Christmas at Kensington Palace

This winter, step back in time as Historic Royal Palaces presents the festive traditions of Victoria's Childhood Christmas at Kensington Palace, an experience inspired by the early Christmases that unfolded in the life and imagination of Queen Victoria at the Palace during her formative years as a princess.

A Theatrical Journey Through Christmas History

From 4 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, Victoria’s Childhood Christmas will explore the magic of Christmas as the young princess knew it. Intricately designed installations in keeping with the colours and materials of the pre-industrial Regency era will bring to life Princess Victoria’s experience, from trees hung with sugar ornaments and handmade paper decorations to bespoke illustrations and period-style gifts.

Visitors can explore how Christmas customs have evolved over time, discovering how many of our most cherished traditions can be traced back to the 1830s at Kensington Palace. The influence of Queen Victoria’s German heritage is illustrated through the custom of arranging numerous Christmas trees on table tops and displaying unwrapped presents around them, to be exchanged by the family on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. There will also be specially selected diary excerpts to offer personal insights into royal gift-giving at Christmas and New Year.

A pop-up theatre set capturing the magic of Victoria’s winter trips to London opera houses will sit in the Stone Hall, calling to mind the grandeur of Regency-era theatre. Visitors can take a seat in an enchanting opera box fit for royalty and make memories with a special selfie, enjoy charming decorative displays, and discover the roots of Christmas traditions we know and love today. A festive-themed afternoon tea inspired by Princess Victoria’s Christmas traditions will also be served in The Orangery throughout December.