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Wonder what Christmas feels like inside a palace? Experience festive royalty at its finest this year as you step inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the residence transforms into a Christmas dream, glowing with a cozy festive warmth in every room. Whether you’re admiring the decorations or joining a hands-on Christmas workshop, Christmas at Holyrood Palace is all about celebrating the season in true royal style.
What to expect at the Palace of Holyroodhouse during Christmas
Royal Christmas decor: The palace transforms into a festive wonderland from 20 November to 5 January. Stroll through the palace to admire decorations found only in a royal residence.
Exclusive tours: At select times, the palace offers special Christmas guided tours that provide after-hours access and a closer look at royal holiday traditions, all enjoyed away from the daytime crowds.
Majestic Christmas trees: Get ready to be wowed by the palace’s towering Christmas trees, the crown jewels of its festive décor. In the Throne Room, two 12-foot trees sparkle with ornaments, while a grand 15-foot Nordmann Fir in the Great Gallery makes the perfect festive photo spot.
Workshops and carol performances: Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on festive experience. Join a wreath-making workshop to craft your own Christmas masterpiece to take home, and don’t miss the festive music from the Colonies Choir during their 11am performance in the Great Gallery.
Inclusive experiences: The palace ensures everyone can enjoy the festive magic in comfort. From descriptive tours for visually impaired visitors to BSL-interpreted sessions, there’s something for everyone to share in the Christmas sparkle.
Christmas events at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Christmas exclusive guided tour
Step behind the velvet ropes for an intimate evening tour of the palace in all its festive glory. Explore the beautifully decorated rooms and enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the King’s official Scottish residence.
Dates: 21 Nov 2025 – 3 Jan 2026
Timings: Daytime tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Evening tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Location: Palace of Holyroodhouse
Age restrictions: Suitable for ages 16+
Festive wreath making at Holyroodhouse
Get creative and festive in this hands-on workshop led by Royal Warrant-holder florist, Lottie Longman. Take inspiration from the palace’s grand Christmas décor as you craft your own beautiful wreath to take home as a keepsake.
Dates: 1 Dec 2025
Timings: 10am–12:30pm or 2pm–4:30pm
Location: Abbey Strand Centre, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Age restrictions: Adults only
Carols at the Palace
What’s Christmas with carols, right? Spend an evening surrounded by the sounds of the season as the Choir of St Mary’s Cathedral fills the Great Gallery with festive melodies. The evening concludes with a glass of wine and traditional mince pies, the perfect way to end a royal Christmas celebration.
Dates: 9–10 Dec 2025
Timings: 6:30pm–8:30pm (concert begins at 7pm)
Location: Great Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Age restrictions: Adults
Everything you can see at the Palace of Holyroodhouse this Christmas
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A royal welcome
The festive magic begins before you even step inside! Wreaths, garlands, and twinkling lights greet you at the palace gates and entrance hall, instantly setting the stage for a truly royal Christmas.
The Throne Room sparkle
Step inside the Throne Room, and you’ll see why Christmas takes grandeur to a whole new level! Gold and red decorations shimmer all around, filling the space with a warm, majestic glow that makes you feel part of a royal celebration.
Majestic Christmas trees
The Throne Room isn’t the only showstopper. Two towering 12-foot Christmas trees here are the true highlight of the festival, twinkling brightly and capturing the magic of the season. In the Great Gallery, a 15-foot-high tree lights up the space, making it the perfect backdrop for your festive photos.
Garlands on the Great Stair
As you ascend the Great Stairway, lush evergreen garlands, sparkling berries, and twinkling lights guide your way. It feels like stepping straight into a storybook, with every step bringing you closer to the heart of the festive State Apartments.
Seasonal splendour in the State Apartments
During Christmas, the State Apartments take a step back from their royal formality to let the holiday spirit shine. Red and green tones, ornaments, and royal decorations make every room cozy and magical, bringing centuries of Christmas tradition to life in the most enchanting way.
A feast fit for royalty
In the Royal Dining Room, a grand table gleams with silver service, sugared fruit, and lush seasonal greenery. It’s a sparkling display that gives you a taste of how the royals celebrate the season in style.
Christmas concerts
While not a specific attraction, the Great Gallery comes alive with music and joy throughout the day, especially in the evening. Local choirs perform carols and festive tunes, filling the palace with a heartwarming holiday atmosphere that invites you to hum along and soak in the cheer.
