Celebrate the magic of the festive season at some of the UK’s most iconic and historic landmarks. Many royal palaces and monuments open their doors during this period, revealing the origins of long-standing Christmas traditions.
Whether you're drawn to glittering city lights, beautiful decorations, or the taste and smell of seasonal treats, venues within and beyond London offer unforgettable experiences – including light trails, guided tours, enchanting markets, and more.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle has hosted Christmas celebrations since the 12th century. This season, explore the lavishly decorated State Apartments in their festive attire. St George’s Hall features a 20-foot Nordmann Fir adorned with thousands of sparkling fairy lights, while the Crimson Drawing Room hosts another stunning tree.
Top Tip: Don’t miss the miniature Christmas decorations specially made for Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, including a tiny tree in the hall and a garland along the staircase.
Kenwood House
Step into the wonder of Neverland at Kenwood 2025, an outdoor light trail that invites you on a magical adventure. Begin your journey in a reimagined London, wandering past a glowing Big Ben, a sparkling city skyline, and the Darling family home. After the trail, savour festive street food and cosy winter drinks beneath the stars.
Opening times: 21 November 2025 – 3 January 2026, 4.30pm–9pm
Strawberry Hill House
This Christmas, Strawberry Hill House transforms into an eighteenth-century storybook scene. Candlelight dances across ceilings, shadows flicker through Gothic halls, and the whole house sparkles with festive charm. The Georgians celebrated Christmas with evergreens, candles, and classical ornaments – traditions brought to life at Strawberry Hill
Opening times: 3 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Tower of London
Witness the Christmas makeover at the Tower of London, offering a storybook-style adventure. Wander through the fortress glittering with festive decorations, Christmas trees, and magical installations that bring tales to life. Hear legends of kings, queens, and royal celebrations through time.
Opening times: 28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 (closed 24–26 December and 1 January)
Apsley House
Enjoy a festive Christmas Carol Concert with the acclaimed Choir of Royal Holloway at Apsley House. The evening begins with a complimentary welcome drink downstairs, followed by an uplifting performance in stunning surroundings.
Event time: Friday 5 December 2025, 6pm–8.45pm
Buckingham Palace and Royal Mews
Buckingham Palace is usually closed to the public in the winter months, but you can enjoy a 90-minute expert-guided tour of the East Wing this season entering the palace through the main gates and visit the Centre Room on selected dates between November and January.
Making this year extra special, the Royal Mews shop at Buckingham Palace is revamped into a Christmas pop-up shop for the first time. Enjoy seasonal drinks and nibbles, and browse merchandise, royal gifts, and decorations from the Royal Collection Trust. Proceeds benefit the conservation of the Royal Collection.
Opening times: 14 November – 5 January
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
The Houses of Parliament allow visitors to explore the iconic Palace of Westminster during the festive season. Enjoy a guided tour and learn more about the British government through multimedia devices, videos, and audio stories.
Hampton Court Palace
Experience the wonder of Christmas at Hampton Court Palace, where Tudor cookery is brought to life and festive music fills its historic rooms. Christmas-themed talks from Palace Hosts add seasonal charm as they share stories behind beloved traditions.
Event times: 3 December – 4 January (excluding 24–26 December), at 11.45am and 2pm in the Wine Cellar
St Paul’s Cathedral
Feel the spirit of Christmas at London’s famous cathedral. You’ll find a large Christmas tree outside the main entrance, as well as beautifully lit trees inside. Take your seat and enjoy one of the Advent and Christmas services at St Paul’s Cathedral free of charge.
Alternatively, attend ticketed performances such as:
- Handel’s Messiah on 3 December
- A Celebration of Christmas on 9 December
- Family Carols on 20 December
- Carol Services at 4pm on 23 and 24 December
Westminster Abbey
Enjoy a festive Christmas programme at Westminster Abbey, including carols and readings on 19 December, or visit on 24 December for Sung Eucharist by the Westminster Abbey Choir.
Eltham Palace
Father Christmas is taking a break from his busy schedule to share some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree at Eltham Palace. After the session, children can meet him and take photos. Each child receives a traditional gift. Quiet sessions on 30 November at 10.20am and 6 December at 3pm offer a more relaxed experience with limited numbers.
Opening times: Weekends from 29 November – 21 December 2025
Session times: 10.20am, 11.00am, 11.40am, 12.20pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm, 3.00pm
Christmas at Tower Bridge
Visit Tower Bridge in the late afternoon and pass by the giant Christmas tree before strolling through Winter by the River, a free Christmas market on the south side of the Thames. Open until 5 January 2026, the market features festive goodies, gifts, and views of the illuminated Tower Bridge.
Opening times: Daily 9.30am – 6pm (closed 24–26 December)
Ham House
Wander through the stunning Stuart interiors of Ham House, lit by flickering candlelight and fairy lights. Enjoy beautifully decorated Christmas trees, fragrant greenery, and admire the sugar banquet and handcrafted star decorations created by volunteers.
Opening times: Daily 12pm–4pm (last entry 3.30pm); Gardens open 10am–4pm
Kensington Palace
This year's Christmas celebrations at Kensington Palace showcase Princess Victoria’s Christmas traditions in Ramsgate, a seaside town in Kent. The Palace will display decorations and exhibits marking 190 years since those festivities. See sailors and fishermen Victoria met, and the spectacular model pier scene that serves as the centrepiece of this Christmas feast.
Osterley Park & House
Walk through Osterley Park and House this Christmas for festive activities, including sari wreath workshops using colourful sari offcuts on select dates in November and December. Stroll through Osterley’s enchanting winter garden and enjoy the Marigold Festival decorations in the House. Dogs are welcome on designated lead-free paths (leads required in the garden).
Fulham Palace
Step into the magic of Fulham Palace and discover Christmas celebrations through the ages – from lavish Tudor feasts to enchanting Victorian carols. Knowledgeable guides bring the Palace’s history to life with captivating stories and insights.
Sing along with local choirs in the Tudor courtyard, solve the Christmas puzzle trail, and browse gifts from small business stalls at the family fair:
- Adults-only twilight preview: Friday 21 November 2025 (includes complimentary prosecco)
- Family-friendly fair: 22–23 November 2025
Chiswick House
Follow Duchess Georgiana of Devonshire on a Twelfth Night-inspired adventure through decorated rooms at Chiswick House. Visit Santa’s Grotto on 29 November or explore the Duck Pond Market for artisanal gifts and treats.
Younger visitors can enjoy Santa’s Grotto on 29 November, where Father Christmas shares a festive story and a gift. Or visit the Duck Pond Market across three weekends in December to discover artisanal treats, delicious food and drinks, and unique gifts that highlight sustainable and ethical shopping.
Opening times:
- Twelfth Night of Christmas: 21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
- Duck Pond Market: 5–7, 12–14, and 19–24 December, 11am–7pm
Whether you're a history buff or simply love the festive season, these landmark experiences offer a glimpse into past celebrations and create magical memories for families and friends.
Explore Christmas markets, tours, and more seasonal activities in London this November and December.