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.
Read on for the complete list of events and dates happening in the area this year.
To find a real winter market or avoid supporting the monarchy, choose a more interesting destination this year. Read my UK Christmas Markets List for other places to visit.
Windsor at Christmas: Expect Fairs, Markets, Lights and Santa
Christmas at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle dates: 28th November 2024 to 1st January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Windsor Castle.
Opening times: Thursday to Monday: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: This is a paid event.
Tickets: Christmas displays are included in standard admission to the Castle.
Prices: Start from £15.00 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 festive events around the city. 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 in 2024
- Lights switch-on: Late November.
- Windsor Great Park Illuminated: 15th November 2024 to 4th January 2025 (confirmed).
- Santa’s Grotto: Daniel Department Store. 16th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
- Ice skating: Windsor on Ice at Alexandra Gardens. 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).
- Christmas Fair: Danesfield House. 7th December 2024 (confirmed).
- Cookham Christmas Market: Pinder Hall. 10:30am to 4pm. 24th November 2024 (confirmed).
Past Events
Artisan Christmas Fair
The Artisan Christmas Fair featured over 20 local businesses offering unique gifts, festive activities like wreath making, a bar with mulled wine and live music from Windsor Upper Schools Choir.
Fair dates: None.
Location: Windsor Guildhall.
Opening times:
Thursday: 11am to 5pm.
Friday: 11am to 8pm.
Admissions: Free.
What to Expect
Windsor could be interesting in winter, with buildings and homes lit up and decorated, while Windsor Castle features themed decorations and a large 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 in Maidenhead hosts a one-day event just a short drive away. 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 like the Long Walk and the town centre.
- Stay in Green Hotels: Macdonald Hotel uses renewable energy sources and follows sustainable practices. Check for other local hotels with similar commitments.
- Support Local Shops and Markets: Many of Windsor’s independent shops sell locally made or handcrafted goods. Purchasing from these supports local businesses and reduces the demand for imported items.
- Eat Plant-Based Foods: Many restaurants in the area serve vegetarian or vegan dishes. Trying these options supports local producers and reduces the impact of meat production.
- Visit Green Spaces: Explore Windsor Great Park, which has extensive gardens and woodlands that are managed for wildlife conservation and sustainability.
- Take Part in Eco-Friendly Activities: Consider a guided walking or cycling tour along the Thames Path, which promotes local eco-tourism.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
—
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. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Is the event going ahead?
How do I purchase tickets for the Christmas market?
I’m still waiting to hear if the event is going ahead. I’ll will update here when I know.
Hello – how can we register to but Windsor Castle Christmas Market tickets as they do t seem to be on sale yet?
Only the Christmas Fair dates at the racecourse have been announced. I’ll update here when I know about what’s happening at Windsor Castle.