Buckingham Palace to open first ever Christmas shop as royal festive plans revealed

The Royal Palaces are preparing to get a festive makeover, as the famous halls of Windsor Castle and Holyrood House will soon be decked in glittering decorations and majestic 20-foot-high Christmas trees. Visitors to the iconic buildings will see the residences transformed into a Christmas wonderland, complete with beautifully decorated trees, impressive foliage and garlands hung from the balconies, ceilings and grand staircases.

And for the first time ever, a special Christmas pop-up selling a variety of royal gifts will open at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. The palace's 200-year-old stables - which are usually closed to visitors during the winter months - will receive a festive makeover before opening on November 14 to sell a range of Christmas treats, gifts and decorations.

The best of the Royal Collection Trust's seasonal products will be on sale, with new products including 20cl bottles of gin infused with botanicals hand-picked from the gardens of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, and a range of kitchen accessories inspired by the Great Kitchen at Windsor Castle - the oldest working kitchen in the country.

Other items include a full-sized Advent calendar featuring limited edition collector's items, hand-embroidered ornaments and children's plush toys.

In London, Windsor and Edinburgh, exclusive winter tours will provide special access when the residences are normally closed to visitors.

This includes Buckingham Palace's famous East Wing, and tours of the State Apartments at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Highlights at Windsor will include the world-famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House adorned with tiny decorations, daily services at St George's Chapel and festive activities during the school holidays.

In Edinburgh, the Palace will host two Christmas carol performances on the evenings of December 9 and 10 where guests can enjoy the beautifully decorated State Apartments before a festive concert in the Great Gallery, complete with mulled wine and mince pies.

This includes Buckingham Palace's famous East Wing, and tours of the State Apartments at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Highlights at Windsor will include the world-famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House adorned with tiny decorations, daily services at St George's Chapel and festive activities during the school holidays.

In Edinburgh, the Palace will host two Christmas carol performances on the evenings of December 9 and 10 where guests can enjoy the beautifully decorated State Apartments before a festive concert in the Great Gallery, complete with mulled wine and mince pies.