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Christmas near Buckingham Palace 2026 | 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.

Buckingham Palace Christmas events

Buckingham Palace Winter Opening

Dates: October to May (Fri to Mon)
Timings: Selected time slots 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.

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

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.