The final touches are being added to a spectacular copper and gold Christmas tree, bringing festive cheer to the Royal Pavilion’s historic kitchen. This dazzling Regency culinary-themed tree is one of seventeen uniquely decorated trees transforming the former royal palace into a magical Christmas experience.
Each tree tells its own story, from the Bridgerton-inspired frothy pastel tones to the opulent Louis XIV sunflower tree in the Saloon. There’s even a party tree festooned with invitations to gatherings once hosted by George IV himself.
Upstairs, the spotlight shifts to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, whose influence shaped many of our modern festive traditions. Three trees, including a recreation of their actual Christmas tree featured on a Victorian magazine cover, are displayed alongside original Victorian toys from the museum’s collection, capturing the timeless joy of a family Christmas.
For the first time ever, a magnificent 22 ft real Christmas tree has been installed in the Pavilion’s listed garden, illuminating the grounds and creating a stunning festive backdrop for visitors.
Sponsored by Gap Solutions, a family owned bespoke furniture business based in Brighton who carry out installations across the South East and London, the tree is a Nordman Fir located outside the main entrance to the Pavilion.
Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums, said: “There’s something for everyone, with festive decorations, craft workshops, ice skating, carol singers, trails for families, and magical experiences that will make this Christmas truly special. Our Christmas tree trail is wonderful and we want to thank Gap Solutions for their generous sponsorship of our first outdoor tree.”
Director Greg Bradley of Gap Solutions said: “This Christmas, we’re proudly supporting Brighton & Hove Museums as we ourselves are born and bred Brightonians so we hold many memories of visiting the Royal Pavilion and museums and hope that they are here for many many years to come.”
Outdoor Christmas tree sponsored by Gap Solutions © BrightonPictures.com
These Christmas displays are part of an exciting seasonal programme, including the return of a Regency Father Christmas, choir performances, a beloved mouse trail, festive banquets, and Christmas craft workshops.
Brighton & Hove Museums is a registered charity that relies on donations, grants and admissions to operate its five heritage venues which include the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Preston Manor & Garden, Booth Museum of Natural History and Hove Museum of Creativity.
Support the Royal Pavilion Dome Appeal This Christmas
Brighton & Hove Museums are calling for further support to fund vital repairs to the domes of the iconic Royal Pavilion. Recent restoration revealed extensive water damage and rot in the smaller dome’s timber structure, prompting an urgent public appeal.
Thanks to generous donations, over £30,000 was raised within three days, enabling work to begin. However, the damage is worse than initially feared, and the museum now needs an additional £50,000 to complete the repairs.
Next year, exploratory work will assess the condition of other domes and pinnacles, ensuring the Royal Pavilion remains a treasured part of Brighton’s skyline for generations to come.
To donate, visit Brighton & Hove Museums website.
