Every December, I eagerly await the moment when St. George’s Hall unveils its giant tree, and this year it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The tradition has a long history, but what always surprises is how the castle manages to turn a simple fir tree into a spectacle.
As Kathryn Jones of the Royal Collection Trust explains, the rooms at Windsor were designed to showcase these ceremonies, featuring soaring, gilded ceilings that frame the tree as if it were part of a royal setting. And it works, and how!
Where the tree comes from and how it is installed
The tree is sourced directly from Windsor Great Park and is selected months in advance to ensure it is in perfect condition. In St. George’s Hall, it stands about six meters tall, roughly the height of a two-story house.
Decorating it isn’t a quick task. Between the lights and decorations, it takes about 3,000 bulbs, a strategically placed balcony, and even a small crane to reach the highest branches. Kathryn humorously sums it up: “It’s a long process,” she confessed, and it’s easy to imagine why, as some ornaments are larger than a soccer ball.
What decorations does Windsor use for a tree this size?
Size does matter here. The spruce is adorned with large ornaments, colorful artificial branches, shiny snowflakes, ribbons, garlands, and pieces that seem to come from a fantasy workshop. Everything is reused each year, in line with King Charles’ vision for sustainability.
There are no historical ornaments because, in the past, many were edible. Imagine the scene: sweets and nuts hanging from a tree in the mid-19th century. An old-fashioned touch that now seems almost unreal.
Why the Windsor tree remains a public favorite
Although the royal family celebrates Christmas at Sandringham, Windsor is where the public truly experiences the magic. The stairs are adorned with garlands, the hallways gleam, and the air is filled with the scent of tradition.
The tree’s popularity stems from the era of Victoria and Albert, who helped establish it as a Christmas symbol in the United Kingdom.
Today, it remains the most photographed, and every December, its imposing presence is confirmed, transforming a visit to the castle into an experience that feels like a fairy tale.