The Royal Collection contains many objects that show how monarchs have celebrated Christmas over the centuries. These include images of decorated Christmas trees, personal cards and presents, depictions of visits to festive shows and costumes for the pantomime. Many customs associated with the festive period have been popularised by the Royal Family, and Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas Message was a natural part of Christmas Day for millions of viewers.

Two royal residences have been at the centre of festive celebrations. Monarchs have been celebrating Christmas at Windsor Castle since the 12th century, and Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their growing family would always spend the festive season at the Castle. During the reigns of King Edward VII, King George V and King George VI, the Christmas season was almost always spent on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, and this is a tradition that Queen Elizabeth II largely adopted, with Christmas celebrations centring on Sandringham for most of her reign.

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