There's a traditional family feel to Royal Windsor's Christmas events and activities. For children, for romantics, take your pick of ways to add a little extra sparkle to this year's festivities.

Windsor Castle

December sees the State Apartments transformed with festive decorations, Christmas trees, and a spectacular dining tables laid for a Regency-themed feast showing how George IV celebrated Christmas at the Castle in the early-19th century.

• Professional storyteller, Olivia Armstrong will return to the fireside in St George's Hall to give visitors a glimpse into Christmas past at the Castle. Listen to tales of glorious feasts, the first Christmas trees at the Castle and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
• On selected dates in December there are Private Evening Tours. Led by an expert guide, the tour offers a special behind-the-ropes experience. All tickets include a glass of champagne, a copy of the Official Souvenir Guide and a 20% discount at Royal Collection Trust shops.

Windsor Castle is open daily 09.45 – 16.15 (last admission 3pm) except 25/26 Dec.

Windsor Great Park

Windsor Great Park plays a pivotal role in Christmas Celebrations in the Royal Borough – from supplying the Royal Christmas Trees to providing the perfect place to walk or jog off Christmas calories.

• Free Entry to The Savill Garden- From Dec 1-31, all visitors have free entry to explore The Savill Garden in all of its winter beauty. With 35 acres available to prepare for, or walk off, the excesses of Christmas Day, look out for these top 5 highlights:  
  • Winter-flowering conservatory plants like poinsettias, camellias, paper-white daffodils in the Temperate House
  • Colourful dogwood stems in a mass planting in the Winter Beds
  • Attractive flower heads of grasses – well represented in the Dry Garden, the New Zealand Garden and the Rose Garden
  • Hydrangea spent flower heads, beautiful when dusted with hoar frost
  • Fragrant scented plants like witch hazels, Christmas box, winter sweet, daphne
    
    
• Seasonal Foods - The Savill Garden Restaurant is serving a seasonal special of homemade mince pies and hot mulled wine (£4.95) and selling limited edition homemade Gingerbread houses for just £28.50 each, early orders recommended as they always sell-out.
• Festive Trail for children around Obelisk pond following clues, with a chocolate treat at the end. The trail is suitable for buggies, wheelchairs, and dogs on leads and runs 01 – 31 Dec. Trail packs cost £3.50.
• Elf Workshops – On weekends of November 28/29, December 5/6, 9/10 and 16/17 join the Elves from LaplandUK in their magical woodland glade, as they prepare for Christmas. Listen to their stories, sing their songs and join in the activities, before going home with a special present.
• Children's Activities – Every weekday morning from 01 – 23 Dec there will be storytelling for toddlers at 10.30 and 11.30am. Make Christmas cards in the Arts and Crafts area and write a letter to Father Christmas.
• Festive Carriage Rides from 1st December to 4th January in the 4/6 seat carriage, beautifully decorated for the Festive Season with twinkling garlands & horse-wearing Antlers! Rendezvous at The Savill Building.
• Christmas Tree Sales – grown in Britain certified Nordmann Fir (non-drop) and Norway Spruce, available in all sizes, including 'My Little Christmas Tree' range of small potted trees, available from the Christmas Tree depot in the heart of the Windsor Forest, and for the first time from The Savill Garden. Available 28 Nov – 23 Dec.

LaplandUK

LaplandUK returns to Whitmoor Forest with an unforgettable and immersive Christmas experience for young children – which 97% of visitors rate as the UK's most magical Christmas Experience. Open on selected dates between 21 November and Christmas Eve 2015.

• Starting with a personal invitation from Father Christmas, travel along the Elves' magical forest pathways, LaplandUK passports freshly stamped, to arrive in snowy wonderland.
• Help Elves in the Toy Factor, visit Mother Christmas' Kitchen to decorate gingerbread and gather for storytelling, then skates on for the 'Ice' Rink before meeting resident huskies and reindeer.
• A special personalised meeting with Father Christmas in his snowy woodland home is the highlight of this magical daytrip.

Windsor on Ice

Now in its 6th year at Alexandra Gardens, the Ice rink is open from November 2015 until January 2016. The covered main rink has an outside ice skating track, viewing area, festive food court and some under-cover attractions, so non skaters can relax and stay warm while watching friends and family have fun on the rink. Ice-guides, to teach basic skating techniques, are available with advance booking for £30 per session.

Open daily 10am – 9pm. Closed 25 Dec.

Festivo - St Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle

Guarantee festive cheer with the unforgettable sound of Christmas. This popular programme features theChoir of St George's Chapel and the Band of the Grenadier Guards playing the nation's favourite seasonal and secular music.

Takes place 15 December at 7.30pm. Tickets only.

Legoland® Windsor resort

Father Christmas and his elves will be parking their sleigh at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort for an extended Christmas season full of twinkling lights, snow dusted pine trees and exciting seasonal festivities. Discover a charming Christmas land with 15 rides and attractions, along with the enchanting Elves workshop. Online pre-book only: from £18.50 per person. Finishes 23 December.

Ascot Racecourse – Christmas meeting

Run over two days 18-19 December, day one of the Christmas Meeting features races which are significant stepping stones towards the championship races for younger horses. Day two is Ascot's most valuable day of Jumps racing, featuring the two mile £150,000 Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle. Off the track there is a festive fairground, reindeer, Father Christmas and a Carol Concert.

Cliveden Gardens

Set high above the Thames with far-reaching views, Cliveden's impressive gardens and majestic woodlands capture the grandeur of a bygone age. Christmassy activities include:

• 'Twelve Days of Christmas' trail – activities inspired by the traditional carol, guide families through the gardens, picking up small stocking-filler gifts along the way. Children can write a letter to Father Christmas and deliver it to the man himself at the end of the trail. Recommended for ages 4-12 (toddlers and babies welcome). Child £5 (usual admission applies). No booking required. Sat 5, 12 and 19 Dec, Sun 6, 13 and 20 Dec from 10am – 2.30pm.
• Wreath making workshops – Make a beautiful Christmas wreath using fresh foliage from the Cliveden Estate. Greenery and expert tuition provided and other items such as ribbon, candles and silk flowers available to buy on the day. Mon 7/Tues 8 Dec. Tickets £35. Booking required on 0844 249 1895. 

Open daily 10am - 5.30pm.

Further details available at www.windsor.gov.uk

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