Enjoy the dazzling lights and festive traditions of Windsor at Christmas with this helpful full-day guide! Find out where to see royal Christmas displays, must-see historical spots and where to find delicious festive food and drink treats.
Read on for the best guide to Windsor at Christmas.
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Enjoy a trip to Windsor Castle at Christmas
- Where: Windsor Castle, SL4 1NJ
- When: See the festive experience until 5 January 2026
- Price: Christmas displays are included in standard admission to the Castle
- Top things to look out for: The 20ft decorated Nordmann fir tree in St George’s Hall, the 16ft Christmas tree in the Crimson Drawing Room and the tiny Christmas tree and festive garlands in Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
Step into a world of royal splendour this festive season with a visit to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. During the Christmas period, the Castle transforms into a magical wonderland, adorned with glittering decorations fit for royalty!
It’s a wonderful experience wandering around the Castle’s various prestigious rooms and during the Christmas season, Windsor Castle opens its doors to rooms that are not usually open to the public.
First up is St George’s Hall, where a 20ft Nordmann fir tree, grown in the surrounding Windsor Great Park, is dressed in thousands of sparkling lights and elegant green and gold ornaments. Even the famous vaulted ceiling has had a festive makeover, with garlands draped along the balconies sitting just below.
Don’t miss the Crimson Drawing Room, one of the ornate Semi-State Rooms only open during the Christmas period. Its rich red silk walls and gilded details are complemented by another dazzling Christmas tree, making this room a true seasonal showstopper.
Even the miniature world of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House has a festive makeover, with tiny garlands and a miniature Christmas tree adding charm to this royal treasure. We were dazzled by the glittering garlands and lights decorating the iconic Grand Staircase, setting the tone of an unforgettable Christmas experience.
After working up an appetite exploring the Castle and its Christmas makeover, we enjoyed lunch at the Undercroft Café, nestled in the oldest part of the Castle. From grab-and-go to hot British classics, their seasonal menu offers a range of fare. We opted for the hearty dish of pinwheel sausage with glazed carrots and parsnips – the perfect winter comfort food.
Top tip: Before you leave Windsor Castle, make sure to browse the Castle’s various gift shops for regal Christmas baubles, festive decorations and unique gifts to make your festive celebrations extra special this year.
- Where: Alexandra Gardens, SL4 3HY (10-minute walk from Windsor Castle)
- Dates: Open until 4 January 2026
- Price: Free to wander around. Ice skating, rides and food and drink are purchased separately.
Just a short walk from the Castle, you’ll find Windsor on Ice in Alexandra Gardens, offering a festive playground for all ages.
The charming winter spot is free to explore with seasonal cheer galore! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can book tickets to glide across the covered ice rink or enjoy the nostalgic thrill of fairground rides.
I prefer my two feet planted firmly on the ground – so we had a look around the delicious-smelling food stands and warming pop-up bars dotted about, providing a welcome rest spot to soak up the Christmas spirit.
As the evening started to draw in and the festive lights shone brighter, we looked around the town and surrounded cobbled streets, basking in the blazing Christmas lights and decorations.
The streets were lined with twinkly fairy lights, Christmas light installations and shop fronts decorated with festive foliage arches and giant mirrored baubles, the dazzling display inviting visitors to snap pictures.
Make sure to visit the Windsor Royal Shopping Arcade, a short walk from Windsor Castle, to see the beautiful shimmering Christmas light displays. The glittering regal crowns draped along the roof beams were a personal favourite of mine, in dazzling rich purple and gold colours.
Must-see: History buff? Don’t forget to check out the famous Grade II listed Crooked House of Windsor, the oldest teahouse in England with the original structure dating back to 1592.
- Where: Set in Savill Garden within Windsor Great Park
- When: Until 3 January 2026 (various time slots available to book)
- How to get there: 20 minutes’ drive from Windsor town centre
- Time: The trail is 2.2km long and will take approx. 1.5 – 2 hours to walk, accounting for stops and refreshments along the way
- Things to look out for: Life-size steam train light installation with real steam, mesmerising water shows and the world’s first outdoor LED screen snowman
- Save time for: Street food, pop-up bars and fairground rides at the start/end of the trail and mid-way through
The last stop of the day was an enchanting evening at Windsor Great Park Illuminated. I was in absolute awe of this festive light trail – it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before! The immersive light trail transforms woodland areas in the royal park into a glittering wonderland, with dazzling installations and interactive displays at every turn.
Without giving too much away, my personal highlights include the Windsor Express Train, complete with real steam, the magical Enchanted Forest and the vibrant Woodfest area featuring 3D visuals, strobe lights, bubbles and music.
We wandered through fairytale scenes with floating lanterns, posed with illuminated sleighs and reindeer, and marvelled at the mesmerising laser and disco section that turns the forest into a festive dance floor.
Along the trail there are cosy stop-off points inviting you to toast marshmallows, sip seasonal warm beverages and relax in chalet-style woodland seating areas.
The trail culminates with a breathtaking water show, a shimmering finale that captures the magic of Windsor Great Park Illuminated.
Top tip: Don’t forget to visit Festive Village at Windsor Great Park Illuminated, located next to the fairground rides. We had a delicious fried chicken Kiev burger from Other Side Fried and crispy chips loaded with gooey cheese from Le Chalet – not to be missed! If you have a sweet tooth, the Christmas Tree waffle from Waffle Wands was exceptionally moreish.
A wonderful Christmas in Windsor
Windsor at Christmas is pure magic and being a short journey from London, it’s the perfect day trip destination.
Suggested Windsor at Christmas itinerary
- Morning: Explore Windsor Castle and enjoy lunch at the Undercroft Café
- Afternoon: Stroll through Windsor on Ice and spot Christmas decorations in the town centre
- Evening: Wander through Windsor Great Park Illuminated and enjoy festive food and drinks along the trail.
Feeling inspired? Why not take a look at more of the best Windsor Castle tours, including an afternoon tour to Windsor Castle from London. If you have more time, why not see three beautiful destinations in one day on the Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge tour.