Last updated: 11 November 2024
The holidays are calling, Windsor! Explore our guide for all the must-see events and activities. Whether you're a Windsor native or a seasonal explorer, this guide unlocks the best of the holidays.
Popular Events: Experience the stunning decorations and festive atmosphere at Christmas at Windsor Castle, where historic elegance meets seasonal cheer. Glimmering lights and captivating displays make Windsor Great Park Illuminated a unique treat for families wandering through its enchanting trails. And the festive magic of Legoland Windsor’s Christmas Celebration is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring charming attractions and spectacular displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Windsor Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Windsor Castle
- What to Expect
- Celebrating the 675th anniversary of the Order of the Garter with elaborate Christmas decorations.
- Description
- Windsor Castle is transformed with a stunning Christmas display celebrating the 675th anniversary of the Order of the Garter. The State Apartments feature a 20-foot Nordmann Fir tree in St George's Hall, adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments, and another tree in the Crimson Drawing Room. The Waterloo Chamber boasts a 160-foot-long dining table laid with porcelain from the Garter Service. Garlands and wreaths decorate the Grand Staircase and Castle grounds.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Christmas at Windsor Castle
Windsor Great Park Illuminated
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light installations in a historic woodland setting.
- Description
- Windsor Great Park Illuminated brings the woodland to life with dazzling lights, spectacular displays of colour, and breathtaking reimagined projections. The event features a forest trail filled with music and light where woodland creatures come to life, along with festive moments and cosy rest stops.
- Where
- Egham | More Info : Windsor Great Park Illuminated
Christmas Light Switch-On
- What to Expect
- Live entertainment and community activities around Windsor Castle.
- Description
- The Windsor Christmas Light Switch-On features live entertainment, community stalls, and funfair rides, culminating in the switching on of the Christmas lights with the cast from Theatre Royal Windsor’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Christmas Light Switch-On
Windsor Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Windsor & Eton Living Advent Calendar
- What to Expect
- Surprise performances at various town centre locations.
- Description
- The Windsor & Eton Living Advent Calendar is a family-friendly event featuring 15-minute Christmas-themed performances at various locations around the town centre. Each evening, a different window or door is opened at 6:15 PM, offering a surprise performance that could include songs, carols, music, poetry, or workshops. The event also includes customary Christmas treats.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Windsor & Eton Living Advent Calendar
Carols on Castle Hill
- What to Expect
- Historic Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- A public gathering around the Christmas tree on Castle Hill, a tradition dating back to 1949, where the community comes together to celebrate the holiday season.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Carols on Castle Hill
Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal
- What to Expect
- Traditional pantomime with a star-studded cast.
- Description
- Join Dick Whittington on his quest to find his fortune in London, featuring traditional pantomime comedy, dazzling dancers, and colourful costumes. Starring Britain’s favourite fox Basil Brush, alongside Windsor’s calamitous comic Kevin Cruise and dame Steven Blakeley, with Hilary O’Neil as Fairy Bowbells.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal
Pinocchio at Norden Farm
- What to Expect
- Hilarious puppetry and original music bring Pinocchio to life.
- Description
- Pinocchio at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts features Stuff and Nonsense's hilarious adaptation of the classic tale, combining puppetry, original music, and fantastic staging.
- Where
- Maidenhead | More Info : Pinocchio at Norden Farm
A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story
- What to Expect
- Thrilling adaptation with ghostly encounters and musical elements.
- Description
- A spine-tingling adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story
New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Windsor
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of traditional and modern celebrations.
- Description
- Celebrate New Year's Eve in Windsor with a variety of events, including gala balls, masquerade parties, and fireworks displays along the Thames. Enjoy wine tastings, dinner dances, and live music at iconic venues like the Macdonald Windsor Hotel and Cellar Magnifique Wine Bar.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Windsor
Windsor Other Holiday Activities
Legoland Windsor’s Christmas Celebration
- What to Expect
- Interactive LEGO-themed holiday celebration with Father Christmas meet-and-greets.
- Description
- LEGOLAND Windsor Resort transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with a giant DUPLO Christmas tree, twinkly lights, and festive activities. Meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto, enjoy LEGO building fun, and experience over 25 rides and attractions.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Legoland Windsor’s Christmas Celebration
De Vere Beaumont Estate Christmas Party
- What to Expect
- Historic mansion with 45 unique event spaces.
- Description
- De Vere Beaumont Estate offers a luxurious Christmas party experience with 45 unique event spaces, an 18th-century mansion, and 40 acres of parkland. Enjoy a three-course dinner, sparkling wine, and festive entertainment in a richly historic setting.
- Where
- Old Windsor | More Info : De Vere Beaumont Estate Christmas Party
Apres Christmas parties at Royal Windsor Racecourse
- What to Expect
- Themed night with live entertainment and dessert stations.
- Description
- Apres Christmas parties at Royal Windsor Racecourse feature live entertainment, a 3-course dinner, and a DJ & disco, creating an unforgettable night with themed festivities and exciting dessert stations.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Apres Christmas parties at Royal Windsor Racecourse
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel Christmas Celebrations
- What to Expect
- Luxurious Christmas celebrations with a 5-course meal and Santa's gift for every child.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Sir Christopher Wren Hotel with festive lunches, dinners, and party nights featuring welcome drinks, 3-course meals, and holiday novelties.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Sir Christopher Wren Hotel Christmas Celebrations
Windsor on Ice
- What to Expect
- Fully covered ice skating rink with festive food and attractions.
- Description
- Windsor on Ice offers a fully covered ice skating rink in historic Alexandra Gardens, perfect for families, birthdays, and corporate events. Enjoy festive food, drinks, and attractions, including a fun fair with rides and a Big Screen showing festive movies. The event is open daily from 12 noon to 9 pm weekdays and 10 am to 9 pm weekends, with special sessions for large groups, Tiny Tuesdays, and All Access Wednesdays.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Windsor on Ice
Christmas Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
- What to Expect
- Decorated carriages with part-shire horses wearing antlers.
- Description
- Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor Great Park, decorated with twinkling garlands and gold berries, accompanied by a majestic part-shire horse wearing antlers. Enjoy a relaxing journey with loved ones, perfect for families and romantic couples.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Christmas Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Santa’s Grotto at Daniel of Windsor
- What to Expect
- Personalized gift and photo with Santa.
- Description
- Step into a cozy setting at Daniel of Windsor, where Santa's Grotto awaits. Meet Santa's friendly elf, share your Christmas wishes, and enjoy a heartwarming chat with Santa himself. Every child will receive a gift and capture the moment with a professional photo.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Santa’s Grotto at Daniel of Windsor
Christmas Wreath-Making Workshops
- What to Expect
- Hands-on wreath-making with all materials provided.
- Description
- Create your own Christmas wreaths with Darling Buds of Windsor's expert florists. Learn various techniques to adorn your door or garden with beautiful seasonal displays.
- Where
- Windsor | More Info : Christmas Wreath-Making Workshops
Christmas Family Raceday
- What to Expect
- Exclusive trackside hospitality with panoramic views.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Ascot Racecourse with the Howden Christmas Family Raceday, featuring trackside views, two-course buffets, and exclusive access to the King Edward VII Enclosure.
- Where
- Ascot | More Info : Christmas Family Raceday