Celebrate Christmas at the official residences of His Majesty the King

This December, visitors to Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments transformed with shimmering Christmas trees, twinkling lights and an array of activities to enjoy over the festive season.

Christmas at Windsor Castle

24 November 2022 – 2 January 2023

The highlight of the Christmas display at Windsor Castle will be a stunning 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree in St George's Hall, grown nearby in Windsor Great Park and dressed with hundreds of iridescent ornaments.

A resplendent Christmas tree will be displayed in the Crimson Drawing Room, one of the most ornate rooms in the Castle and part of the Semi-State Rooms. 

Originally created as private apartments for George IV and used by members of the Royal Family for official entertaining, the Semi-State Rooms will open to visitors for the winter months from 24 November.

The Waterloo Chamber, one of the largest and most impressive rooms in the entire Castle, will feature a sumptuous table display of decorative items from the Royal Collection beneath glittering chandeliers.

Festive foliage and wreaths will adorn gates and lampposts in the precincts of the Castle, while spectacular garlands on the Grand Staircase will greet visitors as they enter the State Apartments.

The Castle’s Undercroft Café will be offering a special festive menu throughout December.

On the first three weekends in December, families visiting the Castle can participate in craft activities and workshops exploring how the Victorians celebrated Christmas.

Visitors to the Castle on 8, 9 and 12 December will be entertained with carols sung throughout the day by local community and school choirs beneath the Christmas tree in St George’s Hall.

Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

1 December 2022 – 2 January 2023

The festive decorations at the Palace of Holyroodhouse will include magnificently decorated Christmas trees in the Throne Room and Great Gallery, while the Great Stair leading up to the historic State Apartments will be draped with twinkling velvet garlands, glistening berries and seasonal foliage.

In the Royal Dining Room, the table will be laid with pieces from a silver service presented to King George V and Queen Mary in 1935 to mark their Silver Jubilee, and decorated with ivy, candelabra and spires of faux candied sugared fruits.

In the Café at the Palace in the historic Mews courtyard, visitors will be able to enjoy homemade mince pies, Christmas cake and mulled wine while surrounded by festive wreaths and garlands.

Families visiting the Palace on 17, 22 and 23 December can enjoy short talks and take part in festive arts and crafts activities, including a chance to design their own greeting cards and Christmas crackers.

Buckingham Palace Exclusive Guided Tours

On selected dates throughout the winter, visitors can enjoy a special behind-the-ropes experience of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms in the company of an expert guide. All tickets include a copy of the Official Souvenir Guide. Guided tours suitable for families are also available.

Shopping

Browse for Christmas gift inspiration in the Royal Collection Trust shops or online at www.rct.uk/shop, where advent calendars, luxury hampers and festive food and drink make perfect presents.

Christmas at the official residences of His Majesty The King is from 24 November 2022 to 2 January 2023 at Windsor Castle, and from 1 December 2022 to 2 January 2023 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Exclusive Guided Tours of Buckingham Palace are available on selected dates from November to February.

Tickets and visitor information: www.rct.uk, Windsor Castle +44 (030) 123 7304, Palace of Holyroodhouse +44 (030) 123 7306.