Why I love Windsor at Christmas

This small town nestled in the heart of Berkshire has a lot to offer over the festive season. Not only does it look postcard-perfect with a light dusting of snow, but there are so many things to get you into the festive spirit!

Here are some of my favourite things to do; do take a look at our Christmas page, the official guide to what's on this festive season

Windsor's beautiful, cosy pubs

Windsor is not short of a good pub or two. Or three. Or four. And some of these fabulous drinking establishments come into their own at Christmas and winter time.

Three of my favourites are:

Duchess of Cambridge

Located on the High Street directly opposite the Castle, this more modern pub and restaurant has a cosy feel to it, with low ceilings, lots of space to sit and a particular favourite – a roaring fire.

Duchess of Cambridge, Windsor, image Nicola Bell @ VisitWindsor

I love coming here for a cup of tea and dessert – the puddings are particular good and coupled with a hot chocolate or tea will help warm you up before you head back out into the cold and is a great pit stop if you’re visiting Windsor Castle.

Horse and Groom

This is one of the oldest pubs in Windsor, and great for popping in and grabbing a festive drink – especially in the evening with a group of friends.

It’s directly opposite Windsor Castle's Henry VIII Gate on Castle Hill. It was built in the 16th century, and it’s beautifully traditional with wood beams, a small bar and lovely little tables dotted around. Why do I love this pub in the winter? It has a great vibe, especially when Christmas meet-ups fill this little pub with joyous, happy people! They occasionally have live bands play here and it’s not unknown for people to climb onto chairs and sing along.

The Two Brewers, Windsor, in winter, image Nicola Bell @ VisitWindsor

Two Brewers

Hands down, this is my favourite pub in Windsor. It’s perfectly positioned opposite the entrance to the famous Long Walk and this historic pub oozes character and charm. In fact, it’s hard not to fall in love with the wooden beams, the three small bars and the candle-lit tables nestled by the roaring fire places. The atmosphere is electric, especially in the run up to Christmas Day.

Booking is advised!

This pub has a famous Christmas Carol night which is always really popular.

Windsor's festive feeling

Windsor always feels really festive in the run up to Christmas. The incredibly beautiful Christmas tree comes from Windsor Great Park and is donated by His Majesty King Charles III.  It's located at the bottom of Castle Hill, right by Queen Victoria’s statue.

Queen Victoria Statue, Garter Tower Illuminations and Windsor Christmas tree on Castle Hill, image Nicola Bell @ VisitWindsor

Standing over 50ft tall, the Castle's Garter Tower Illuminations features Christmas images created by local schoolchildren, as well as stunning images of St George’s Chapel’s stained glass windows, architectural details and motifs.

The Christmas lights down Peascod Street (the pedestrianised shopping road off the High Street) have some rather incredible lights in the shape of a crown amongst other things – and are definitely worth checking out!

If you're going into Windsor Castle, enjoy the wonderful festive displays in the State Apartments – which include a magnificent 20-foot-high Christmas tree in St George's Hall dressed in thousands of twinkling lights – as well as festive crafts and activities for children.

If you really want to get into the festive spirit, I highly recommend visiting the stunning St George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. People come from far and wide to attend the service but – be warned – you will need to get there early (around 30 minutes) before doors open if you want a seat and expect to queue in the cold first.

 St George's Chapel at night, image Nicola Bell @ VisitWindsor

Leaving the chapel and walking past the Christmas tree all lit up in the early hours of Christmas Day morning is a real treat.

Christmas Shopping in Windsor

Need to do some last-minute Christmas shopping? Windsor is perfect for buying gifts for family, friends, pets and colleagues.

View down Peascod Street from Castle Hill, image Nicola Bell @ VisitWindsor

By far my favourite place to go (especially if you have children) is Daniel Department Store in the centre of Windsor. This independent store sells pretty much everything you could possibly want, with a giant children’s toy department on the top floor. Santa also has a grotto here and you can stop for lunch or cup of tea if it all gets a bit much.

Their window displays are famous and even if you don’t stop by it’s worth just taking a look at the display on Peascod Street to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Windsor Royal Station Shopping, image Nicola Bell @ VisitWindsor

Check out all the wonderful shops and eateries in Windsor Royal which includes both Station Shopping and Yards Shopping.  Take a Christmas Insta-worthy pic in the special festive #selfiespots located in the shopping centres!

Head down further to the end of Peascod Street and you will find St Leonard’s Road. A small high street packed full of independent little shops and cafes, if you’re looking for something more individual.

Windsor Great Park Illuminated, image Nicola Bell @ VisitWindsor

Christmas events and activities in Windsor

From Windsor's Living Advent Calendar to Windsor Great Park Illuminated, there is no end to the fun activities and things to see and do you can find in Windsor over the festive period.  Check out the full list of what's on this Christmas.

I absolutely love going to the pantomime at the Theatre Royal Windsor (in fact it’s become quite the tradition for my family!) and if you’re lucky enough to visit after it has snowed, there is nothing more magical than walking along the famous Long Walk, looking back at the castle sprinkled in snow and the white fields surrounding it.

My perfect Windsor weekend itinerary for Christmas

Coming for the weekend? There’s so much to see and do. Here’s what I would get up to if I had 48 hours to explore this stunning town.

Saturday morning in Windsor

Have breakfast in one of the many fabulous cafés. Try Cinnamon Café in the Windsor Royal Station for one of their legendary cinnamon buns with a cup of coffee.

Head to Windsor Castle and explore this iconic and historic building for a few hours. There’s so much to see and do, you definitely won’t get bored. Top tip: Book your tickets in advance.

Christmas on Eton High Street, image Nicola Bell @ VisitWindsor

Saturday afternoon

Grab a late lunch and explore Eton High Street on the other side of the river to Windsor. Lots of boutique shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes so the perfect place to grab some lunch.

On your way back have a little stroll along the river and meet the famous Windsor swans.

In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal Pantomime for some stomach-holding, laugh-a-minute moments in one of Britain’s most traditional events.

Pop into the Two Brewers before last orders for a glass of fizz!

Sunday morning

Start your day with a bit of shopping on Windsor’s famous shopping street. Stop off for a bite to eat at one of the cafes on St Leonard’s Road – Monty’s is a favourite for light bites!

The Long Walk in winter, image Nicola Bell @ VisitWindsor

Sunday afternoon

Head to the Long Walk for a stroll and marvel at the incredible views of the Castle in one direction and the Copper Horse statue in the other.