As the holiday season approaches, Windsor Castle undergoes a remarkable transformation, adorned with decorations that evoke a sense of history and tradition. Each year, the Royal Household prepares the castle for the festive season, a process that involves detailed planning and execution. Here, we unveil the timeline of how Windsor Castle gets decked out for Christmas, providing a glimpse into the royal preparation and the magic behind the festive decorations.
November: Planning and Early Preparations
- Early November: The Royal Household’s Christmas Planning Committee starts the process by selecting the year’s theme, often inspired by historical events, royal traditions, or significant anniversaries.
- Mid-November: Decisions are made regarding the types of decorations, color schemes, and specific elements like Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths, and lighting setups.
- Late November: Materials are ordered, and a final walkthrough of the castle is done to ensure all areas requiring decorations are noted.
December: Decorations Begin
- 1st Week of December:
- The Royal Christmas Tree arrives, often a 20-foot Norwegian spruce, specially selected for its beauty and suitability for the grand entrance of St. George’s Hall.
- Preparatory work begins with the setting up of lighting frameworks, ensuring minimal disruption to visitors and castle operations.
- 2nd Week of December:
- Trees and Wreaths: The Christmas tree is dressed with luxurious ornaments, including royal baubles, heirloom decorations, and handmade garlands.
- The castle’s exterior sees the installation of large wreaths on the gates and windows, illuminated with soft, festive lighting.
- Mid-December:
- The castle’s internal decor progresses with meticulous care, focusing on high-traffic public areas like the State Apartments and the Waterloo Chamber.
- Garlands are strung along staircases, and themed displays are set up, often showcasing royal history or a particular Christmas story.
- 3rd Week of December:
- The finishing touches are added, including the placement of Christmas cards, custom nutcrackers, and seasonal plants like poinsettias.
- A grand Christmas light switch-on event is usually held, attended by castle staff, local dignitaries, and sometimes members of the royal family.
- Christmas Eve:
- Final adjustments are made, ensuring the castle is ready for the festive period, including special rooms for royal family gatherings and private celebrations.
🎄 Note: The decorations at Windsor Castle reflect not only holiday cheer but also centuries of royal traditions, making each ornament and garland part of a larger historical tapestry.
Windsor Castle's transformation into a Christmas wonderland is not just about the decorations but the meticulous care taken to blend historical reverence with holiday merriment. The Royal Household ensures that each ornament, wreath, and light strand contributes to an atmosphere of tradition, elegance, and joy, making Windsor Castle a truly magical place to visit during the festive season.
When does Windsor Castle begin Christmas decorations?
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Windsor Castle starts its Christmas decorations in early December, with the process taking about two to three weeks to complete.
What kind of Christmas tree is used at Windsor Castle?
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The Royal Christmas Tree at Windsor Castle is typically a 20-foot Norwegian spruce, adorned with luxurious ornaments and royal heirlooms.
Can visitors see Windsor Castle’s Christmas decorations?
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Yes, Windsor Castle is open to visitors during the Christmas season, allowing guests to experience the festive decorations in all their glory.
