With winter just around the corner, London is gearing up for another fabulous festive season, from luminous Christmas lights to dazzling decorations and a whole lot of holiday fun. This year, Kensington Palace is allowing you to step back in time and experience the festive traditions of Victoria’s Childhood Christmasa festive takeover inspired by the early Christmases that unfolded throughout Queen Victoria’s life.
An immersive journey through Christmas history
Step into Kensington Palace this Christmas and get whimsically whisked back to the 1820s, when a young Princess Victoria spent her childhood in the palace’s stately rooms. From December 4, 2024 to January 5, 2025explore the magic of the festive period as the young Queen knew it, with fantastical installations that have been intrinsically designed, decorative displays, and old-school traditions.
In keeping with the colours and materials of the pre-industrial Regency era, this immersive experience is not to be missed if you’re a Christmas-loving history buff. Expect trees hung with sugar ornaments and handmade paper decorations, bespoke illustrations, period-style gifts, and more.
The palace’s festive makeover captures the wonder of a royal Christmas, complete with all the merriment that transports you to a time before modern traditions took hold – although you can expect some gorgeous lights outside for good measure.
Visitors can explore how Christmas customs have evolved, while also admiring how many cherished traditions can be traced back to this campy time in the palace. Beyond the decorations, there will be a pop-up theatre to capture the magic of Victoria’s winter trips to London opera houses, immersing you in her festive outings outside of the palace too.
If you’re looking to treat yourself, tuck into a seasonally-themed afternoon tea inspired by this must-see experienceserved in The Orangery throughout the entirety of December.
Kensington Palace at Christmas
Victoria’s Childhood Christmas at Kensington Palace offers a uniquely festive way to explore one of London’s most iconic royal palaces. The decorations, the storytelling, and enveloping ambiance collide to make this one of the most magical Christmas events in the capital, especially if you’re into history or the royals.
You can experience Victoria’s Childhood Christmas from 4 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 at Kensington Palace, located in Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX. Get your tickets for Kensington Palace, here. For more information, click here to visit their website.
