Holiday Spirit Lights up Windsor Castle — Closer Look at the Festively Decorated Christmas Tree

Although royal Christmas celebrations will look very different this year, one thing remained the same - Windsor Castle's transformation with beautiful festive decorations for the holidays.

Breaking tradition that lasted more than three decades, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth, forewent the annual family celebration at Sandringham to spend Christmas without the rest of the royals this year.

Despite leading by example to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Queen made sure that the yearly Christmas decorations at Windsor Castle dazzle as it has in the past.

ROYAL CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR

Royal staff members worked hard to get the annual holiday make-over at Windsor Castle ready in time for the building to open on December 3, and it looks magnificent!

With the State Apartments open to the public, big beautiful shimmering trees with bright decorations and twinkling lights set a festive holiday tone. And then, of course, there is the impressive 20ft Norway spruce tree contributing to their magical Christmas display.

ANOTHER TRADITION AMENDED

The change in holiday plans also affected the Queen's unofficial tradition of gift-giving among her staff. Each year the monarch personally gives each royal staff member a small present as a token of her appreciation, but not his year.

Presents in the past included items like champagne flutes and photo frames, along with treats and Christmas pudding. And while the staff will still get their presents, it just won't be during a holiday celebration with the Queen handing it to them personally.

THE DECORATIONS

The massive Norway spruce tree, sourced from Windsor Great Park, can be found in St. George's Hall - Windsor Castle's largest room, while another big tree got put up in the castle's Inner Hall. Smaller trees line the Queen's Gallery.

All these trees are decorated with hundreds of ornaments highlighted with 3,000 festive lights, and the Grand Staircase is adorned with garlands all around the suits of armor.

THE STATE DINING ROOM

The State Dining Room's festive decorations gave George IV a nod, who rose to the throne 200 years ago. The table set up with his silver-gilt Grand Service is still used today for occasions such as State Banquets.

Those wanting to see the decorations in person can visit the Castle from Thursday. On Saturdays in December, the castle will also offer several activities for children, including crafting and storytelling.

Relatedly, another annual Christmas display received a lot of attention this year, and not because of its towering beauty - the Rockefeller Christmas tree.

The massive spruce tree had its lights lit on December 2, but when it arrived in New York mid-November, backlash followed at the lackluster look of the branches. Since then, workers added additional branches and worked tirelessly to get it decorated.