Get ready for some magic! Windsor in winter brings with it Christmas markets, festive lights and lots of special celebrations.
When people ask me what my favourite season is in Windsor, I struggle to answer. I love the optimism and blossom in spring, the endless sunny days by the Thames in summer and the beautiful reds and yellows of autumn. But, Windsor has a sprinkle of magic when winter starts.
There’s something about seeing the twinkly lights lining the streets and stepping into cosy pubs for a warm drink and a bite to eat. I love that I can walk into town and buy most of my Christmas presents from the eclectic mix of stores. Plus, there are plenty of lovely events that make Windsor extra special in the coldest months of the year,
In this guide, I’ll share the top winter events, festive experiences, and cosy activities in Windsor, from magical light trails to roaring pub fires.
I’d also recommend clicking through to our what’s on in Windsor guide, which we’re constantly updating with upcoming events.
15 Best Things to do in Windsor in Winter
See Windsor and Eton’s Living Advent Calendar
The Living Advent Calendar is one festive tradition you can’t miss. Running from the 1st to 24th December, the town comes alive each evening at 6:15pm, when a different local venue throws open its “doors” to reveal a surprise 15-minute performance.
One night it could be a choir filling the air with carols, the next a captivating storyteller or a festive bit of theatre. One of the best things is that it’s all completely free!
It’s set up by local businesses and performers, and is guaranteed to fill you with Christmas spirit.
Go carol singing outside Windsor Castle
Ready to belt out a few verses of Ding Dong Merrily on High or Away in a Manger? Gather your friends and family and head to the streets outside Windsor Castle for Carols on the Hill. In 2025, this is scheduled to take place on 12th December at 6.15pm.
It’s a lovely tradition, too! In fact, this year will be its 76th year. All in aid of charity, it’s an evening filled with festive spirit, music, and togetherness. Wrap up warm, bring your best singing voice, and get in the festive spirit.
Have a magical night at Windsor Illuminated
There’s a lot of magic around at this time of year, but we think Windsor Great Park Illuminated is one of the most spectacular events to hit the area. Running from 14th November to 3rd January, the magical light displays and installations bring a true dose of festival magic to the area. The trail winds through Savill Garden, with sparkling light displays, glowing fountains, and enchanting woodland scenes that feel straight out of a fairytale. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the park after dark.
Along the way, you can warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate, and toasted marshmallows from cosy food stalls. The trail takes around 90 minutes and is perfect for an early evening family outing. Just remember to book timed-entry tickets in advance – this event is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike.
See Cinderella on stage in Windsor
Looking for a fun winter activity with your kids? Cinderella runs at the Theatre Royal Windsor from 21st November to 11th January. The iconic fairytale will have some fun twists and turns, as all pantos do, with plenty of humour, familiar songs, slapstick comedy, a bit of magic and of course, a classic panto dame!
Watch as Cinders meets her Prince Charming in the glittering ballroom, and find out if her wicked stepsisters get in the way of her happily-ever-after. The show stars several stars of stage and screen, including Kevin Cruise, Steven Blakeley, Hilary O’Neil And Michael Praed.
There are two performances a day in the lead up to Christmas Day and into the New Year. Tickets are affordable too, so it’s a great way to get the whole family together for some festive fun!
Visit LaplandUK
Just a short drive from Windsor town centre lies a truly magical festive kingdom — LaplandUK in Ascot. This immersive, Christmas-themed adventure transports you into a snowy wonderland brimming with elves, reindeer, twinkling lights, and heartwarming festive cheer.
Over the course of your visit, you and your family can step inside the Elves’ Toy Factory, decorate gingerbread with Mother Christmas, glide across the ice rink, and enjoy plenty of other seasonal surprises. The highlight? A personalised, one-on-one meeting with Father Christmas himself, complete with a special gift.
We won’t give away all the secrets (it’s more magical that way!), but if your children are at that perfect age, this is one Windsor winter experience you’ll never forget. Be sure to book early — tickets sell out fast every year.
Do your Christmas shopping in Windsor (and then pick up bargains in the sales!)
We might be biased, but we think Windsor is an amazing place for Christmas shopping. It’s got a lovely mix of high street stores and independent boutiques. Daniel, the town’s department store (and something of a rarity in town centres these days), is always beautifully decorated at this time of year, and a great place to shop for gifts.
We also love perusing the stores in Windsor Royal Station, with its pretty architecture and cosy vibe. We’d also recommend shops such as Huttons, Craft Coop, Ryad Momo and House of Windsor – independent stores which all sell lovely items.
Don’t forget to save some money for the January sales. There are always plenty of bargains to scoop up!
