This Christmas, visitors to the official royal residences will see the State Apartments decked with twinkling lights, garlands and glittering Christmas trees to celebrate the festive season.

At Windsor Castle, the highlight of the display will be the magnificent 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir Christmas tree in St George's Hall, taken from Windsor Great Park. Throughout the Christmas period, visitors will be able to enjoy the special exhibition A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on display between 26 October 2018 and 6 January 2019. The exhibition will include The Duchess's wedding dress, created by the British designer Clare Waight Keller, Artistic Director at the historic French fashion house Givenchy.

The festive decorations at the Palace of Holyroodhouse will take inspiration from the ornate garlands of fruits and flowers that can be seen on the Palace's magnificent baroque plasterwork ceilings. In the Great Gallery, a 15-foot high Christmas tree will be adorned with white, gold and silver fruits and flowers, while the Great Stair leading to the historic State Apartments will be draped with twinkling garlands. In the Café at the Palace in the historic Mews courtyard, visitors can enjoy homemade mince pies, Christmas cake and mulled wine or treat themselves to a Christmas-themed afternoon tea. At both the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Windsor Castle, visitors can browse for Christmas gift inspiration in the Royal Collection Trust shops, where ranges of handmade limited edition and commemorative chinaware, cuddly corgis and festive food and drink make perfect presents.

On selected dates in December, visitors can enjoy a Private Evening Tour of the royal residences. The tours, available at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, are led by an expert guide and offer 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.

Find out more at www.royalcollection.org.uk