From today (Thursday, 1 December), visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments transformed with shimmering Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.
Highlights of Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse include:
- Magnificently decorated Christmas trees in the Throne Room and the Great Gallery.
Royal Collection Trust staff put the finishing touches to the Christmas tree in the Throne Room at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, before the display opens to visitors. - Twinkling velvet garlands, glistening berries and seasonal foliage adorning the Great Stair.
- A table display in the Royal Dining Room, laid with piece from a silver service presented to King George V and Queen Mary in 1935 to mark their Silver Jubilee, and decorated with ivy, candelabra and spires of faux candied sugared fruits.
Royal Collection Trust staff make final adjustments to the table display in the Royal Dining Room. The table has been laid with pieces from a silver service presented to King George V and Queen Mary in 1935 to mark their Silver Jubilee, and decorated with flowers, wreaths and spires of faux candied sugared fruits. - Family activities on 17, 22 and 23 December, including short talks and festive arts and crafts activities, giving children the chance to design their own greeting cards and Christmas crackers.
- A carol concert on the evening of 11 December, with members of the Robin Chapel Choir performing beneath the Great Gallery Christmas tree. Visitors will have chance to explore the Christmas decorations in the State Apartments and enjoy a glass of wine and mince pies.
Visitors will see twinkling wreaths and garlands throughout the Palace’s State Apartments, including in the King’s Ante-Chamber and on the Grand Stair. - Exclusive Christmas Evening Tours on dates throughout December, offering a private, behind-the-ropes tour of the State Apartments with an expert guide, once the Palace doors have closed to visitors for the day.
- A festive menu in the Café at the Palace, available throughout December, including homemade mince pies, Christmas cake and mulled wine.
- An online evening lecture on 6 December, which will see Royal Collection Trust curators delving into the history of royal Christmas traditions and will include an exploration of rarely seen royal Christmas cards and journal entries.
Visitors will also see a 15-foot-high Christmas tree in the Great Gallery, the largest room at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. - New Christmas products in Royal Collection Trust’s shops, including festive home accessories, charming tree decorations, food hall favourites and luxury hampers: www.rct.uk/shop.
