A range of top attractions have been welcoming groups to explore their extravagant Christmas displays for the 2023 season. Here’s a look at just a few…
Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool
From dusk in the courtyard, the captivating display (pictured above) at Powis Castle will welcome people to the medieval castle, inviting them to stop and watch the projections before ascending the steps towards the grand doors where more lights await.
‘A Treasured Christmas’ shows each State Room display taking inspiration from the treasures that lie within. Visitors are transported to different parts of the world as they explore beautifully decorated spaces, twinkling Christmas trees and festive fireplaces.
‘Treasured Christmas’ has transformed the rooms of Powis Castle.
Visitors to Powis Castle can expect to see grand rooms filled with festive additions.
Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire
The grand estate of Hatfield Park has been transformed through nine meticulously crafted installations, designed to bring the unique Tudor heritage to life which is suitable for guests of all ages.
Queen Elizabeth I herself greets visitors before they are taken on a journey through striking light displays which link to the festivities of times gone by.
The estate has been transformed with nine crafted installations bringing its Tudor heritage to life.
Festive animals can be seen roaming the grounds.
Traditional foliage has filled Hatfield Park for the season.
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Among the seasonal highlights of the official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King is the huge tree which sits in the Throne Room.
Velvet garlands adorn the Great Staircase and in the Royal Dining Room there is a grand table laid with a silver service, plus sugared fruit and foliage.
Large centrepieces take over the dining space at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Visitors will see twinkling wreaths and garlands throughout the Palace’s State Apartments.
Royal Collection Trust staff making adjustments to the 15-foot-high Christmas tree in the Great Gallery.
The Throne Room has been decorated for the season.
Hever Castle, Kent
Now in its 17th year and a two-time winner of Best Christmas Experience at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards, groups can witness a magical Christmas experience at Hever Castle.
This year there are includes colourful lights which illuminate the front of the historic venue, as well as gardens and a lake transformed into a winter wonderland.
Hever won Best Christmas Experience at the 2023 Group Leisure & Travel Awards.
The historic venue has won Best Christmas Experience at the GLT Awards on two different occasions.
Guests to Hever will walk through tree-lined corridors.
Windsor Castle, Berkshire
A magnificent 25-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree in St George’s Hall, grown and felled nearby in Windsor Great Park, is the highlight of the Christmas display at Windsor Castle. Illuminated with 33,500 sparkling lights, it is topped by a specially commissioned Garter Star to commemorate the anniversary.
Another glistening Christmas tree decorated with smaller Garter Stars can be seen in the Crimson Drawing Room – one of the most elaborate rooms in the castle.
St George's Hall at Windsor Castle is dressed for Christmas.
Festive garlands on the Grand Staircase hang below statues of Knights on horseback.
The tree within St George's Hall was sourced from Windsor Great Park.
The Nordmann Fir Christmas tree in the Crimson Drawing Room features new Garter Star decorations. The Crimson Drawing Room is one of the most elaborate of the Semi-State Rooms used for official entertaining.
Royal Collection Trust staff make final adjustments to the 160-foot dining table.
Edinburgh Castle
Greeted with captivating tales and intriguing stories, this year’s new festive show at Edinburgh Castle focuses on the magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery from Scotland’s past.
With myths and legends, from fortune-telling runes and Tarot readings to the inner workings of the Portcullis Gate depicted through immersive light and sound displays, visitors of all ages can enjoy this spectacle.
The historic castle depicts illuminations of Scotland's history on its front.
Edinburgh Castle has been lit for the season, linking to Scotland's past.
