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Your guide to Christmas at Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle transforms into a regal festive setting each December, with the State Apartments beautifully decorated, family activities and special admission options. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to plan your Christmas visit in 2025.

What to expect at Windsor Castle during Christmas

Crimson Drawing Room with ornate gold decor and chandeliers, Windsor Castle.
  • Festive decorations: The State Apartments feature impressive Christmas trees and lavish garlands in historic rooms such as St George’s Hall and the Crimson Drawing Room. 
  • Family-friendly craft activities: During the Christmas holidays, children can take part in arts and crafts inspired by Victorian traditions and create festive keepsakes. 
  • Special tours & evening visits: On selected dates, there are exclusive evening tours of the State Apartments to view the decorations in an atmospheric setting. 
  • Christmas shop & seasonal cafe menu: The Castle’s shop offers festive home accessories, decorations and luxury hampers. The Undercroft Café serves seasonal menu items for a warm break during your visit. 
  • Town-wide festive atmosphere: Beyond the Castle itself, the town of Windsor will host its Christmas lights switch-on with live performances and market stalls on Nov 15, enhancing the seasonal outing. 

Windsor Castle Christmas events

Windsor Castle state apartments interior with ornate chandelier and decorated Christmas tree.

Christmas at Windsor

Dates: Nov 27, 2025–Jan 5, 2026 (Thurs-Mon)
Timings: During standard Castle opening hours
Location: Windsor Castle, State Apartments and St George’s Hall
Included with admission: Yes
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

A highlight seasonal display featuring a 20-foot Nordmann fir in St George’s Hall, decorated rooms in the Semi-State Rooms (including the Crimson Drawing Room) and special Christmas decorations in Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.

Visitors with guide and audio devices inside Windsor Castle.

Exclusive guided tours

Dates: Nov 27, 2025; Dec 18, 2025; Dec 19, 2025; Dec 22, 2025
Timings: 6pm or 6:15pm
Location: State Apartments
Included with admission: No (separate ticket required; £90 per person)
Age restrictions: None

Enjoy Windsor Castle after hours on an exclusive guided tour through the richly decorated State Apartments. Led by expert wardens, these intimate tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at royal Christmas traditions and history.

Hand arranging miniature books in Windsor Castle library model.

Festive Family Fun

Dates: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (Thurs–Mon)
Timings: 10am to 2:30pm
Location: Pug Yard Learning Centre
Included with admission: Yes
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

A festive craft-based experience where children become Victorian children for the day, exploring the Castle décor and creating a Christmas memento.

Tour guide speaking to a group at Windsor Castle on a sunny day.

School and community choirs

Dates: Dec 5, 2025–Dec 15, 2025 (every Mon, Thurs & Fri
Timings: Performances times vary each day; check with the choir/school for exact slot.
Location: St George’s Hall
Included with admission: Yes
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

This festive programme brings together local school and community choirs to sing beneath the Castle’s grand Christmas tree, creating a joyful seasonal atmosphere for all ages.

St George’s Chapel

Choir conductor leads performance in cathedral.

Festivo Concerts

Dates: December 8 and 11, 2025
Timings: 7:30pm (85 mins)
Included with admission: No
Age restrictions: Suitable for all

Hear the unforgettable sound of Christmas from the Choir of St George’s Chapel and the Band of the Grenadier Guards. Enjoy sacred, secular seasonal music, devotional readings, and carols for all to join in.

St. George's Chapel interior with stained glass windows at Windsor Castle, London.

Services

Advent 

Dec 1–Dec 30:
Evensong: 5:15pm–6pm (except Wednesdays)

Christmas

Dec 25:
Evensong: 5:15pm–6pm

Plan your Windsor Castle Christmas visit

Exterior view of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, showcasing Gothic architecture.

November 1, 2025 to February 29, 2026: 10am–4:15pm (last entry: 3pm)

  • The Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
  • Entry to the State Apartments closes 30 mins after the last admission time.
  • The Semi-State Rooms are currently open until March 29, 2026.

