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Christmas near Buckingham Palace 2025 | How to celebrate Christmas in London nearby

A royal Christmas outside the Palace gates

Please note that there are no events held inside the Buckingham Palace State Rooms that are accessible to the public on Christmas Day. This guide refers to ways you can celebrate Christmas in the area surrounding the Palace.

What to expect during Christmas at Buckingham Palace

Christmas lights shaped like angels over a busy London street on Christmas Eve.
  • Unique royal access: The main draw is the first-ever Christmas pop-up shop at the Royal Mews (November 14, 2025–January 5, 2026). This offers a rare, free opportunity to step inside the historic Palace grounds during the winter and buy exclusive, royal-themed gifts.
  • Festive atmosphere: The area surrounding the Palace is one of London's most beautiful during the holidays. You can enjoy strolling down The Mall and through St. James’s Park to see the Palace beautifully lit up against the backdrop of winter.
  • Proximity to major London Christmas sights: The Palace's location is ideal for linking up with other famous London Christmas activities, including Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the famous Christmas lights of Regent Street and Piccadilly, and festive walking tours that take in Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, and other historically decorated areas.

Buckingham Palace Christmas events

Christmas decorations inside Notre Dame with lit tree and festive floral arrangement.

Buckingham Palace Winter Opening

Dates: October 17, 2025 to January 5, 2026 (Fri to Mon)
Timings: Selected timeslots between 10am and 3:30pm
Location: Buckingham Palace East Wing
Admission: Not included; to be booked online on the Royal Collection Trust website
Age restrictions: Suitable for all

Step inside the decorated areas of Buckingham Palace during the holiday season. Tour the interiors while they are adorned with elaborate festive decorations, including a prominent Christmas tree and seasonal displays. This is the only chance to see the Palace's private spaces during the holidays.

Woman browsing Christmas market stall with festive decorations in Barcelona.

Christmas pop-up shop

Dates: November 14, 2025 to January 5, 2026
Location: Royal Mews
Included with admission: Free admission
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

Buckingham Palace is adding a new sparkle to the holiday season with its first-ever Christmas pop-up shop, located in the historic Royal Mews. This temporary boutique will transform a part of the 200-year-old stables into a festive shopping destination.

What to expect at the Christmas pop-up shop

  • Exclusive royal gifts: Shop for official royal gifts, limited-edition heirlooms, and luxury homeware. Highlights include exquisite chinaware made in Stoke-on-Trent, crystal wine glasses inspired by Queen Victoria's punch bowl, and hand-embroidered ornaments from India.
  • Festive gourmet treats: Find small-batch gin distilled with botanicals sourced from the Royal Estate, edible treats, and more.
  • The cause: Entry is free, and all proceeds go directly towards the Royal Collection Trust for the conservation of the royal family’s vast art collection.

It is important to note that this is a shop selling festive products within the existing Royal Mews retail space, not a market. There will not be a full Christmas market held on the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

Plan your Christmas at Buckingham Palace

Crowd outside Buckingham Palace gates in London.
  • Buckingham Palace offers small guided tours on selected dates from November to January from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
  • Tours last around 1 hour 45 mins. 
  • View the latest availability for guided tours here.
  • Closed on: December 24–December 26

Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

  • By train: Southern or Southeastern railway line 
    Nearest station: London Victoria or London Charing Cross station

  • By Tube: Jubilee line, District or Circle line  
    Nearest station: Green Park or St. James Park station

  • By bus: Bus numbers 11, 211, C1, and C10 
    Nearest stop: Victoria Coach Station

  • By car: Via the A4 and The Mall
    Nearest parking: Victoria Car Park or Q-Park Victoria

Christmas lights and ornaments on trees near Buckingham Palace.
  • Restrooms: Accessible toilets are available in the main visitor entrance area and near the pop-up shop.
  • Stroller/Pushchair policy: Pushchairs are generally permitted; however, due to the nature of the specific tour route during the Winter Opening, you may be asked to leave them in a designated buggy parking area before entering the main areas.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is generally available in the visitor areas and the pop-up shop.
Child admiring Christmas tree lights and ornaments, Buckingham Palace tour.
  • Wheelchair accessibility: The areas open for the Winter Opening are generally wheelchair accessible. The route utilises ramps and elevators where necessary. However, since the palace is a historic building, guests should notify staff upon booking or arrival regarding specific accessibility requirements.
  • Accessible restrooms: Step-free accessible toilets are available in the main visitor area.
  • Service animals: Accredited service animals are welcome inside the Palace buildings.
Christmas tree with red and gold ornaments, Buckingham Palace tour.
  • Photography: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Palace, including the rooms where the Christmas tree and other decorations are displayed. Please refrain from using cameras or mobile phones while indoors.
  • Security: Large bags, rucksacks, and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside for security reasons.
  • Etiquette: Visitors must follow the instructions of the live guide at all times. Do not touch the decorations, historic artefacts, or any displays.
  • Arrival: Please arrive at the visitor entrance 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time slot to allow time for the security check process.
  • Food/Drink: Only bottled water is generally permitted inside the Palace. Please consume all other food and drinks in the designated café areas.

