stephen Bloom since 2017, the band proudly keeps its focus on community! – Editor
Annual Community Menorah Lighting
Join neighbors and friends on Sunday December 14th at 5:00pm for the annual community Menorah lighting on the Reading Town Common. This is an inclusive, educational, family-friendly event with a local clergy member, StoryWalk, and performance by the Reading Community Singers. Following the event, join us for children’s crafts, latkes, sufganiyot (donuts), hot cocoa, and Israeli folk dancing at the First Congregational Church. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Reading Food Pantry. Inclement weather location: Downstairs Hall of First Congregational Church. – Editor
Sophie Karlskind is a junior at RMHS with a passion for writing, photography, fashion, and all things creative. Whether she’s capturing moments behind the camera, reporting for her school newspaper, or playing softball, she brings an easygoing, thoughtful energy to everything she does. Sophie’s work blends observant writing with a relaxed, confident style that reflects her curiosity about the world around her.
