The decorations came together after two days of preparations.
Photo: St. George's Hall.
Windsor Castle Unveils Festive Christmas Decorations
For the first time ever, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is also trimmed for the holidays to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its creation
Windsor Castle’s annual Christmas decorations are now on view—with a never-before-seen special addition. For the first time ever, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is decorated for the holidays to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its creation.
Built in 1070, Windsor Castle is one of King Charles III’s three official residences. Currently, a variety of holiday decorations are on display within the castle’s State Apartments. In St. George’s Hall, visitors will find a 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir clad in 3,000 lights. The tree was grown nearby, at Windsor Great Park, and it will be replanted there following the holiday season. Atop the tree is a Garter Star, which complements the room’s ceiling, as it is covered in shields with the coats of arms of every Knight of the Garter since 1348, the year the order was created.
The Nordmann Fir is from Windsor Great Park. Photo: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
In the Crimson Drawing Room, a 15-foot-high Nordmann Fir—also from Windsor Great Park—can be found. And in the Waterloo Chamber, there is a garland that spans the entirety of a 164-foot-long table. The garland consists of artificial sugared fruits in golden bowls.
For Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a nearly 18-inch-high tree was selected, which, if scaled up, would be just a few inches shorter than the 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir in St George’s Hall. The Dolls’ House was made to a 1:12 scale, which is traditional for miniatures. It is a replica of an Edwardian home, and it was gifted to Queen Mary of Teck by England after the conclusion of World War I. It was completed in 1924 by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Additional holiday decorations include a garland situated on the staircase, gilded-wood tree ornaments, and various 1920s-inspired creations. The decorations were crafted by Shane Connolly & Co, a Royal Warrant holder. This Dolls’ House is both the largest and most famous in existence.
Queen Mary's Dolls' House is decorated for the first time. Photo: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
As for the castle’s grounds, a bevy of wreaths and foliage grace the gates and lampposts.
Visitors can also pay a visit to the Undercroft Café, which has a variety of festive options on its menu, and a Christmas tree on display, naturally. Additionally, families have the option of partaking in craft activities and workshops that showcase how Victorians celebrated Christmas; these will take place in the Learning Centre everyday that Windsor Castle is open from December 22nd, 2024 through January 5th, 2025.
The Dolls’ House was made to a 1:12 scale. Photo: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
On December 5th, 2024, Windsor Castle will host a digital event focused on Victorian-era Christmas celebrations at both the castle and Osborne House, the summer home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, located on the Isle of Wight. Curator of Paintings Lucy Peter will host the event, which will highlight the royal family’s holiday traditions, as well as holiday gifts that remain a part of the Royal Collection.
Lastly, St George’s Chapel will also be open to those who visit Windsor Castle, on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Daily services are open to all, seven days a week.
See more images below:
Photo: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
St. George's Hall. Photo: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
The Crimson Drawing Room decorations at Windsor Castle. Photo: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
Cover: The decorations came together after two days of preparations.
Photo: St. George's Hall.
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