Christmas at the Tower

29 November 2023 – 03 January 2024

Visitors are invited to soak up the Christmas cheer at the Tower of London, as the customs and spectacle of Coronations past inspire a decorative display at the iconic palace and fortress. Running daily from the 29 November – 3 January, the nearly 1,000-year-old Tower will be decked out with royal regalia, magnificent Christmas trees, and glittering jewels to celebrate the festive season.

From a grand Coronation procession with eighteen festively dressed Christmas trees lining the entrance to the Tower, to an extravagant Coronation banquet inspired display harking back to George IV’s feast in 1821, visitors will encounter a veritable winter wonderland on their trip to this iconic London landmark at Christmastime. Each display has been carefully chosen to represent a different Coronation tradition, inspired by the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla earlier this year.

Visitors will be treated to a special Christmas tree display inspired by gun salutes, which are traditionally fired from the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company on special occasions, such as Coronations and royal birthdays. Nearby, visitors can challenge themselves to identify the different Coats of Arms used to represent some of England’s most iconic monarchs, adorning the steps of the White Tower.

Inspired by the popular Coronation benches designed by schoolchildren across the country, which brightened up the Tower of London throughout the summer, a newly designed Coronation throne will stand tall beside the White Tower for visitors to capture some all-important festive holiday snaps. Families are invited to step into the regal festive scene, flanked by golden lions and 10ft Christmas trees, to create a memorable souvenir from their visit to the Tower in this historic Coronation year.

Included amongst the other themed displays at the Tower this Christmas are two 14ft Christmas trees decorated to recall the Knights of the Bath, men who protected Kings and Queens during their Coronation, and who were historically invested in the chapels at the Tower of London. These trees will tell the story of Knights invested for Anne Boleyn’s Coronation in 1533, with griffins, falcons and Tudor roses representing their allegiance to the new Queen and the symbols of the Boleyn family. Visitors can also enjoy the spectacular Chapel Royals of St Peter ad Vincula and St John during their festive day out at the Tower this Christmas.

The Tower of London has a long association with Coronations, and for centuries monarchs traditionally spent the night within these walls before processing to Westminster, accompanied by a display of pomp and pageantry. William the Conqueror, who was crowned on Christmas Day in 1066, built the White Tower as a symbol of his royal power in London. The last procession from the Tower took place in 1661 for Charles II, but the Crown Jewels have been housed within the Tower’s walls ever since.

Once families have visited each of the royally festive displays, there is still plenty more to explore at the Tower of London throughout the day. The popular Yeoman Warder tours run every 30 minutes, sharing myths, legends, and much more from inside the Tower walls, and visitors are invited to explore the Towers and battlements of the famous fortress for themselves.

Visitors to the Tower will also have the chance to immerse themselves in the Victorian festive season during their visit this Christmastime, as they encounter characters from a Victorian day out at the attraction going about their day. Families will come across pop up scenes involving Victorian tourists, soldiers, and even petty thieves, and should keep their eyes peeled for characters looking to spread musical merriment throughout the season.

Of course, no visit to the Tower of London is complete without a trip to see the iconic Crown Jewels, and this Christmas visitors are invited to explore the newly opened exhibition in the Jewel House, exploring the history and significance of the collection like never before. The perfect complement to the festive décor outside!

Notes to editors

For further information or further images please contact Jessica England in the HRP Press Office via press@hrp.org.uk / 020 3166 6166

Christmas at the Tower of London

29 November 2023 – 3 January 2024 (Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January)

Included in palace admission: Adults £33.60 / Children (aged 5-15) £16.80 / Concessions £26.80 / HRP Members go free

Historic Royal Palaces is a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. We create space for spirits to stir and be stirred. We want everyone to feel welcome and accepted. We tell stories about the monarchs you know and the lives you don’t. We let people explore and we set minds racing. We are a charity and your support gives the palaces a future, for everyone.  

Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk