Sandringham: Royal expert discusses future of Christmas tradition

The Royal Family have cancelled their traditional Christmas plans amid the Covid-19 pandemic. While Queen Elizabeth II, 94, and Prince Philip, 99, usually host royal relatives at Sandringham house from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, this year the couple will spend the holiday at Windsor Castle for the first time in 33 years.

The Queen owns dozens of royal residences across the UK some of which are opened to the public and run by charity The Royal Collection Trust.

The Royal Collection Trust has suffered huge losses thanks to lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions which forced it to close royal residences and public exhibitions for months since March.

While the royals will not descend on Sandringham this winter members of the public will be invited to explore the stately home’s stunning grounds for a covid-secure adventure.

A company called Luminate has transformed the woodlands on the estate into a “magical light trail” for visitors.

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The event will run from December 17 to January 17 and tickets are now on sale.

Director of Luminate Daniel Maycock said: “We are really looking forward to putting on this new, Covid compliant version of our light trail at Sandringham Country Estate.

“We hope to be a little different to anything else in the area and we can’t wait to open our doors to the public on Thursday.”

He added: “The light trial actually really suits socially distancing rules – as people want to be with their own ‘bubble’, and it’s all outside in the fresh air as well.

“We have had to ‘re-imagine’ some of the interactive elements, so there are less touchpoints but we feel we have created a memorable trail, with something for all ages.”

How to buy tickets

Tickets for the Sandringham woodland light trail can be bought on Luminate’s website here: www.luminate.live.

Adult tickets cost £14 while child tickets cost £10.

Some of the profit raised from Luminate will go back to the Sandringham Estate, Mr Maycock confirmed.

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Unlike Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, Sandringham does not fall under the Royal Collection Trust umbrella but is run as its own separate estate.

A description of the Luminate Sandringham event on the estate’s website reads: “Luminate Sandringham the captivating light trail will take you on a mile long path around the stunning woodlands and Country Park at Sandringham.

“Warm up by the fire pit, toast marshmallows and indulge in delicious festive food and drinks from Sandringham Courtyard.

“Following a sell-out debut year last year in Wales we are delighted to welcome Luminate to East Anglia.

“The trail will operate on a timed entry pre-booked ticket system. Open every evening from December 17 to January 17 from 4.30pm to 9pm.”

The Sandringham Shop and Terrace cafe and toilets will remain open until 9.30pm on Winter Light Trail dates.

The Queen and Philip’s royal residences

The Queen and Philip have the following royal residences across the UK:

• Balmoral Castle, Scotland
• Craigowan Lodge, Scotland
• Buckingham Palace, London
• Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland
• The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scotland
• Sandringham House, Norfolk
• Windsor Castle, Windsor

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