Windsor is magical at any time of year, but at Christmas it truly sparkles. With its historic streets, festive lights, and the iconic Windsor Castle as a backdrop, the town transforms into a winter wonderland that’s perfect for a seasonal getaway.

Festive Things to Do in Windsor

Start your Christmas adventure with a stroll down Peascod Street and Windsor Royal Station, where twinkling lights and beautifully decorated shop windows create a warm, festive atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of boutiques and gift shops for those last-minute presents, as well as cozy cafés serving mulled wine and mince pies — see our Christmas shopping guide for more on where to browse.

A highlight of the season is the Windsor Castle Christmas display. The State Apartments are adorned with stunning decorations, and St George’s Hall centres on a magnificent Christmas tree — a Nordmann Fir around 20ft tall that takes a team of staff roughly 13 hours to decorate each year. Outside, the castle grounds come alive with festive projections and lights, as shown in the photo above — a dazzling scene that captures the magic of Christmas in Windsor.

Families will love the Windsor Great Park Illuminated Trail, a spectacular light show set among ancient trees and lakes. It’s an enchanting experience that combines nature with festive creativity. For something truly special, book a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park and enjoy the crisp winter air.

Alexandra Gardens usually turns into a winter wonderland too, with an outdoor ice rink, festive fairground rides and Bavarian-style mulled wine and snacks — a lovely way to spend an evening. And Theatre Royal Windsor’s Christmas pantomime is a longstanding local tradition, if you fancy a properly British night out.

Don’t miss the Christmas markets and events in the surrounding area, including Eton’s charming High Street, which offers artisan stalls and seasonal treats. If you’re staying through New Year, Windsor’s riverside pubs and restaurants provide the perfect setting for a celebratory meal.

First Time at a British Christmas?

If you’re visiting from overseas, British Christmas traditions are a hybrid of European and American ones, with a few of our own thrown in. We share the European love of Christmas trees, markets and mulled wine, but — unlike much of Europe — open presents and eat our main Christmas meal on Christmas Day itself, not Christmas Eve. That meal is an American-style roast turkey, finished off with a very British Christmas pudding.

Where to Stay in Windsor

Accommodation is key to making your festive break unforgettable. For comfort, convenience, and a home-from-home feel, check out our short term apartment rentals. They offer a wide range of serviced apartments and short-term lets, ideal for couples, families, or business travelers looking to enjoy Windsor during the holiday season — and having your own kitchen means you can cook your own Christmas dinner, or just pick up local treats from Windsor’s monthly farmers’ market beforehand.

Many properties are within walking distance of Windsor Castle and the town centre, so you can soak up the festive atmosphere without worrying about transport!

If you only need to stay overnight then a central Windsor hotel might be a better option – try Goswell House for it’s town centre location and reasonable rates.

One practical tip: if you’re driving to or from Windsor in the last few days before Christmas, the roads around the M25 get significantly busier as the “Christmas getaway” builds — leaving a little earlier in the day, or taking the train, can save you a long wait in traffic.

Why Windsor at Christmas?

Windsor combines royal heritage with festive charm, making it one of the UK’s most picturesque Christmas destinations. Whether you’re admiring the illuminated castle walls, shopping for unique gifts, or enjoying seasonal entertainment, Windsor offers something for everyone.

So, wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate, and experience the magic of Christmas in Windsor. And when it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Accommodation Windsor has you covered.