Experience Royal Christmas Magic: Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and More Open to the Public

This Christmas, the British Royal Family is opening their doors to the public.

Every year, the British royal family decorates a portion of the palace with Christmas decorations and grants public access. The late King Charles I initiated this tradition to make royal residences more accessible to the public.

This year’s royal Christmas tour includes the iconic Buckingham Palace, the majestic Windsor Castle, and the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Windsor Castle’s interior features a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree and thousands of twinkling lights. The tree is visible in the grand St. George’s Hall and the opulent Crimson Drawing Room. This year’s highlight is the unveiling of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, an exquisite replica Edwardian residence that was a gift from King George V to his beloved wife, Queen Mary.

The castle is buzzing with holiday cheer, offering Victorian-era lectures, fun craft activities for kids, a cozy Christmas café, and a treasure trove of royal souvenirs. Adult tickets are priced at £30 (about $37) for early birds, while walk-in visitors can purchase tickets for £33 (about $41).

The Palace of Holyroodhouse’s Throne Room is a sight, with two magnificent 10-foot Christmas trees adorned with lush garlands. In the Royal Dining Room, feast your eyes on a lavishly decorated table brimming with seasonal foliage and fruits. The exclusive evening Christmas tours, led by expert guides, include afternoon teas and children’s royal rhyme time.

The royal residences opened on December 21 and will welcome visitors until January 6. They will be closed from Christmas Day through December 27 for the royal family’s private celebrations.