Closures: As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, the entire Castle or the State Apartments need to be closed at short notice.​​​

  • November 20, 2025: Closes at 3:15pm. Last admission at 2pm.
  • December 4, 2025: Closed.
  • December 25 and 26, 2025: Closed.

Semi-State Room closures: Nov 3 (Closes at 2:30pm), Nov 7 (Closes at 2:30pm), Nov 10 (Closes at 2pm), Nov 17 (Closes at 2:30pm), Dec 8 (Closes at 2:30pm)

St George's Chapel: Please note St George’s Chapel is not part of the visit on Sunday, when it is only open for worship.

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ | Find on Maps

  • By train: From London Waterloo or London Paddington
    Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside

  • By car: Via M4 (Junction 6), then A355/A332 to Windsor
    Nearest parking: On-street parking and local car parks available

Restroom sign outdoors with male and female symbols.
  • Restrooms: Available throughout the visitor route.
  • Gift shop: Castle shop offering festive home accessories, tree decorations and luxury hampers.
  • Dining options: Undercroft Café in the oldest part of the Castle serves seasonal menu items.
Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.
  • Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible routes through much of the castle; lifts and ramps available at the main visitor entrance.
  • Guide dogs: Service animals are permitted.
  • Toilets: Accessible toilets are available.
  • Assistance: Visitors requiring further assistance should contact the venue in advance.
Hot chocolate with whipped cream in glass mugs, Christmas lights in background.

Warm up with the castle’s festive café menu at the Undercroft Café, which includes Christmas-themed treats such as mince pies, spiced hot chocolate, mulled cider, roasted turkey sandwiches, and cranberry scones. The café’s historic vaulted setting adds to the seasonal atmosphere, offering an ideal break during your winter visit.

Gift Shop sign at Wonderworks Orlando.

Browse the Christmas collection at the Castle Shop, featuring royal-themed baubles, handmade tree ornaments, festive home décor, and luxury hampers inspired by royal traditions. The shop also stocks limited-edition commemorative gifts, books, and fine china celebrating Windsor’s festive season.

Stained glass windows and ornate Gothic interior of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England.
  • Please arrive at least 15 mins before your timed entry slot for security procedures.
  • Photography for personal use is allowed; commercial photography requires prior permission.
  • Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the State Apartments.
  • Please respect the historic interiors and do not touch artefacts or climb on structures.
  • On days when official state functions take precedence, parts of the Castle may be closed on short notice.

Frequently asked questions about Windsor Castle Christmas events

Can I book tickets just for the Christmas events without a general admission ticket?

No, the festive decorations and family-friendly craft sessions are included with the standard admission ticket to Windsor Castle. You must purchase a general entry and then book any specific workshops or timed slots.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes, timed entry is in place for most visits to ensure flow and manage crowding in historic spaces, so you should book in advance to secure your preferred date and time.

Are the Christmas events suitable for children?

Absolutely. The Festive Family Fun sessions are specifically aimed at children and families, with craft activities and a walk through the decorated rooms.

Can I access the festive decorations if I arrive late in the day?

Yes, but keep in mind that the last admission times apply, and some rooms may have limited visiting windows. For the best experience and fewer crowds, go early in the day.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Yes, as most of the events and displays are indoors in Windsor Castle, they proceed even if the weather outdoors is poor. However, access and timings could be affected by official closures or changes.

What happens if an event is cancelled and I’ve already booked my ticket?

If any specific workshop or tour is cancelled, the organising body (Royal Collection Trust) will usually offer an alternative date or refund; check the booking terms on your ticket.

Is the castle open on Christmas Day?

No, Windsor Castle is closed on Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26).

Can I visit the town-wide Christmas Lights Switch-on event and then go into the castle the same day?

Yes, the town’s switch-on (Nov 15, 2025) is a separate event outside the castle, and you may combine it with a castle visit, though castle entry times and ticket availability should still be checked in advance.

Do I need separate tickets for the town’s Christmas lights switch-on?

No, the town event is free to attend in the public space outside Windsor Castle, though arriving early is advised for best viewing and crowd management.

Are there any special tours as part of the Christmas programme?

Yes, on select dates in December, there are exclusive evening tours of the State Apartments, though these require separate booking and are not included in standard admission.