From historic attractions to thrilling theme parks, UK attractions have been getting festive with decorations, illuminations and displays to spread the Christmas cheer.
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Natural History Museum
The museum in South Kensington has kicked off its seasonal celebrations with the unveiling of its annual Christmas T. rex display. The animatronic T. rex is sporting its own dinosaur-sized version of the museum’s Christmas jumper along with a matching hat, scarf and socks.
Now in its fifth year, the Christmas T. rex display is free for all visitors to see in the Dinosaurs Gallery.
Belvoir Castle
The regency state rooms at Belvoir Castle, the Leicestershire home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, have been dressed for the festive period with A Magical Night Before Christmas at Belvoir Castle, running until 30th December. Visitors can see the Christmas colour as soon as they enter the iconic Guard Room, before heading up the up the grand double staircase to The Elizabeth Saloon, The State Dining Room, The King’s Room, The Old Kitchen and The Ballroom.
Highlights include a 20ft tall Christmas tree named ‘The Wishing Tree’ on display in the Guard Room, on which anyone is invited to hang a decoration with their own wish.
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
Until 3rd January 2026, the park has been transformed into a Christmas Kingdom bursting with LEGO® magic, including a 33-foot DUPLO® Christmas tree, live festive entertainment and LEGO Christmas creations.
Visitors can wander through Miniland, where world-famous landmarks have had a festive makeover, complete with hidden festive scenes.
Hampton Court Palace
The palace has been decked out with a range of merry festivities including decorations, live music and traditional Christmas food in Henry VIII’s kitchens. Visitors can also join the palace hosts in the Wine Cellar to learn about the intriguing history of Christmas, from festive foods to Charles Dickens.
Further winter wonders at Hampton Court Palace include the return of the Festive Fayre and the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink.
Beaulieu
Beaulieu in Hampshire is running A Palace House Christmas for 2025 featuring a 14ft pantomime dame, life-size Pollock theatre set and installations to tell the story of pantomime. The stately rooms of Palace House have been decked with decorations, lights and soundscapes, whilst a travelling cart is overspilling with props, costumes and musical instruments in the Fountain Courtyard.
The Christmas display is running at Beaulieu until 4th January 2026 and is included with group visits.
Windsor Castle
Step into 1,000 years of royal history at Windsor Castle and see the State Apartments decorated with magnificent Christmas displays, including a 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree in St George’s Hall and another stunning tree in the Crimson Drawing Room.
Elsewhere, specially made decorations have been added to the tiny rooms in Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, including a miniature Christmas tree in the Hall and a garland decorating the staircase.
Harewood House
Harewood House in Yorkshire is hosting a Bridgerton-inspired Christmas celebration, A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball. The 18th century country house has worked with BBC Interior Design Masters finalist, Siobhan Murphy to transform it into an upcycled festive wonderland, featuring more than 300 pairs of pointe shoes donated by the English National Ballet, lifelike projections of ball guests and bejewelled swans, rotating macaron trees and iced cakes.
Visitors can experience Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball until 4th January, with group rates available.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s royal residence in Edinburgh, Scotland has been transformed with Christmas decorations, including two 12-foot-high Christmas trees and a mantle garland in the wood-panelled Throne Room.
Ascending the great stair to the historic State Apartments, visitors can see festive garlands, berries and foliage and in the Royal Dining Room the grand table is laid with a silver service and sugared fruit and foliage.
Hever Castle
Visitors to Kent’s Hever Castle can enjoy Christmas cheer during the day and in the evening. Begin in Kansas at Dorothy’s house, meet familiar characters along the way, and be swept into the Land of Oz through displays, before stepping inside the castle to enjoy the warmth of a traditional Christmas.
From 4pm, the grounds, gardens and lake are transformed with illuminations and lights. Wrap up warm and explore the illuminations and enjoy festive food and warming drinks.
