Christmas in Windsor 2026: Santa, Skating & Lights

Windsor has a range of seasonal events to enjoy this winter. While there isn’t a traditional Christmas market, you can still experience the festivities with Christmas decorations and the tree at Windsor Castle, the annual lights switch-on event, a woodland lights trail, Santa’s Grotto, ice skating and carriage rides. Look out for one-day fairs, independent markets and the daily live Advent calendar opening.

Christmas in Windsor 2026

Status: Expected
Christmas at Windsor Castle: 26th November 2026 to 4th January 2027
Location: Windsor Castle

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Opening times: Thursday to Monday: 10am to 8pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Closed

Admission: This is a paid event.
Tickets: Christmas displays are included in standard admission to the Castle.
Prices: Start from £15.50 and are cheaper when purchased in advance.
Book online: Full details are available here.
What to expect: Decorated State Apartments, the tree in St George’s Hall and the festive porcelain setting in the dining room.
Gifts: Monarchy stockings, Castle wreath, mince pie chocolate biscuits, palace guard bear.
Where to stay: Macdonald Windsor is a popular hotel near Windsor Castle.

Convenient Hotels

Staying near Windsor Castle puts you close to the city’s festive events. The area around the castle is handy for accessing shopping, eateries, fairs and the ice rink at Alexandra Gardens. Macdonald Windsor Hotel is a convenient and comfortable choice in this area.

List of Events

• Eton lights switch on: 12th November 2026
• Windsor Great Park Illuminated: 13th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
• Windsor Castle Festive Weekend (Victorian Christmas): 12th to 13th December 2026, 10:30am to 3pm
• Santa’s Grotto: Daniel Department Store. 13th November to 24th December 2026 (unconfirmed).
• Ice skating: Windsor on Ice at Alexandra Gardens. 13th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
• Windsor Christmas Fair: Danesfield House. 28th and 29th November 2026
• Cookham Christmas Street Fayre: Pinder Hall. 6th December 2026, 12pm to 4pm
• Christmas Fair at Ascot Racecourse: 12th to 15th November 2026
• Local Producers’ Christmas Market: Maidenhead, 22nd November 2026, 10am to 3pm
• LEGOLAND Christmas: 21st November 2026 to 2nd January 2027
• Windsor Vegan Fiesta: 5th December 2026
• Carols on the Hill: 11th December 2026

Read our complete list of UK Christmas Markets.

What to Expect

Windsor can be particularly interesting in winter, with its buildings and homes lit up and decorated. Windsor Castle features themed decorations and a large Christmas tree. Although the Artisan Fair at The Windsor Guildhall has offered handcrafted goods from local makers in past years, it may not return this year. For those looking for markets, Cookham, just a short drive from Maidenhead, hosts a one-day event. Windsor on Ice at Alexandra Gardens provides an ice rink for skaters of all levels.

Sustainability Tips

• Public Transport and Walking: Windsor is a small city with reliable bus and train services. Walking is easy and a great way to see key sights, such as the Long Walk and the town centre.
• Stay in Green Hotels: The Macdonald Hotel use renewable energy sources.
• Support Local Shops: Many of Windsor’s independent shops sell locally made or handcrafted goods.
• Eat Plant-Based Foods: Many restaurants in the area serve vegetarian or vegan dishes.
• Visit Green Spaces: Explore Windsor Great Park, which features extensive gardens and woodlands.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.