Christmas

A Royal Christmas at Windsor

LMT Blog
The majestic Christmas tree at St George's Hall, Windsor Castle

The majestic Christmas tree at St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle

A Christmas visit to Windsor always feels special — and thanks to Queen Victoria’s own writings, we get a wonderful glimpse into how the royal family celebrated the festive season more than 170 years ago. Her 1850 diary entries reveal a warm and intimate Christmas filled with family traditions, gift-giving – and timeless royal charm.

 

A sweeping view of Windsor Castle’s grand exterior, a timeless symbol of the British monarchy.

Windsor Castle: A timeless symbol of the British monarchy.

Christmas Eve at Windsor Castle

On 24 December 1850, Queen Victoria describes a quiet, wintry morning at Windsor as she walked with her children, while Prince Albert went shooting. Much of the day was spent preparing and giving presents — to Lady Lyttelton, their personal staff and members of the household.

Her highlight was seeing the Christmas tree and table, lovingly prepared by Prince Albert:

“My beloved Albert took me to my tree & table, covered by such numberless gifts, really too much, too magnificent.”

Among her treasures were watercolours, oil paintings and a bracelet designed by Albert himself, holding a miniature of Princess Louise — a gift she called “of infinite value.” The children “jumped & shouted with joy” over their toys, filling the castle with festive excitement.

 

Christmas Day at the Castle

On 25 December, Victoria reflected with gratitude on “the return of this blessed season.” She enjoyed a mild winter’s walk with her children, attended Christmas service, and revisited her gifts throughout the day. The castle glowed once again in the evening as the trees were lit and the children played happily around them.

 

Queen Victoria would have 9 children with Prince Albert and many wonderful Christmases together - before his young passing led to her dressing in black

Queen Victoria would have 9 children with Prince Albert and many wonderful Christmases together – before his young passing led to her dressing in black

The royal household gathered for Christmas dinner, with the young princes and princesses appearing throughout the meal — a lovely reminder that even royal celebrations revolved around family.

Boxing Day continued the festivities with charades, poetry recitations and performances by the children, including young Bertie (later King Edward VII), who recited Shakespeare’s Seven Ages “remarkably well.” Despite the dull weather, Windsor remained bustling with warmth and cheer.

These diary glimpses offer a touching look into a Victorian royal Christmas — a magic that still lingers today when exploring Windsor Castle on a Private Windsor Tour.

 

Visiting Windsor with London Magical Tours?

Share your magical moments with us by tagging @londonmagicaltours and using #londonmagicaltours. Whether it’s royal landmarks, countryside strolls or hidden gems, we’d love to see how you’re celebrating this holiday season.

Magic of Christmas: London Holiday Lights Tours

LMT Blog
Our guests Crystal and Lindsay, captured during their magical Christmas experience.

Guests discovering the best of Christmas in Londuring their private tour experience.

It’s one of our favourite times of the year at London Magical Tours and we’re delighted to hear how much guests are loving this season’s London Christmas tours. With London sparkling brighter than ever, visitors from all over the world are joining us to experience the city at its best.

 

A Festive Experience to Remember

The Private Magical Christmas Tour continues to be a true highlight of the holiday season. Step into your chauffeur-driven vehicle, enjoy holiday music playing in the background and explore London with your very own professional tour guide. It’s the perfect way to discover the city’s Christmas lights, hidden gems and iconic seasonal displays in warmth, comfort and style.

One of the highlights guests mention year after year is the chance to see the city sparkle. Our London Christmas lights tours remain a favourite for capturing the most dazzling displays across London.

Wandering what you can expect on this year’s tour? Take a look at the video below, courtesy of guest’s from Sydney, Australia. They shared how much they enjoyed the experience: the beautiful sights, the wonderful guide and driver and the chance to discover parts of London they wouldn’t have found on their own. We loved how their joy and excitement perfectly captured the spirit of the season.

 

 

Visiting London this Christmas?

Share your magical moments with us by tagging @londonmagicaltours and using #londonmagicaltours. From sparkling lights to festive decorations and hidden seasonal gems, we’d love to see how you’re celebrating this enchanting time of year.

London Christmas Lights Tours

London Magical Tours
Festive neon lights bring a playful and modern twist to Christmas in Soho.

London at Christmas – It’s So Ho Ho Ho Magical!

Did you know there are now less than 30 sleeps until Christmas?

This year sees the return of London Magical Tours’ award-winning holiday special – the London Christmas Lights Tour. With your own chauffeur-driven vehicle, holiday music playing in the background and a personal London tour guide – it’s the ultimate way to soak in the magic of the season.

Curious as to what you can expect on this year’s tour?

Let’s take a sneak peek at some of our favourite London neighbourhoods during the holiday season:

 

Giant bells and ornaments transform Covent Garden into a magical holiday wonderland.

Giant bells and ornaments transform Covent Garden into a truly festive holiday wonderland

Covent Garden, with its famous Christmas tree and iconic decorations, is always a seasonal favourite. Giant baubles, golden bells and a lively market helps to create an atmosphere that’s nothing short of magical – a highlight for visitors of all ages.