Tips for your Christmas 

  • Book everything in advance: London is one of the world's most popular Christmas destinations. To avoid disappointment, book flights, trains, hotels, and all major attractions, especially festive dining and palace tours, as far in advance as possible.
  • Check Palace opening times: Buckingham Palace's East Wing is only open for a limited period during the winter, for special, pre-booked tours. These are separate from the main summer opening. Check the official Royal Collection Trust website for specific dates and to purchase tickets, as they sell out very quickly.
  • Dress for the weather: London in December is cold, damp, and has early sunsets. Pack warm layers, a waterproof coat, a hat, and comfortable, waterproof shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
  • Plan for Christmas Day: Be aware that London's public transport (Tube, buses, most trains) does not run on Christmas Day. Most shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed. If you are in London on Christmas Day, plan for a quiet day. Book a Christmas lunch at your hotel well in advance, and enjoy the empty, festive streets for a memorable walk.
  • Explore the Christmas lights: Don't miss the famous Christmas light displays. While the lights on Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Carnaby Street are a must-see, the areas around Buckingham Palace, including St. James's and Belgravia, also have beautiful light displays that are best seen in the evening.

How the royals celebrate Christmas at Buckingham Palace

Crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace in London.

Christmas at Buckingham Palace is an entirely private affair, and it's important to clarify that there are no Christmas events at Buckingham Palace that are open to the public. While the Palace grounds are not publicly accessible for holiday celebrations, the royal family continues a number of festive traditions behind its gates.

Following a long-standing custom, the Monarch personally gives Christmas presents to members of the Royal Household at both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Continuing a tradition from his predecessors, King Charles III also provides over 1500 Christmas puddings, paid for through the Privy Purse, to staff members, along with a greeting card.

Additionally, the Royal Family donates Christmas trees to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, and other churches and schools in the Sandringham area, upholding a generous and festive tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions about celebrating Christmas at Buckingham Palace

Can I visit Buckingham Palace during Christmas?

No. Buckingham Palace's State Rooms are typically open to the public for a limited period during the winter, but they are closed during the Christmas season. This is because the palace is in use as a royal residence.

Does the Changing the Guard ceremony happen during Christmas?

Yes, the Changing the Guard ceremony takes place throughout the Christmas season. However, the schedule can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice due to factors such as severe weather or royal events. It is highly recommended to check the official Household Division website for the most up-to-date schedule before you visit.

Are there Christmas lights or decorations on the exterior of Buckingham Palace?

The exterior of Buckingham Palace is not typically adorned with the large-scale festive lights that are seen on London's major shopping streets like Oxford Street or Regent Street. However, the surrounding areas, including The Mall and St. James's Park, are beautifully decorated, offering a magical festive atmosphere to enjoy on a stroll.

Can I see the Royal Christmas tree at Buckingham Palace?

You will be able to see the Christmas tree that is traditionally placed in the palace's Marble Hall if you book the State Rooms winter tour. If tickets are sold out, you can see beautifully decorated trees at other royal residences that are open to the public during Christmas, such as Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

What festive events are held near Buckingham Palace?

While the Palace itself is not open, the area around it is a major festive hub. You can enjoy a festive walking tour, indulge in a Christmas-themed Afternoon Tea at a nearby hotel, and explore the Christmas markets and ice rinks located a short distance away, such as in Hyde Park and Leicester Square.

Can I buy royal-themed Christmas gifts?

Yes! The Royal Collection Trust shops, located near the palace, are open throughout the year and offer a wonderful selection of unique Christmas ornaments, gifts, and souvenirs. This is a great way to take home a piece of royal Christmas at Buckingham Palace with you.

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.