The Town of Reading is pleased to announce that applications and gardener agreements for the 2026 Community Gardening Season will be available beginning January 1, 2026. Whether you are an experienced gardener or planting for the first time, all community members are encouraged to take part in this growing season.

The Reading community is invited to come together in celebration of Hanukkah at the town’s 4th Annual Community Menorah Lighting, taking place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 5 pm on the Reading Town Common. This inclusive, family-friendly tradition provides neighbors with a meaningful and festive way to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

The Reading Recreation Division is excited to announce that registration for the 2025 Winter & Spring programs will open on Thursday, December 11th, at 8:00 am. With a wide variety of activities designed for children, teens, and adults, this year’s seasonal offerings provide something for everyone looking to learn new skills, stay active, or try a fun new hobby.

Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) and its Board of Commissioners (Board) have announced that Jason Small will take the helm as general manager effective January 2, 2026.

The Reading Community Singers proudly invite the community to their Annual Holiday Concert, Hope for the Holidays, tonight, Saturday, December 6, at 7:30 pm at Reading Memorial High School in the Performing Arts Center.

Whitelam Books is excited to host a Hanukkah Storytime on Sunday, December 14 at 3:00PM reading Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Story by Charlotte Offsay, and Lost and Found Hanukkah by Joy Preble.

On December 2, 2025, the Interim Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation (MassDOT) and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng issued a formal letter to local and state officials in Reading, announcing a significant shift in the long-discussed Reading Station Turnback Track project. The letter confirms that the MBTA has rescinded its Notice of Intent (NOI) for the proposed Vine Street site and will no longer pursue that location for turnback infrastructure.

Town Manager Matt Kraunelis is excited to announce that S&P Global Ratings (S&P) assigned its 'AAA' rating to Reading for its $75.425 million series 2025 general obligation (GO) municipal-purpose loan bonds. This is the highest quality bond rating for municipalities, and one the Town has held for more than a decade.

Reading families can once again share in a beloved holiday tradition as Reading Recreation launches its annual Letters to Santa program. Children are invited to drop off their custom letters to Santa Claus at the North Pole Express Mailbox, located just inside the Reading Recreation Office on the lower level of Town Hall.

Mark your calendar to come together as a community and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Our creative community is strongest when many voices are heard. If you feel inspired, please consider submitting your own work to The Reading Observer.

Whitelam Books and Chabad of Wakefield are excited to welcome you to a Hanukkah Story Time and Craft. Join Mrs. Devora Brook of Chabad of Wakefield for a fun Hanukkah-themed event, Sunday, December 7 at 3:30PM.

The Reading Food Pantry is extending heartfelt thanks to the community after an extraordinary outpouring of generosity throughout November. With increased need across the region, donations made a meaningful difference for neighbors facing difficult times - and Pantry volunteers say they are deeply grateful for every contribution.

With snow in the forecast for late Tuesday into early Wednesday, the Reading Police Department has announced that the overnight street parking ban will be in effect from 1:00 am to 6:00 am on December 3 - if snow falls.

Hundreds of residents gathered on the Reading Town Common on Sunday, November 30, to enjoy an afternoon of festive fun with neighbors ahead of the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The Women’s League of Reading (WLR) is excited to announce the launch of its Annual Holiday Homes Town-Wide Exterior Decorating Contest and Fundraiser, kicking off November 28, 2025. This festive community tradition invites Reading residents to decorate the exterior of their homes in their most creative and spirited holiday displays—all in support of the local non-profit Mission of Deeds.

Join Reading's Jewish community, neighbors, and friends for the 4th Annual Community Menorah Lighting on Sunday December 14 on the Reading Town Common.

The Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce will host the Reading Tree Lighting on the Town Common  on Sunday, November 3 from 2 – 4:30 PM in Downtown Reading.

Calendar is available free of charge at select community locations beginning on November 26 

Every poet has a beginning, and for Richard Perry, this poem was the spark. What started as a single moment of inspiration has blosssomed into nearly 300 poems composed over the last four years. We’re honored to present the piece that lit the fuse.