These British royal residences are opening their doors this Christmas
Uniswap
Not so long ago, if you wanted to spend Christmas with the royal family, the only way to get close was to press your nose up to the TV screen during the monarch’s Christmas speech.

But times have changed and many royal residences are getting into the holiday spirit by opening their doors to the public for a range of festive events.

It’s part of a drive by King Charles to make royal residences more accessible… and profitable. Earlier this year, the monarch opened new parts of Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle for the most intimate public tours ever permitted. And this winter there are exclusive guided tours at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Here is our selection of Christmas offerings fit for a monarch:
Sandringham, in eastern England, has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862, and it’s where the family retreat to for their annual holiday get-together. With royals in residence, the house itself will be off-limits to the public, but there is still plenty to do on the rural estate.

Between November 21 and December 24, visitors will be able to follow a winter light trail called “Luminate” around the Norfolk estate. The grounds have been transformed into a sparkly wonderland, glowing in all the colors of the rainbow thanks to thousands of lasers, strobes and twinkling lights.

There’s also a Christmas tree maze and a new tree house this year, plus marshmallow-toasting by the firepits. And since the royals – Queen Victoria and Prince Albert – are credited with popularizing the tradition in the UK, it’s only fitting that you can buy your Christmas tree from the estate’s own sawmill.