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Contents
Christmas at Buckingham Palace | Top Attractions, Events & More
Why you shouldn't miss Christmas at Buckingham Palace?
- Admire the beautiful decorations: Three majestic fir trees grace the Marble Hall every year, keeping a royal Victorian tradition alive! With stunning garlands and sparkling lights, the decorations transform Buckingham Palace into a festive winter wonderland.
- Participate in festive events: The Palace offers excellent crafting sessions, Tudor storytelling, and lively performances. You'll also learn about Tudor traditions like wassailing—perfect for families to get into the holiday spirit!
- Snap a selfie with the illuminated exterior: The festive lights at the Palace are next-level! Thousands of twinkling lights brighten its grand facade, and a Union flag projection makes it a must-see holiday sight in London!
Highlights of Christmas at Buckingham Palace
Royal Christmas Trees
Every Christmas, Buckingham Palace proudly welcomes three stunning fir trees into the Marble Hall. This tradition dates back to Queen Victoria, King Charles' great-great-great-grandmother. It's a festive throwback that connects the Palace to its rich history!
State Rooms Tour
Buckingham Palace's special Christmas State Room tours let you explore the Palace's opulent interiors, all decked out in festive decorations! Marvel at sparkling chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and iconic Christmas trees while strolling through rooms like the Ballroom and Throne Room.
Union Flag Projection
At Christmas, Buckingham Palace lights up with a cool digital Union flag projection on its exterior! This patriotic display adds a festive touch to the Palace's holiday decor and symbolizes national pride and unity during the royal family's Christmas celebrations at Sandringham Estate.
Buckingham Palace Christmas events
Crafting sessions
Get your holiday craft on at Buckingham Palace's Merry Miniatures workshop, hosted in the King's Gallery! Make miniature ornaments inspired by Tudor Christmas traditions and learn about royal customs. It's a family-friendly, creative way to explore the past and celebrate the season together in the heart of the Palace!
Storytelling experiences
How about a little history with your holiday fun? "A Tudor Christmas Storytelling Experience" is just what you need! Head to the King's Gallery to see Master Thomas and Mistress Katherine bring to life Tudor traditions like Christmas gifts and feasts. It's usually a 40-minute interactive session, and admission is on a drop-in basis!
Plan Your Christmas at Buckingham Palace
Opening Hours
Getting Around
Stay
Dine
Visitor Tips
Timings:
- Buckingham Palace offers guided tours from November to January from 10:30am to 5pm.
- "A Tudor Christmas Storytelling Experience" runs from December 16 to December 24, typically at different times, such as 11:20am, 12:20pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm.
- The Merry Miniatures workshop is held from December 16 to December 24.
Closed on: December 24 - December 26
Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
- By Train: Southern or Southeastern railway line (London Victoria or London Charing Cross station)
- By Tube: Jubilee line (Green Park station), District or Circle line (St. James Park station)
- By Coach or Bus: Bus numbers 11, 211, C1, and C10 (Victoria Coach Station, a 10-minute walk from the Palace)
- By Car: Victoria Car Park or Q-Park Victoria is the nearest car park
- Luxury: Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences (0.6 km I €470), DUKES London (0.8 km I €430), St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection (1.1 km I €300)
- Mid-budget: The Resident Victoria (0.4 km I €150), St. James' Court London, A Taj Hotel (0.6 km I €190), Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge (1.7 km I €170)
- Low-budget: Corbigoe Hotel (1.7 km I €50), The Walrus Bar & Hostel (2 km I €40), Astor Hyde Park Hostel (3 km I €50)
- Timmy Green (0.4 km): Timmy Green offers all-day menus featuring health-conscious dishes inspired by Australian culinary styles.
- Mercante Restaurant (0.6 km): Mercante Restaurant has a chic and spacious dining room complemented by a terrace. They offer a wonderful menu showcasing Italian wines and a tempting breakfast selection.
- Wagamama (0.6 km): Wagamama at Cardinal Walk is a casual eatery offering Asian dishes in a Japanese-inspired setting, complete with long communal benches.
- The Ivy Victoria (0.6 km): This spacious restaurant serves British classics and continental dishes.
- December in London can be cold and damp, so make sure to bundle up! Layer up with a warm coat, hat, and gloves to stay cozy during any outdoor adventures.
- Even if you can't explore the interior on certain days, Buckingham Palace's exterior is still a sight to behold, with its stunning festive lights and trees—definitely worth the visit!
- If you're interested in specific workshops or storytelling sessions, be sure to check their timings and availability, as some may require pre-registration or have limited spots.
- Be sure to snap the stunning festive decorations and the Palace's beautiful architecture, but remember that photography may be restricted in certain areas during the tours.
- A small backpack is perfect for carrying essentials like water, snacks, and an umbrella, keeping you prepared without being bulky during your visit.
- Visit the palace gift shop for unique Christmas souvenirs or royal memorabilia.
Book Tickets and Tours to Buckingham Palace
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas at Buckingham Palace
Is the Changing of the Guard ceremony held in December?
Yes, the Changing of the Guard takes place throughout December. However, checking the schedule in advance is a good idea, as the timing may vary.
Can I take photos inside Buckingham Palace?
Photography is typically not permitted inside the State Rooms during tours. However, you're welcome to snap photos of the Palace's exterior and during outdoor events.
Is photography allowed during "A Tudor Christmas Storytelling Experience"?
Photography is not permitted during "A Tudor Christmas Storytelling Experience" at Buckingham Palace to ensure an immersive and respectful experience for all guests.
Are there age restrictions for the crafting sessions?
The crafting sessions are family-friendly and open to participants of all ages, so everyone can join in the creative fun!
Are there age restrictions for the crafting sessions?
The crafting sessions are family-friendly and open to participants of all ages, so everyone can join in the creative fun!
Are members of the royal family at Buckingham Palace during Christmas?
The royal family usually spends Christmas at Sandringham Estate, so they are not typically present at Buckingham Palace during this time.
