Norway
With all that powdery snow and gorgeous evergreen trees, Norway is undoubtedly a breathtaking place to be at Christmas.
And the Norwegian royal family definitely indulge in their winter wonderland, with traditional folk costumes, gingerbread houses, and sledging in the crisp Scandinavian air.
As is the way in a lot of European countries, Norway’s residents swap Christmas presents on the 24th of December, and King Harold and Queen Sonja are no different.
They alternate where they tear open their gifts each year though; last year they spent the holiday with son Crown Prince Haakon, his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit and their children Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus and Marius Borg Høiby.
So this year they’ll be paying a visit to daughter Princess Martha Louise’s family for the festive holiday.
Denmark
The location for the Danish royal family Christmas is the gorgeous Fredensborg Castle in northern Zealand.
And with such a huge family to cater for, last year Queen Margrethe II sent out a questionnaire to figure out who was coming, how long they were staying and whether they were bringing a nanny.
Just like in Norway, the Danish royals exchange gifts on Christmas Eve.
With Princess Mary’s cheeky bubs at the perfect age for causing Christmas chaos, it’ll be a beautiful and fun Yuletide in Denmark’s gorgeous snowy landscapes.
The Netherlands
Christmas is a little bit different in The Netherlands.
Sinterklaas- not to be confused with Santa Claus- visits Dutch children on the fifth of December.
King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima are often to be found at a big public event to celebrate with their three young daughters, not far from the palace.
But the children get to experience two different kinds of Christmases, in two different countries.
As Queen Maxima is Argentinian, the family often flies to her homeland for Christmas Day.
The King follows them a few days later, after delivering his annual speech.
Monaco
The Monegasque monarchy love their Christmas traditions nearly as much as they love Christmas.
Each year they hold a Christmas party at the royal palace, where Princess Stephanie, Princess Caroline and, since her marriage to Prince Albert, Princess Charlene hand out presents to young children.
The tradition dates back to the ‘60s, and was started by Princess Grace.
After the gorgeous twins’ arrival last year, they should be big and bold enough to properly enjoy opening their gifts at the palace this year!
And then, of course, there are the British royals.
The Queen hosts Christmas at her Sandringham Estate, and traditionally takes the train there with Prince Phillip a few days before the 25th.
Most of the family join Her Majesty there, where they, like their European counterparts, exchange gifts on Christmas Eve.
Prince William and Catherine will probably spend Christmas Day at Sandringham House this year, after hosting their own celebrations at their own residence last year.
Then, on Boxing Day, the traditional pheasant shoot in the beautiful English countryside.
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