This December, visitors to Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments transformed with magnificent Christmas displays, while exclusive evening tours will give an unforgettable, behind-the-ropes experience at Windsor Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Buckingham Palace.

 

Christmas at Windsor Castle

30 November 2023 to 1 January 2024

• This year’s Christmas display at Windsor Castle will celebrate the 675th anniversary of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in Britain which was founded in Windsor in 1348.
• A magnificent 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree in St George's Hall, grown nearby in Windsor Great Park, is the highlight of the Christmas display. This year it will be topped by a specially commissioned sparkling Garter Star to commemorate the anniversary, alongside Coronation-themed decorations to celebrate this special year.
• Another glistening Christmas tree topped with a Garter Star will be in the Crimson Drawing Room – one of the most elaborate rooms in the Castle. Part of the Semi-State Rooms created as private apartments for George IV, these rooms on the east side of the Castle are still used by members of the Royal Family for official entertaining and are open to visitors over the winter months.
• In the Waterloo Chamber, the 160-foot-long dining table will be laid with porcelain from the Garter Service, featuring a design inspired by the Garter star and the Order’s motto ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense (Shame on him who thinks evil of it)’.
• Impressive garlands on the Grand Staircase will greet visitors as they enter the State Apartments, while outside, festive wreaths and foliage will adorn gates and lampposts in the Castle grounds.
• After exploring the State Apartments, visitors can treat themselves to a festive menu in the Undercroft Café, available throughout December, where there will be another spectacular tree dressed with sparkling Garter Stars to commemorate the anniversary.
• On select dates in December, local school and community choirs will perform carols beneath the Christmas tree in St George’s Hall.
• Families can participate in craft activities and workshops exploring how the Victorians celebrated Christmas, held at the Learning Centre every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between Saturday, 16 December 2023 and Monday, 1 January 2024.
• St George’s Chapel will be open to visitors to the Castle on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and services are open to all, seven days a week. Advent, the period leading up to Christmas, begins on Sunday, 3 December. The Chapel is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, and the impressive crests and banners of the current Knights and Ladies can be seen above the Quire stalls.

 

Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

23 November 2023 to 1 January 2024

• A magnificent Christmas tree in the wood-panelled Throne Room is the centrepiece for the displays at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Another glittering Nordmann Fir tree and two decorated mantelpieces will create a festive atmosphere in the storied Great Gallery. 
• Velvet garlands, vibrant berries and seasonal foliage will adorn the Great Stair leading to the historic State Apartments, and wreaths will be hung in the windows in the enfilade of the King’s Rooms. Outside, the Quadrangle will have a garland visible from around the quadrangle and from the forecourt.
• In the Royal Dining Room, the grand table will be laid with a silver service and with sugared fruit and foliage.
• In the Café at the Palace in the Mews courtyard, visitors can enjoy homemade mince pies, Christmas cake and mulled wine surrounded by wreaths and garlands. Decadent Christmas-themed Afternoon Tea can also be booked in advance.
• Visitors interested in learning how monarchs have celebrated Christmas over the centuries – from exchanging Christmas cards and personal gifts to holding festive pantomimes – can hear short talks held on Thursdays throughout December.
• A programme of festive music will be performed in evening Christmas concerts on Sunday, 10 and Monday, 11 December, concluding with a glass of wine and mince pies.
• A special version of Royal Rhyme Time: Festive Fling on Monday, 4 December will give toddlers and their parents or carers the chance to celebrate through interactive storytelling, songs, and rhymes.  
• On Mary, Queen of Scots' birthday, Friday, 8 December, a special evening event at the Palace will explore life at Mary's court.
• The Carols and Crafts: Christmas Activity Day on Saturday, 16 December gives families the chance to try their hand at making either clay decorations, inspired by the Palace's 17th -century interiors, or Christmas crackers, a Victorian invention. There will also be local choirs performing songs.

 

Winter Exclusive Guided Tours at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse

November to February

• As part of a greatly expanded programme of exclusive tours, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Buckingham Palace State Rooms on select dates throughout the winter. Led by an expert guide, all tickets include a copy of the Official Souvenir Guide. Guided tours suitable for families with children are also available.
• On select dates in December, visitors can enjoy an exclusive evening tour offering a behind-the-ropes experience through the State Apartments at Windsor Castle, ending with a glass of English Sparkling Wine.
• With dates in November and December, visitors can enjoy private evening tours of the State Apartments at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, taking in the magic of the Palace once the doors have closed to visitors for the day.

 

A Royal Christmas Feast Online Event

Tuesday 5 December 2023, 19:00 – 20:00  

Senior Curator of Decorative Arts Kathryn Jones is joined by food historian Marc Meltonville for a lively online discussion on culinary traditions of the past, covering everything from dining services to the sumptuous food served at royal Christmases.

 

Shopping

Visitors to the royal residences will be able to take a memento of the festive displays home with them, with the beaded Garter Star and navy and white Coronation decorations used on the Christmas trees this year available for purchase online and in Royal Collection Trust shops.

Browse the Royal Collection Trust shops or online at www.rct.uk/shop for more Christmas gift inspiration, including traditional and heirloom advent calendars, indulgent hampers, and new gourmet stocking fillers.