Kensington Palace
Prepare to be spellbound as Kensington Palace is transformed into a unique palace-sized advent calendar this December.
Start your family Christmas and get into the festive spirit as the beautiful Kensington Palace, which reopened to the public in March 2012, celebrates a spectacular, Victorian-inspired Christmas.
There’ll be something new to see and do on each of the twenty four days of advent, as Queen Victoria’s childhood home is transformed into a palace-sized advent calendar, featuring an exciting ‘daily reveal’ inspired by the young Princess Victoria’s Christmas diary entries and letters. Each day brings a new surprise as visitors are invited to take part in and enjoy the calendar opening festivities. Walk in the footsteps of Princes, Princesses and courtiers, as we countdown to Christmas Eve, and discover how Christmas was celebrated in times past, in the home of some of Britain’s best known royals.
See Kensington at its most stunning as the halls are decked with twenty four specially designed mirrored baubles created by contemporary designer Beanie Brownjohn, complemented by a sparkling 25ft Christmas tree in the palace gardens. Music will fill the state rooms every day with sounds of festive cheer to get revelers in the mood for the Christmas party season. Visitors will also be able to join in the celebrations from craft activities to carol singing and storytelling, as well as, three special one-off events.
Firstly, we will be hosting an evening of carol singing with a special concert on 5 December in the beautifully majestic King’s Gallery. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, and listen to a selection of carols sung by the Hampton Court Palace Chapel Royal Choir. There will also be an opportunity to take part and join in on your festive favourites.
Experience a night of decadence as we host a Midwinter Masquerade Ball on 13 December. Dress to impress for an evening in magical surroundings as the Palace Orangery is transformed into an icy winter wonderland of food, drink, dance and musical merriment, ready for a night to remember. Doors will open at 19.30, carriages at Midnight.
Finally, if you’re feeling daring this winter, test your nerve as the nights draw in with a spine tingling Eerie Evening Tour on 20 December. When the famous golden gates are locked and the lights are out, come to Kensington to hear of strange stories, eerie encounters and mysterious sightings. Tread in the footsteps of royalty and explore 300 years of death, disease, love and loss in a guided tour of Kensington Palace by night.
There’s something for everyone at Kensington Palace this Christmas, so kick off the season of good cheer with a visit this winter.