The palace is all ready to welcome guests for the festive season

Christmas decorations in the Picture Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

It’s a once a year chance to see the State Apartments transformed with glittering Christmas trees, twinkling lights and dining tables laid for royal feasts to celebrate the festive season.

Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse runs until 5 January 2018 with the festive decorations drawing on the baroque architecture of the Palace itself, taking inspiration from the ornate garlands of fruits and flowers that can be seen on the magnificent 17th-century plasterwork ceilings.

The Great Stair leading to the historic State Apartments will be draped with twinkling garlands and wreaths, while in the Great Gallery a 15-foot-high Christmas tree will be decked in white and silver.

Staff member Maria Perez helps with the Christmas preparations underway at the Palace of Holyroodhouse,Edinburgh where the State Apartments have been transformed with glittering Christmas trees, twinkling lights and a dining table laid for a royal feast. In the Great Gallery a 15-foot-high Christmas tree is decked in white and silver, while in the Royal Dining Room the table is laid with pieces from a silver service presented to George V and Queen Mary in 1935 to mark their Silver Jubilee. Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse is from 1 December 2017 to 5 January 2018.Photograph David Cheskin Royal Collection.01.12.2017

In the Royal Dining Room, the table will be laid with pieces from a silver service presented to George V and Queen Mary in 1935 to mark their Silver Jubilee, and decorated with flowers, wreaths and spires of faux candied sugared fruits.

On Sunday, a Festive Family Day includes a Christmas present trail, a family ceilidh, fancy-dress and face-painting, decoration-making workshops, and storytelling around the fireplace in the Palace’s Great Gallery.

On Monday and Tuesday, the Scottish Vocal Ensemble will provide an evening of Christmas carols and seasonal music in the splendour of the Great Gallery.

Tickets include a glass of wine, a mince pie and a 20% discount in the Palace shop.

On selected dates there will also be exclusive evening tours of the royal residences during which visitors can enjoy a Private Evening Tour of the official royal residences.

The tours at the Palace of Holyroodhouse will be led by an expert guide and offer a special behind-the-ropes experience.

All tickets include a glass of champagne, a copy of the Official Souvenir Guide and a 20% discount at Royal Collection Trust shops.

Carols around the Christmas Tree, 11 & 12 Dec, 7pm, £13.50/ Christmas at Palace £12.50/ Exclusive Evening Tours, until 2 January 2018, 6pm, £40, 030-123 7306