A Victorian Christmas at Kensington Palace

Christmas as we know it today started during the Victorian period.

Join us for a Victorian Christmas at Kensington Palace, the royal residence where Princess Victoria was born, grew up and became Queen.

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Enjoy beautiful seasonal decorations in the palace and gardens and join in the celebrations with carol singing evenings, talks, special tours and seasonal food and drink.

Daily between 27 December and 3 January, the palace will resound with favourite Victorian Christmas carols and festive brass music.

Included in your palace admission (don’t forget kids go free)…:

See the enchanting Kensington Palace Christmas tree and Victorian inspired Christmas decorations throughout the palace. Immerse yourself in the smell, sounds and tastes of a traditional Victorian Christmas.

Tasty Talks: Christmas Dinner Delights
2, 5, 9, 12, 16 and 19 December
Have you ever wondered where our Christmas dinner traditions come from? Hear about the origins of the Christmas pud, discover the history of roast goose and more. Enjoy a warming spiced drink from the Wassail bowl (mulled cider).
Free, ticketed on the day

Music At The Palace
27 December – 3 January
Period specialists from The Prince Regent’s Band will perform Victorian carols and Christmas music on 19th century brass instruments. Feel festive as you listen to these popular tunes that still define our Christmas today.

Or if you'd like to book something extra special…:

Victoriana: Panto and Performance
5 December, 11.00
Join us for an insight into the world of Victorian pantomime, music hall, theatre and performance. Find out more about cross-dressing actors and backstage shenanigans in an era that brought entertainment to the masses.
Part of our brunchtime lecture series.
Ticket includes a glass of Bucks Fizz and entry to Kensington Palace.
Tickets: £15/£12 HRP members

Carol Singing
8, 11 and 15 December, various times
Join us for a fun, festive evening of singing Victorian inspired carols as you explore the sumptuous State Apartments. Experience the bold and bright sounds of a brass ensemble whilst one of our expert Explainers guides you through the palace and reveals stories of Christmas past along the way.
Tickets: £15/£10 children

Christmas Eerie Evening Tour
12 December, 18.45
If you like our eerie evening tours, you’ll love this special Victorian Christmas eerie tour. Hear tales of mysterious noises and strange sights in the palaces echoing corridors after dark. Be comforted by a mince pie and mulled wine if you’re really spooked.
Suitable for 16+ year olds.
Tickets: £27.50

Remember to book in advance for the separately ticketed Christmas events. Call 0844 842 7777 today. Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

Christmas in the Victorian era

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert influenced many aspects of British cultural life not least of which was the celebration of Christmas. Though it’s difficult to imagine now, throughout the Georgian era, Christmas was a relatively modest affair and was hardly celebrated.

Contrary to popular belief, Prince Albert was not the first royal to introduce the Christmas tree to Britain, Queen Charlotte having done so before him. However, Albert has been credited with extending the concept from the court to the British masses.

Gift-giving formed a central part of Victoria’s Christmases and she documented it enthusiastically in her diaries. Both she and Albert carefully selected gifts which would be presented on decorated tables and some of these can still be seen at Kensington Palace today. This too was emulated in wider society where gifts progressed from simple gestures such as fruits and nuts to grander tokens which had previously been exchanged at the New Year.

Centred on notions of family, feasting, entertainment and gift-giving, Christmas in the 19th century formed the foundation of our modern celebration.