See the Christmas lights in Windsor
The lights officially get switched on from 15th November, so you’ll have a lovely twinkly views in town throughout the winter period. Usually there’s a royal theme, with twinkling crowns draped across Peascod Street. It’s topped off by the enormous Christmas tree that sits just outside Windsor Castle.
Seeing the town all illuminated is very special, so definitely snap a few photos while you’re there.
Explore Windsor Great Park in winter
We love trips to Windsor Great Park all year round. But, there’s something so lovely about crunching on sparkly frost and watching the low sun cast little shimmers through the bare trees. We love wrapping up warm in coats, hats and scarves, and breathing in cool air that makes our lungs feel alive. It’s even better with a thermos of hot chocolate! Places like The Long Walk, Virginia Water and the forest areas are particularly special.
Watch a Christmas-themed drone show
I love the Christmas lights in Windsor, but they aren’t the only lights to illuminate the skies in the Royal Borough! On 20th December, there’s a spectacular drone light show at Royal Windsor Racecourse. It’s themed around Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and features six hundred illuminated drones dancing across the night sky.
It’s got a cinematic soundscape to accompany it and sounds utterly magical. It’s ideal if you’re searching for fun family activities in Windsor this winter. Alongside the show, there will be fairground rides, Santa’s grotto and tasty street food on offer. This sounds like such a unique winter activity, and definitely one that Macca and I are hoping to get along to this year.
Warm up in one of Windsor’s traditional pubs
Chilly days call for cosy pub sessions! What could be better than warming up after a crisp walk, with a seat in one of Windsor’s characterful pubs. They’re even better when there’s a log fire burning or the sweet scent of mulled wine in the air!
We’ve got lots of favourite pubs in the area, but for the cosiest vibes we’d suggest The Two Brewers by The Walk or The Horse & Groom right by Windsor Castle. They’re charming, cosy and will have you feeling toasty again in no time!
Attend seasonal services or concerts at St George’s Chapel
Did you know you can attend services and concerts inside St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle? If you attend a service you do not require a Windsor Castle entry ticket. You just need to be at King Henry VIII gate 15 minutes before the start time of the service.
Around Christmastime, there are several carol services and concerts within the chapel, often accompanied by the choir. I’d recommend looking at the schedule online to see what’s happening.
Visit Legoland in winter
Legoland draws huge crowds in the summer months, but did you know it’s also open for some of the winter period too? The popular theme park is open every weekend in December, and several days within the Christmas holiday period too.
Not only can you enjoy many of the park’s rides, there are lots of Christmas-themed events too. There’s a Santa’s grotto, Christmas Lego display and lots of twinkly lights to enjoy! You can also visit Miniland to write a letter to the North Pole, build Lego Christmas tree decorations, or do some last minute Christmas shopping for Lego fans!
Celebrate New Year in Windsor
Wondering how to see in 2026? There are plenty of celebrations taking place across Windsor town centre. If you like the finer things in life, you could book tickets to The Castle Hotel, and enjoy a sophisticated evening in the grand Windsor Suite ballroom. The celebrations start with a glass of bubbly, before a five-course meal, dancing and the all-important countdown to midnight.
Meanwhile, the Macdonald Hotel has a similarly fancy affair planned. At its New Year’s Eve Gala you’ll be treated to champagne, canapes, a four-course dinner, DJ, style, arriving to a glass of champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by a luscious four-course dinner with DJ to ring in the new year as you count down to midnight.
There are plenty more events yet to be announced, so we’ll update this section as we hear about them.
Watch the Six Nations in Windsor
While a lot of Windsor’s winter activities revolve around Christmas, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2026. The Six Nations Championship takes place from 5 February – 14 March 2026. Pubs across Windsor will be showing the matches, but our favourite place to watch is usually at Windsor & Eton Brewery. They show every single match on the big screen and there’s always a great atmosphere.
Enjoy a kids workshop at Eton Natural History Museum
We are waiting for news on whether these are taking place at the start of 2026, but they were popular in the past, so we hope so! This small museum in Eton hosts engaging workshops for kids on Sundays, about nature and animals. They feature craft sessions and trails to follow. Oh, and it’s 100% free!
See a show at the Theatre Royal Windsor
There’s some great entertainment coming to Windsor in January and February at the Theatre Royal. From 21st January – 24th January, Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield comes to the stage. From 30th Jan – Sat 7th Feb, Lee Mead will play the greatest showman in BARNUM. It features music, acrobatics and plenty of circus! Then, from 24th February – 28th February, there’s a new stage adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley.
If you’re looking for other events in Windsor, don’t forget to check out our What’s On Guide.
