Christmas in Newbury
Shopping and seasonal magic...Come and see what’s happening!

With so many stores, picturesque streets and some fantastic events throughout December why not mix shopping with some seasonal magic this Christmas? Pick up those special gifts and then stay and enjoy everything that’s happening!
During December there are dozens of events in Newbury, here’s a selection:

Friday 27th November Christmas lights switch on, Father Christmas and children parade through the streets as bands play in the snowy Market Square. Seasonal food and drink on sale. Starts 4.30pm

Sunday 29th November Watch a six foot high ice angel emerge in the Market Place as sculptors carve this beautiful glacial image. Your chance to join in, while in Victoria park sign up for the Santa jog and raise money for the British Heart Foundation. For more information on the jog contact Sue Page on 01635 35486 at Newbury Town Hall

Saturday 5th December All the razzmatazz of Broadway comes to Newbury’s very own Broadway. Musicians and dancers perform from noon. Mince pies and seasonal fayre on offer. Contact 0845 003 9953 or visit http://www.newburyevents.co.uk for more details
Sunday 6th December Kennet Opera perform pieces from their most recent production of Carmen and others in the midst of the festive Farmer’s Market. Come, stock up on seasonal produce to music!

Monday 7th & 14th December Silver Screen at the Corn Exchange. Dump your shopping and have a cuppa and mince pie, followed by a film – what better way to relax after an afternoon’s shopping! Film starts at 2.30pm. Phone Corn Exchange Box office for tickets 01635 522733

Friday 11th December Join the highly acclaimed Gran Turismos – grannies with attitude as they whizz around town on their shopping baskets spreading Christmas cheer! From 11.30am onwards. Contact 0845 003 9953 or visit http://www.newburyevents.co.uk for more details

Saturday 12th December What could be more Christmassy than the sound of bells? Burghclere handbell ringers are joined by Watership Brass band under the Christmas tree in the Market Square. The Watermill Theatre will be joining the merry throng, helping spread glitter and glue as they make Christmas masks with children. All from 10am. For more information contact 0845 003 9953 or visit http://www.newburyevents.co.uk

Sunday 13th December The magical and bewitching Reve D’Herbert by Quidams. A beautiful light-filled winter event set against the backdrop of Newbury’s Market Square. This acclaimed French performance sees five white-clad stilt walkers journeying through the streets and changing into huge colourful characters, lit from inside. Watch as they perform a dance in and among the transfixed audience, as a moonlike sphere rises into the night sky, creating a stunning finale. Accompanied by an uplifting soundtrack this is an amazing event for all the family and not to be missed. Starts at 4.30pm. Visit http://www.newburyevents.co.uk for more information

Friday 18th December The Snow Queen cometh to Newbury to grant your Christmas wishes. Magical street performances from this enchanting creature. From 11am.

Saturday 19th December There’s an icy feel in the air as renowned ice sculptor, Ben Hamilton and his team carve a six foot high angel in Newbury’s Broadway. Your chance to get up close and even have a go yourself! Visit http://www.newburyevents.co.uk for more information

Sunday 20th December Newbury hosts a live nativity with real donkey, sheep and cow in the town’s Market Place. This magical stable scene complete with Mary and Joseph will mesmerise little ones. Meanwhile pupils from Falkland Primary school entertain with a selection of carols. From 10am at the Farmer’s Market. Come buy your Seasonal food at the same time! Visit http://www.newburyevents.co.uk for more details

Monday 21st December The rumours are true, a polar bear is on its way to Newbury! Accompanied by its handler Ursula, Bjorn will amble around the Market Square possibly sniffing at your shopping bags and if you get right close up you might be able to stroke him! Three performances starting at 11.30, this enchanting show will entertain and inform you about the life of the Polar Bear and his icy kingdom. Please visit http://www.newburyevents.co.uk for more details

Has no one else noticed our dwarf Christmas tree in the Market Place? It also appears to have been erected at an angle unless it was bent in the first place.