With the festive season in full swing, an action-packed programme of events has been planned across the Royal Borough.
Once again, the Royal Borough has put together a guide of all the festivities taking place.
Here is a list of Christmas events organised in the Windsor, Maidenhead and surrounding areas.
Christmas Tree Shop at Windsor Great Park – until 22 December or while stocks last
Visitors can pop into the shop and choose between a Nordmann Fir, Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce.
Christmas wreaths are also available for purchase alongside fresh boroughs of holly, and mistletoe, kindling, logs and a range of gifts and decorations
Festive Weekends in Maidenhead – until 22 December
Live music and carols will be getting people into the festive spirit on Saturdays in Maidenhead High Street and on Sundays in the Nicholsons Shopping Centre.
Breakfast with Santa – December 19
Father Christmas will be joining guests for a fun-filled breakfast at Stubbings Café from 8am.
Families will be able to enjoy a Stubbings full English breakfast.
Children can tuck into a mini full English breakfast or waffles with Nutella, and a regular hot drink will also be included for adults and a juice for youngsters.
Santa will meet children at their tables and surprise them with some festive magic before handing out a festive gift and a certificate to ticket holders aged two to 12.
Guests will also have an opportunity to take some photos.
More information at: www.stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/breakfast-with-santa-2024/
Escape Rooms – every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
Ideal for corporate parties, family get-togethers, birthday parties or fun with friends, visitors will be able to celebrate Christmas with a visit to the Escape in 60 escape rooms at the Windsor Leisure Centre in Stovell Road.
A one child goes free offer is also on this Christmas.
More at: www.escapein60windsor.com
Santa Cruise – 21 and 22 December
Santa will be aboard The Georgian on select dates his festive season.
Visitors can join the team for a Christmas River Thames cruise, featuring a range of treats and a visit from Santa who will bring along a gift for every child on board.
The cruise will last for one hour and 30 minutes and is run by the Windsor and Maidenhead Boat Company.
The pick-up and return will be behind Windsor Leisure Centre.
Find out more at: www.wmbcboats.co.uk/cruises
Santa’s Grotto at Daniel of Windsor – until December 24
The store has been transformed for the festive season and youngsters can visit Santa’s Grotto and meet the man himself to share Christmas wishes and receive a special gift.
A professional photo is included in the visit.
The visit costs £15 per ticket, per child.
Tickets can be booked at www.tickets.windsor.gov.uk/sales/danielsantasgrotto
For more visit: www.danielstores.co.uk
Dick Whittington at Theatre Royal, Windsor – until January 12
Dancers, colourful costumes and much more are expected as Basil Brush, Kevin Cruise, Steve Blakeley and Hilary O’Neil take to the stage in Dick Whittington.
Tickets are on sale from £18.50
More information can be found at www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/dick-whittington-24
The Great Reindeer Chase – from November 23 onwards
The Make Maidenhead reindeer are hiding in shop windows around the town.
Eagle-eyed shoppers can get involved to see if they can spot the 24 reindeer while out and about.
Photos can be shared using #MyFestiveRoyalBorough.
Pinocchio at Norden Farm – until December 28
Original music and a range of physical tricks are on offer for those wanting to go and see Pinocchio at Norden Farm this festive season.
The show is on twice a day at Norden Farm and is for those aged 3 plus.
Tickets cost £16, £14 for under 16s and £56 for family and friends (four people).
Cinderella – until December 24
A magical pantomime promising plenty of laughter and audience participation awaits visitors at the Baylis Theatre this festive season.
Tickets for Cinderella cost £17 and family tickets are available during off-peak performances.
More at: www.maidenheadpanto.co.uk
Breakfast with Santa at Foggs Restaurant at Daniel in Windsor – December 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24
Guests will enjoy a continental breakfast with tea, coffee, juices and babyccinos for youngsters.
There will be an opportunity to meet Santa who will give each child a small present.
For more visit: www.heidibakery.co.uk
Breakfast with Santa – December 21, 22, 23 and 24
An unlimited breakfast buffet and a visit from Santa – complete with a gift for those under 12 is on offer at the event at The Castle Hotel in Windsor.
Tickets cost £30 for adults, £27.50 for children aged four to 12, £19.50 for those aged two to three and £6 for children aged zero to one.
Visit: www.castlehotelwindsor.yapsody.com/event/index/804967/breakfast-with-santa
Afternoon Tea with Santa – December 21, 22, 23 and 24
A fun-filled event complete with afternoon tea and a chance to meet Santa is on offer in the Windsor Suite at The Castle Hotel in Windsor.
Enjoy family entertainment from £42.50 for adults, £25 for children aged four to 12, £19.50 for those aged two to three and £6 for zero to one-years-old.
For more visit: www.castlehotelwindsor.yapsody.com/event/index/804969/afternoon-tea-with-santa
Christmas in Eton – until January 5
Visitors to Eton High Street can hunt for panto characters this festive season.
Shops and businesses are displaying coloured pictures made by school children from the area.
People can call into the Information Centre to get an entry form or download one from www.visiteton.info between December 16 and January 5.
Participants can then start their hunt in the town and the three winners chosen from the hat on January 6 will be in with a chance of picking a prize from the Santa sack.
Maidenhead Concert Band – December 18
A concert raising funds for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service will take place at Norden Farm from 7.45pm.
Guests can expect songs, big band sounds, Christmas music and classics.
Tickets cost £10
The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker – December 19, 21 and 27
Ballet with a treat awaits guests at Norden Farm from 7.15pm on December 19, 5pm on December 21 and 4.30pm on December 27.
Tickets cost £16
Hauntings – December 20
An evening of stories of the supernatural with award-winning actor Gerard Logan is promised at Norden Farm from 6pm.
