Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.
This year marks 100 years since King George V first opened the grand State Apartments to the public, providing the opportunity for visitors to explore the suite of 17th-century rooms in the monarch’s official residence in Scotland.
Over the Christmas period, visitors will see two majestic 12-foot-high Christmas trees decorating the atmospheric wood-panelled Throne Room, their branches adorned with sparkling ornaments and twinkling lights, alongside dramatic mantle garlands above the fireplace.
In the Great Gallery, the longest room in the Palace where grand balls were once held, a 15-foot-high Nordmann fir tree features glass ornaments echoing the room’s glittering chandeliers. This Christmas, visitors can take photographs in front of the tree as a special memento of their visit, usually photography inside the Palace is not permitted. In the Royal Dining Room, first used as a dining room by Queen Victoria, the table is laid with a silver service, sugared fruits and seasonal foliage. Further highlights include garlands decorating the stone arches in the Quadrangle and adorning the Great Stair.
On 9 & 10 December, visitors will experience the beautifully decorated State Apartments before a festive concert of carols in the Great Gallery. Each evening will conclude with a glass of wine and mince pies. On 13 December, The Palace will host a Christmas activity day with arts and crafts activities and a festive music performance for all the family to enjoy.
As part of Royal Collection Trust’s charitable aim to ensure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy the royal residences, £1 tickets are available for visitors receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits. Further concessions, including discounted Young Person tickets for 18–24-year-olds, are also available.
For more information and tickets visit www.rct.uk.
