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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Absolutely. The Festive Family Fun sessions are specifically aimed at children and families, with craft activities and a walk through the decorated rooms.
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.
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.
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.
No, Windsor Castle is closed on Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26).
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.
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.
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.