Tickets cost £16 and £14 for supporters.
Christmas Ceilidh – December 20
Guests will enjoy an evening of music and dancing in the Long Barn.
Tickets cost £17.
The Santa Show 2024 – December 21 and 23
The elves are making their final preparations to Santa’s Sleigh on Christmas Eve when crisis hits.
The short, live show includes a story, songs and audience interaction, plus a small gift from Santa.
The show is recommended for those aged three plus and takes place from 11am at the Baylis Theatre at Braywick Leisure Centre.
There will be a gift available for each ticket holder under the age of 16.
Tickets from £13.
James Phelan: The Dreamer – Live – December 21
James Phelan will be bringing the magic to Norden Farm from 8pm.
Tickets cost £24.50.
Pop Up Bowie – December 28
Guests will enjoy an evening of David Bowie hits performed by Paul Anthony.
The evening starts at 8pm and tickets cost £22.50.
Windsor Great Park Illuminated – until January 4
A dazzling trail showcasing the woodland, complete with projections and floodlit fountain shows awaits guests at Windsor Great Park this festive season.
A forest trail promises music and light, bringing woodland creatures to life.
Mulled wine, food, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows are just some of the treats on offer.
The trail is dog friendly.
For more information visit: www.windsor.gov.uk/whats-on/windsor-great-park-illuminated-p1919501
Windsor On Ice – until January 5
Skaters of all levels can enjoy the fully-covered ice rink in Alexandra Gardens, complete with an undercover viewing area where freshly-ground coffee, mulled wine, and festive food and drink from the themed food court can be enjoyed.
An array of rides and attractions for all ages are also available.
For more information, visit: www.windsoronice.co.uk
A Royal Christmas Spectacle: Windsor Castle Illuminations – November 16 onwards
The Curfew Tower in Thames Street is adorned with Christmas creations by school pupils from the area.
The illuminations also feature the architecture of St George’s Chapel and its stained-glass windows.
The display is accompanied by Christmas-themed music.
The Magic of Legoland at Christmas – selected dates
A festive family day out is promised at Legoland on selected dates this Christmas.
Families can start by snapping a selfie in from of the giant Christmas tree at the resort, before visiting Miniland where there are lots of festive scenes hidden.
Visitors can write down their findings in their own Jolly Journal.
The Brick in Miniland has also been decorated for the festive season and features lots of activities and Lego builds.
There are also plenty of Christmas singalongs, live entertainment and characters to meet, as well attractions and rides.
Windsor and Eton Living Advent Calendar – until December 24
From 6.15pm each evening a unique Christmas-themed event will take place across various locations.
Whether its performances, stories or festive treats, there is something for all to enjoy.
Howden Christmas Racing Weekend – December 20 and 21
Guests can experience the magic of the Nutcracker at Ascot Racecourse at the two-day event.
The weekend will feature horse racing and festive activities on Saturday, including Swing Boats, Bubble Bikes and performances by Clockwork Ballerinas and Gliding Toy Soldiers.
For more information, visit: www.eticketing.co.uk/ascotracecourse/events/index
Festive Fun at Windsor Castle – until January 5
Christmas trees, garlands and festive wreaths adorn Windsor Castle this festive season.
There are plenty of family activities to enjoy throughout the school holidays, with a chance to learn about a Victorian Christmas at the castle.
The visit is included in the castle ticket or 1-Year Pass.
For more information visit: www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
The castle is closed every Tuesday, Wednesday and on Thursday, December 26.
CMC Christmas Eve Trot – December 24
The popular annual Christmas Eve Trot is back for another year and is raising funds for Thames Hospice.
Each year the event sees the Cookham community gather for the run which features two routes to choose from.
From 8.30am, participants can take on the 20km Trail Loop through a muddy, clockwise route.
Alternatively, a 5km family-friendly route around Winter Hill, suitable for all ages, is also available.
All routes will start from The Old Swan Uppers in Cookham.
People can join in the festive fun and attend in fancy dress, with the best costume winning a prize.
Entry fees cost £25 for adults, £15 for a child and £60 for a family.
This includes a bacon sandwich at The Old Swan Uppers from 10.30am.
To register contact Jason Leaf on 07876501743 or email jasonrleaf@hotmail.co.uk
The team has currently raised £2,300 of its £6,000 target.
For more information visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/cmc-xmas-1731229099916?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fcmc-xmas-1731229099916&utm_source=whatsapp&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp
Boxing Day Mummers’ Play – December 26
Pinkneys Green-based Ellington Morris will be bringing back their traditional Mummers’ Play to two pubs in the area this Boxing Day.
The play features St George who is brought back to life by a doctor and his wondrous horse – assisted by Molly, Father Christmas, Jack Finney and Beelzebub – following a fight.
The side will be performing at The Crown in Cookham at 12pm and The Dewdrop Inn in Hurley at 1.15pm.
Ellington Morris collects donations for the Maidenhead Mencap Monday Club.
For more information visit www.ellington.org.uk or call Chris Bell on 01628 623023.
Toy Drive at Tesco in Taplow – until December 20
Customers to Tesco in Taplow can gift a toy to local children in need this festive season.
The superstore has organised a collection of toys at the store and will be sharing these with Wexham Park Hospital children’s ward.
The donated toys will be used to make sure than any children staying at the hospital on Christmas Day, receive a gift.
The store has a dedicated donation point for customers to donate new, unwrapped toys.
Paul Ackerman, store manager at Tesco Taplow Superstore, said: “It’s fantastic to see our customers be so generous in supporting a fantastic hospital making Christmas special for those not able to spend it at home with their loved ones.”