Gone are the days when the only way one could experience Christmas with the royal family was to tune in to the monarch’s annual Christmas speech.
Now, numerous royal residences “are getting into the holiday spirit by opening their doors to the public for a range of festive events,” CNN reported. “It’s part of a drive by King Charles to make royal residences more accessible — and profitable.”
Earlier this year, both Buckingham Palace in London and Balmoral Castle in Scotland opened their doors to the public for the most intimate tours ever permitted. Now, with the Christmas season upon us, several royal residences are also open to varying degrees, including the grounds of the Sandringham Estate, where the royal family traditionally spends Christmas.
The public won’t be able to visit the house itself — the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862 — but between Nov. 21 and Dec. 24, visitors can follow a winter light trail called “Luminate” around the Norfolk estate.
“The grounds have been transformed into a sparkly wonderland, glowing in all the colors of the rainbow thanks to thousands of lasers, strobes and twinkling lights,” CNN reported.
There’s also a Christmas tree maze and a new tree house this year, in addition to marshmallow toasting by the firepits. Visitors can also buy their Christmas tree from the estate’s own sawmill.
Windsor Castle’s Christmas decorations have gone up, including a 20-foot-high Nordmann fir tree located in St. George’s Hall. Visitors can take in the decor, including — for the first time — miniature Christmas decorations that have been added to a 100-year-old dolls’ house that used to belong to Queen Mary.
At Kensington Palace — once the home of Prince William and Kate Middleton and still their London home base after their 2022 move to Windsor — visitors can time travel to a 19th century Christmas, “from where many present-day holiday traditions originate,” according to CNN. A special exhibition beginning Dec. 4 explores Queen Victoria’s childhood years at Kensington Palace (which also doubled as her birthplace). “It promises to share diary excerpts, delve into period decorations and provide insights into royal gift-giving,” CNN reported. An afternoon tea inspired by Victoria’s Christmas traditions will be served in The Orangery, “an elegant dining room overlooking the palace’s Sunken Garden,” CNN reported — where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement seven years ago this week.
At the Palace of Holyroodhouse — the official residence of King Charles in Scotland — Christmas decor is up in the throne room and the royal dining room first used by Queen Victoria. Visitors can take part in private evening tours on selected dates and, on Dec. 12, participate in a wreath-making workshop with florist (and Royal Warrant holder!) Lottie Longman. Additionally, on Dec. 8 and 9, visitors can listen to the Robin Chapel Choir perform festive music just days after the Princess of Wales’ annual “Together at Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey, set for Dec. 6 this year.
In Northern Ireland, visitors to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens — the royal residence there — can experience an after-dark winter train inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas in the castle’s 100-acre gardens. The castle also offers a Christmas decoration wood decoupage workshop and the opportunity to learn about Georgian chocolate, as well as a performance by Northern Ireland’s 25-member chamber choir Cappella Caeciliana on Dec. 15.
Back in London, King Henry VIII’s former home Hampton Court Palace offers ice skating from Nov. 22 to Jan. 5 and, on select dates, visitors can see a display of Tudor cooking enjoyed by Henry and his courtiers, “giving visitors the opportunity to explore the flavors and spices of the time,” CNN reported.
Finally, at the Tower of London, visitors can see the tourist attraction’s curated installations, which reveal how kings and queens celebrated the season throughout the years. Upon arrival, guests are given a special welcome by one of the famous Yeoman Warders who guard it.
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“While it can’t be described as a royal residence, three queens of England — including two unlucky wives of the aforementioned Henry VIII — did spend their final days there,” CNN reported.
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