Plan your Christmas day out at Holyrood Palace
Christmas display: 20 Nov 2025 - 5 Jan 2026
Best time to visit: Come early (around 9:30am) for a relaxed experience and plenty of photo time before midday crowds. Evenings on guided tour nights (post 6pm) are extra special as the palace sparkles beautifully after dark.
Note: The palace is closed on 25th and 26th December.
Address: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX | Find on maps
By train: The nearest station is Edinburgh Waverley, about a 15-minute walk from the palace.
By bus: Several Lothian Bus routes stop close by. Simply hop off on Abbeyhill or Regent Road.
By car: Paid parking is available nearby, though spaces are limited, so plan ahead.
Restrooms: Available throughout the palace, including accessible toilets for visitors with mobility needs.
Café: The Café at the Palace, located in the historic Mews Courtyard, offers a menu for every occasion with home-made soups, fresh salads, and seasonal treats.
Shop: Visit the Palace Shop to find exclusive Christmas ornaments, royal keepsakes, and unique festive gifts.
Baby facilities: Baby-changing areas are conveniently located near the restrooms.
Step-free Access: The palace provides step-free routes and ramps for wheelchair users.
Wheelchairs: A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hearing support: Portable induction loops are available for guided tours.
Assistance animals: Assistance animals are welcome throughout the palace and its grounds.
Accessible toilets: Accessible restrooms are located near the main exhibition areas and café.
Photography: Non-commercial photography is allowed inside the palace, but flash and tripods are not permitted.
Food and drink: Outside food and beverages are not allowed within the palace premises.
Security: All bags are subject to security checks, and large luggage is not permitted.
General conduct: Please treat all decorations and displays with care to preserve the festive atmosphere for everyone.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Absolutely! The decorations and displays are family-friendly, and the Christmas Activity Day is designed especially for children and parents.
Yes, the festive décor remains in place until early January, so you’ll enjoy the full Christmas atmosphere no matter when you visit.
Yes, non-commercial photography of the decorations is allowed inside the palace, but please avoid using flash or tripods to protect the displays.
Yes, special guided tours are offered throughout the festive season, including Christmas-themed tours highlighting royal traditions and seasonal décor.
Yes, the Palace Shop remains open and is the perfect place to pick up Christmas ornaments, royal souvenirs, and exclusive holiday gifts.
Advance booking by at least 2-3 weeks is strongly recommended, especially for special events, as the palace tends to be very popular during the Christmas period.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse typically opens from 9:30am to 4:30pm, though hours may vary on specific event days and public holidays.
No, the palace is closed on 25 and 26 December and 1 January, reopening on 2 January for regular visits.
Yes, the palace offers step-free access, accessible toilets, and a limited number of manual wheelchairs available free of charge.
From happy customers
Loved by 50 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
R
Robert M
Couple
5/5
Apr 2026
+6 more
Well worth a visit to Holyroodhouse Palace. A seamless entry with a small group tour led by knowledgeable guides makes for an enjoyable, relaxing tour of this historical site. Personal favorites of the interior was the drawing room and the bed chamber of Mary Queen of Scots.
S
Stephanie N
Couple
5/5
3 weeks ago
This was my 5th visit to Edinburgh and finally got the opportunity to visit the palace! The building itself lived up to my expectations but our guide -Jorges - made it more than I expected! His knowledge of history, art, the building and the royal family was evident but his personality & delivery brought it all to life! It was t truly memorable experience!
D
David S
Couple
5/5
3 weeks ago
The giude was very welcoming and informative and the whole visit was extremely interesting and enjoyable
K
Karen J
Solo
5/5
Mar 2026
The guide was wonderful and a great story teller. The history of the royal succession is fascinating. The palace is spectacular. Well worth the price and I might come again with friends!
B
Blair L
Family
4/5
Mar 2026
Our tour was wonderful except that Kiara spoke very fast, and my husband and I couldn't hear what she said.
A
Amanda H
Couple
5/5
Nov 2025
Jordan was an amazing guide and a great storyteller. He took time to explain what we were seeing and answered all questions we had along the way.
A
Ana E
Couple
5/5
Nov 2025
The guide explained everything very well and very kindly. Very nice Palace
W
Ward D
Couple
5/5
Nov 2025
The man that led the tour was excellent. Clear and well informed.
