Monday, 25 November 2013
This festive season Windsor Castle will be transformed inside and out, as the visitor route is decorated for Christmas. From 1 December until 12 January 2014, traditional wreaths and garlands will adorn the Castle Precincts and some of Windsor's most famous State Apartments.
Dominating St George's Hall will be a six-metre Nordman Fir Christmas tree, while in the Crimson Drawing Room a richly decorated tree will be set against the spectacular gilded interiors of George IV's private apartments.
In the Waterloo Chamber a table of glittering silver-gilt from the Grand Service will be laid for a seasonal feast. Commissioned by George IV, the service is still used by The Queen at State Banquets today. The highlight of the State Dining Room Christmas display will be a silver-gilt table centrepiece designed by Prince Albert in 1842/3. Measuring nearly 80 cm in height, it is decorated with sculptures of four of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's favourite pets – Eos, the Prince's devoted greyhound, the dachshund Waldman, and the Highland terriers Cairnach and Islay.
On Saturdays, 7, 14 and 21 December and Sunday, 22 December, families are invited to join a storyteller in St George's Hall for a glimpse into royal Christmases past and to hear tales of glorious feasts and horse-drawn sleigh rides in the Castle grounds. Details are available here.
Find out more about Exclusive Evening Tours of the Castle on selected days in December.
