Experience Enchanting Festive Cheer at the Royal Palaces: A Majestic Celebration

by Jacqueline A. O'Neill · Published December 10, 2023 · Updated December 12, 2023

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Don’t miss the sparkling Christmas splendour at two royal residences this season. Windsor Castle dazzles with a towering 25-foot tree and over 33,000 lights,

while the Palace of Holyroodhouse enchants with velvet garlands and a lavish table display in the State Apartments. You can watch the table being decorated on Instagram.

Both displays are included in a standard admission ticket and open until 1 January 2024.

COME AND VISIT

Holbein’s drawing techniques

The Royal Collection holds 80 drawings by renowned artist Hans Holbein used to prepare for future painted portraits. Learn about the paper and drawing materials he used to quickly capture a person’s essence.

The Queen’s Gallery, London

until 14 April 2024

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOLBEIN’S TECHNIQUES

Shakespeare’s first folio

The First Folio, printed in 1623, is the first collection of William Shakespeare’s plays, compiled by his friends seven years after his death. This crucial book preserves 36 works, including texts that would likely be lost without it – Macbeth, Twelfth Night, and The Tempest.

See the copy in the Royal Library in our film.

WATCH THE FILM

Indulge in rich, royal mince pies

This December, celebrate the season with a taste of royalty – bake the Royal Chef’s special recipe for luscious mince pies. Filled with brandy-soaked currants, orange zest, and spices, these bite-sized delights will be the jewel in your Christmas feast’s crown.

TRY THE RECIPE

Family-friendly tours

Get the VIP treatment with an exclusive family tour of Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse. Before the public arrives, search for unicorns and thistles, uncover Scottish history tales, and find a secret passage – a kid-friendly adventure perfect for magical memory-making together.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

16-17 February 2024

BOOK A PLACE

More dates added

Enjoy exclusive access to the magnificent State Rooms of Buckingham Palace this winter. Marvel at gilded ceilings, glittering chandeliers and the Royal Collection’s treasures on this special guided tour – plan ahead for the New Year.

Buckingham Palace

Selected dates until 26 February 2024