The West End is another hugely popular area, bursting with holiday lights and impressive window displays. From Regent Street, to Soho and Oxford Street – it’s a sea of lights!

 

Sparkling angels light up Regent Street, creating one of London’s most iconic Christmas displays.

Sparkling angels light up Regent Street, creating one of London’s most iconic Christmas displays

Will you be visiting London this Christmas?

To make the most of your visit, the London Holiday Lights Tours offer a seamless way to enjoy the best of the capital’s decorations and markets, all from the comfort of your private vehicle. It’s an unforgettable holiday experience – one that captures the very magical of Christmas in London.

The Magic of Christmas – Only with – London Magical Tours

Paris Christmas Lights Tours

London Magical Tours
The Champs-Élysées glowing with sparkling Christmas lights leading to the Arc de Triomphe.

Paris during the holidays: just magical!

Christmas Time in the City of Lights

Paris shines brighter than ever during the holiday season, with its elegant boulevards and charming squares being transformed into a winter wonderland:

Full of twinkling lights to grand decorations, the city offers a magical atmosphere that is best enjoyed in comfort and style. On Paris Magical Tours’ Paris Christmas lights tours, guests are taken on an exclusive journey to discover the city’s holiday beauty, accompanied by your own team: a private chauffeur and expert guide, travelling in a private vehicle.

 

Elegant Christmas trees twinkling in the heart of Place Vendôme, Paris.

The Champs-Elysees lit up in full festive mode

Discover the Holiday Atmosphere of the City of Light

Paris was named the City of Light (Ville lumière) at the beginning of the 19th century, after becoming the first city in Europe to use gas lighting to illuminate its streets. This tradition is further emphasised during the holiday season:

The Champs-Élysées glows under a canopies of lights, Place Vendôme sparkles with festive displays and department stores such as Galeries Lafayette feature enchanting window creations, to captivate young and old alike. As you travel between these sights in your private vehicle, holiday music playing softly in the background, adding a joyful touch to the journey.

 

Festive Parisian Christmas market stalls set against the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Festive Parisian Christmas market stalls set against the backdrop of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Christmas Markets and Parisian Traditions

A highlight of the season is discovering Paris’ Christmas markets. Wooden chalets line historic squares, offering artisan crafts, festive treats and warming seasonal drinks. From Notre Dame to the stalls of the Tuileries Garden, these experiences bring together tradition and charm, offering a true taste of the Parisian holiday spirit.

 

The dazzling Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree shining under the grand stained-glass dome.

Paris has some of the finest Christmas tree displays in Europe – not to be missed!

The Private Paris Magical Christmas Tour

Visiting Paris this Christmas?

The very best way to enjoy the season is on the exclusive Paris Christmas tours. Over the course of 3 hours, you’ll be guided through the city’s most beautiful festive highlights, from the comfort of a chauffeur-driven vehicle and with the insight of your personal Paris guide. It is a personal and memorable way to celebrate the magic of Paris at Christmas.

The Magic of Christmas in Paris – Only with –

Paris Magical Tours 

London Christmas Lights Tours – Dates Announced

London Magical Tours

 

From sparkling streets to iconic trees

London at Christmas – A scene straight out from a Fairy Tale

It’s official – the dates for the 2025 holiday season spectacular have been announced!

London Magical Tours award winning annual London Christmas Lights Tours return and in response to so many of your requests – the dates are now confirmed.

This year’s tours will be running from Sunday 9th of November 2025, through to twelfth night on Tuesday 6th of January 2026, inclusive.

Prepare to be dazzled by some of the world’s most breathtaking holiday displays, designed to capture the festive spirit in every twinkling light and sparkling ornament.

London Magical Tours’ VIP private tours show case the best of London’s holiday magic away from the crowds, with your own private tour team: a professional tour guide, plus in addition, your own chauffeur in a private vehicle to travel in the utmost comfort.

With the chauffeur being able to stay in the vehicle, your knowledgeable guide is able to share stories behind the decorations and London’s unique Christmas traditions, adding a special touch to this one-of-a-kind experience.

London at Christmas feels like a scene from a fairy tale

London is a Winter Wonderland at Christmas – join a London Magical Tour to discover the best of the holiday season

Discover interactive displays, take part in holiday-themed activities along the way and enjoy seasonal treats to bring even more warmth to the experience.

Ideal for all ages, the London Holiday Lights Tours are the perfect way to embrace the magic of the season – and create memories that will last long after the holidays have passed.

 

Finding Magic This Christmas

The Magic of Christmas – find that perfect spot to create your own memories while on a private guided tour of the holiday lights

Capture stunning photos of London’s Christmas trees and magnificent light displays, at both iconic and less visited locations. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or that special someone, the London holiday lights tours are designed to make your festive experience extra memorable.

For a little taste on what you can expect on this year’s tour, click on the video below:

 

 

Experience Christmas in London like never before and discover the festive side of the capital of the UK with the holiday specialists:

 

The Magic of Christmas. Only with London Magical Tours.