The festive celebrations at Victoria and Albert’s Osborne House

They were the royals who really helped invent modern Christmas as we know it and now one of their favourite homes is putting on a festive treat. Osborne House, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s family home in the Isle of Wight, will be welcoming visitors for special Christmas celebrations. 

Families will be able to celebrate the holiday season with a special Christmas quest with twelve separate stops to discover holiday history, stories, traditions and more. 

On weekends from 30 November to 22 December, families can visit Father Christmas. Children will be able to take photos with Santa and will also receive a traditional holiday present to unwrap. 

Victorian butlers will also be in the festive spirit. Visitors on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December will be able to enjoy as they share stories, plays, history, and even lead Christmas cracker making workshops. 

For those looking to treat themselves at the holidays, Osborne’s Terrace Restaurant will be offering a special Christmas-themed afternoon tea. On Wednesday to Sunday from 30 November to 22 December, guests can book a tea with Christmas treats. 

Prince Albert designed Osborne House as a family home. The Italian Renaissance palazzo style home was built between 1845 and 1851, and the couple and their nine children spent much of their time there. 

King Edward VII gave the property to the state on the day of his coronation. It has been managed by English Heritage since 1986, with historic tours and programming offered.