Christmas Decorations at King Charles' Palace in Scotland While Another Royal Residence Unexpectedly Closes

The Royal Collection Trust has unveiled the festive decorations at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland, offering a glimpse of the palaces holiday charm. This year, the celebrations feature two 12-foot Christmas trees prominently displayed in the throne room.

Photos released on November 20 show the throne room, dining room, and other areas adorned with seasonal decorations. According to the Royal Collection Trust, which manages public access to royal palaces and oversees the Royal Collection, the holiday setup includes a mantle garland in the throne room and festive garlands on the Great Stair leading to the historic State Apartments.

The royal dining room is also prepared for the season, with a grand table decorated with fruits and foliage, highlighting the festive spirit of the palace.

Visitors can enjoy the Christmas displays at the Palace of Holyroodhouse until January 5, 2026. However, the royal family is expected to celebrate the holiday elsewhere. Traditionally, King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other family members spend Christmas at Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, where they exchange lighthearted gifts on Christmas Eve and attend church services at St. Mary Magdalene on Christmas Day. The festive day concludes with a lunch featuring Norfolk turkey and the monarchs annual Christmas broadcast at 3 p.m. U.K. time.

Other royal residences are also adorned for the season and many welcome visitors. Last year, Hampton Court Palace in London offered an outdoor ice skating rink and a Tudor-era cooking display, allowing guests to experience the culinary tastes of King Henry VIIIs time.

While Holyroodhouse was being decorated, Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands faced an early closure due to winter weather. The royal residence, where the family spends summers and where Queen Elizabeth passed away in 2022, was temporarily closed to the public from November 19 to November 21, with social media posts sharing images of the snow-covered grounds.

Royal Festivities at the Palace of Holyroodhouse: A Seasonal Display

The recent unveiling of festive decorations at the Palace of Holyroodhouse highlights the continued tradition of celebrating the holiday season with grandeur and charm. The Royal Collection Trust has once again transformed the palace into a winter wonderland, allowing visitors to witness a stunning display of royal holiday decor. Among the most striking elements are the two 12-foot Christmas trees in the throne room, a symbol of both tradition and festivity. Additionally, the dining room has been arranged with a grand table, decorated with seasonal fruits and foliage, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.

However, while the decorations are a sight to behold, it is important to note that the royal family will not be spending Christmas at Holyroodhouse this year. As is customary, King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other family members will celebrate the holiday at Sandringham estate in Norfolk, continuing a longstanding royal tradition. The festivities at Holyroodhouse will remain open to the public until January 5, 2026, offering an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the seasonal splendor of the palace, even as the royal family enjoys a quieter Christmas away from Edinburgh.

This year's festive offerings at the palace are part of a broader initiative by the Royal Collection Trust to invite the public into these historic spaces during the holidays. Similar displays at other royal residences, like Hampton Court Palace, have also welcomed visitors with themed events such as ice skating and Tudor-era cooking demonstrations. Meanwhile, Balmoral Castle, which was temporarily closed due to weather conditions, remains a part of the royal family's winter activities despite its early closure this season. These efforts continue to bridge the gap between royal history and public engagement, offering a unique way to experience the monarchy's traditions during the holiday season.

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• King Charles' Palace in Scotland Is Decked Out for Christmas as Another Royal Residence Has an Unexpected Closure