- Next event: Thursday 28 Nov 2024
Every Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (Thursday 28 Nov 2024 - Monday 6 Jan 2025)
Excl dates: Wednesday 25 Dec 2024, Thursday 26 Dec 2024, Friday 27 Dec 2024 - Christmas displays are included in standard admission to the Palace.
Advance price:
Adult £20.00
Young Person (18-24) £13.00
Child (5-17) £10.00
Disabled Person £10.00
Access companion Free
Under 5 Free
On-the-day price:
Adult £22.00
Young Person (18-24) £14.00
Child (5-17) £11.00
Disabled Person £11.00
Access companion Free
Under 5 Free - Adults, Children / Families
Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse ©
Step into Christmas and 900 years of royal history at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
This festive period, the Palace will be transformed with magnificent Christmas decorations, including two 12-foot-high Christmas trees and a mantle garland in the wood-panelled Throne Room.
Visitors will be greeted by festive garlands, vibrant berries and seasonal foliage as they ascend the Great Stair leading to the historic State Apartments.
In the Royal Dining Room, the grand table is laid with a silver service and with sugared fruit and foliage.
Festive events
Celebrate the festive period by learning how to fashion foliage into your own wreath, or join us in the Great Gallery for an evening of carols.
Exclusive Christmas Evening Tour
On select dates in December, enjoy an exclusive out of hours tour of the Palace in the company of an expert guide. Among the highlights is the beautiful West Drawing Room, which is not normally open to the public.
Carols by the Christmas Tree
In the Great Gallery, members of The Robin Chapel Choir will perform a special programme of festive music. After the performance, enjoy a glass of wine and mince pies served in the shop.
Festive Wreaths at Holyroodhouse
Join florist and Royal Warrant-holder, Lottie Longman, to create your own festive wreath inspired by the beautiful decorations of the Palace.
Christmas Afternoon Tea
Visit the Café at the Palace in the historic Mews courtyard, where you can enjoy a festive menu surrounded by wreaths and garlands.
Treat yourself to a Christmas-themed afternoon tea, our hand-crafted treats will serve as the perfect indulgence to share with friends and family. We advise booking in advance, which can be done online. Visit the Café at the Palace page.
Children and family events
The Palace of Holyroodhouse offers festive events for children throughout December.
Exclusive Family Tour
This tour is designed especially for families to enjoy together. Uncover stories of Scotland’s past, search for majestic unicorns, and see if you can find the secret door!
Christmas Activity Day
Join us for a fun filled Christmas activity day! Discover how the tradition of Christmas cards began, and design your own to gift to family and friends.
Royal Rhyme Time
Join us in the Abbey Strand Centre for our special Royal Rhyme Time sessions, led by a member of the Learning Team. Discover how some Kings and Queens celebrated Christmas a long time ago through interactive storytelling, songs and rhymes.
Access events
We welcome visitors with different access requirements and a concession ticket is available for visitors with disabilities.
Christmas Relaxed Access Evening
This relaxed access evening offers a chance to explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse in a calm, tranquil atmosphere. This event is open to all, including those with autism and other neurodiverse needs, together with their siblings, families, and carers.
Descriptive Tour: A Royal Christmas
This special descriptive tour is designed for visually impaired visitors. Learn about Christmas traditions over the centuries and explore the Palace State Apartments which have been beautifully dressed for the festive season.
Royal Christmas Traditions: BSL Interpreted Tour
Led by Fiona Johnston, accompanied by an accredited BSL interpreter, explore the beautiful surroundings of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in this guided festive tour.
Gift ideas
We have a wide selection of Christmas gifts in our shop, including festive home accessories, charming tree decorations, food hall favourites and luxury hampers. Browse for Christmas gift inspiration in the Palace shop or pick your favourites in our online shop.
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Online Lecture: A Victorian Christmas
Join Lucy Peter, Curator of Paintings, as she explores how Christmas was celebrated at Windsor Castle and Osborne House during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's Christmas gifts
Gift giving was an important part of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's Christmases together. The gifts often celebrated places they had been together, and the couple's interest in art and jewellery design. One of Queen Victoria's most cherished Christmas gifts was a brooch presented by Prince Albert in 1842, which featured a miniature of their eldest child, Victoria, the Princess Royal.
Watch our film to find out more about Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s Christmas gifts.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's Christmas gifts ©
