Christmas in the Royal Residences of England: here’s how to book

The British Royal Family’s Christmas is certainly not just any Christmas. Just imagine the very long festively set tables, the endless halls decorated with lights and decorations or the six meter high Christmas tree decorated at St George’s Hallnear Windsor Great Park, the jewel in the crown of this year’s London party displays, which will be decorated with a sparkling star specially created to celebrate the 675th anniversary of the Order of the Garter, the oldest chivalric order in Great Britain , founded at Windsor in 1348.

That of the Royals, Charles III’s first as King, is traditionally a Christmas is elegant, romantic, festive but measured, sparkling but delicate. A Christmas in pure style british, in short, perfect for those who love the genre. And, last but not least, it’s a Christmas open to the public (even tourists)as all visitors to Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments transformed by Christmas decorations, and will be able to take part in exclusive thematic tours.

Here is everything there is to see in London to experience the most Royal of Christmases.

Christmas at Windsor Castle

A sparkling one Christmas tree (also surmounted by a star dedicated to the Order of the Garter) will be set up in the Crimson Drawing Room, one of the most scenic rooms of Windsor Castle. Envisioned 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 receptions and are open to visitors during the winter months.

In Waterloo Chamber, the almost fifty meter long dining table will be set with porcelain from the Garter Service, with a design inspired by the Garter star and the Order’s motto «Honi soit qui mal y pense» («Shame on those who think evil»).

Visitors will be welcomed by the Grand Staircase, decorated with showy garlands, which will also be placed outside along all the gates and street lamps in the Castle park. Throughout December, local school choirs will perform carols under the Christmas tree in St George’s Hall and a special Christmas menu will be served atUndercroft Caféthe medieval café on the ground floor of the Castle. Families will also be able to take part in workshops explaining how the Victorians celebrated Christmas, at the Learning Center every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 16 December to 1 January 2024.

Christmas at Buckingham Palace

Over the Christmas period visitors will be able to take part in a significantly expanded program of exclusive tours, with the opportunity to visit the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace on selected dates throughout the winter. There are also tours designed for families with small children, always accompanied by an expert guide who will tell the stories of the Palace and the royal family.

Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

In the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of sovereigns in Scotland, a magnificent Christmas tree will be set up in the Throne Room. The Grand Staircase leading to the historic State Apartments will be decorated with garlands, flowers and red berries, as will all the windows in the row of Royal Chambers.

In the Royal Dining Room, the large table will be set with a sumptuous silver service and decorated with candied fruit and leaveswhile visitors can enjoy mince pies homemade, Christmas cakes and mulled wine in the Café at the Palace, within the Mews Courtyard.

Visitors interested in discovering how British Royals have celebrated Christmas over the centuries – from exchanging greeting cards to personalized gifts – can participate in the themed events, held every Thursday in December at the Palace. Special Christmas concerts are also scheduled – Sunday 10th and Monday 11th Decemberwhich will end with a glass of wine and a taste of the traditional one mince pies.