42 festive photos of the royal family celebrating Christmas

Christmas is going to look a bit different this year. With the country still battling the Covid-19 pandemic, the royal family will not be celebrating in the traditional way (with the Queen and Prince Philip choosing to have a quiet Christmas together at Windsor Castle). However, the House of Windsor sure knows how to celebrate Christmas and they'll certainly come up with something festive.

As the season approaches, take a look back at both the royals' annual engagements (the Queen's televised address and the whole family's attendance at Christmas Day services in Sandringham) and their classic Christmas traditions and activities.

Here, we've rounded up the best photos of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, the Duchess of Cambridge, the Duchess of Sussex and more royal family members getting into the holiday spirit.

Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret put on a royal production of 'Aladdin' at Windsor Castle for Christmas.

The following year, Elizabeth and Margaret starred in a Christmas production of 'Old Mother Red Riding Boots' at Windsor Castle.

Elizabeth and Margaret pose with the full cast of 'Old Mother Red Riding Boots.'

Queen Elizabeth made her first Christmas radio broadcast to the U.K. from Sandringham House in 1952.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Government House in Auckland, New Zealand on Christmas Day. A man dressed as Santa gives presents to the Governor General's daughters.

As the technology changed, so did the Queen's Christmas addresses, and in 1957, her message was televised for the first time. The desk is decorated with portraits of Prince Charles and Princess Anne.

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth inspect their Christmas tree during the filming of a TV special.

A still from the Queen's Christmas Broadcast, showing her with her sons Prince Andrew (left) and Prince Edward (centre).

The Queen with her daughter, Princess Anne, and grandson Peter Phillips, during the 1978 Christmas broadcast.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles with a young Prince William at Kensington Palace around Christmastime.

Princess Diana and Lady Rose Windsor walk hand-in-hand as leave the Christmas Day service at St George's Chapel with the rest of the royal family.

Princess Diana meets some Christmassy fans during a visit to a children's hospital.

Prince Harry dressed as a Shepherd for his school's Christmas play.

Prince William tries on a fireman's helmet at the Sandringham Museum Of Royal Vehicles And Cars during the Christmas holidays.

Prince Harry and Prince William sit in a horse-drawn carriage with Santa.

Backstage at London's Royal Opera House, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret enjoyed the Christmas decorations.

Princess Diana attends a lunch with author and politician, Lord Jeffrey Archer and former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Denis Healey, both dressed as Santa Claus.

Princess Diana turns on the Christmas lights in Bond Street, Central London.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie attend a Christmas performance of Cinderella.

Prince William attends the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie at the annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church, carrying their presents.

Queen Elizabeth and fashion designer Zandra Rhodes enjoy the Christmas decor in Buckingham Palace's Picture Gallery.

The Duchess of York takes her daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, to meet Santa at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children party.

Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie Countess of Wessex, attend a ballet adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

Prince Charles hosts a Christmas party with children suffering from Leukemia. Here, the kids watch Sergeant Mark Bevan of the Queen's Dragoon put ornaments on the tree with his sword.

At Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew poses with dancers from the English National Ballet.

Prince Charles greets Santa and his helper at the 'Not Forgotten Association' reception at St James's Palace.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, poses on a particularly interesting decoration at Selfridges.

Queen Elizabeth smiles as she receives flowers from young well-wishers on Christmas Day.

Prince Harry poses with a small tree and Christmas hat at Camp Bastion on December 12, 2012 in Afghanistan.

During a Christmas-themed event at Clarence House, Camilla posed with a car made to look like a reindeer.

The Duchess of Cambridge helps wrap Christmas presents at the Northside Centre for Child Development in New York City.

Prince William decorates a gingerbread house at a Christmas party for volunteers of the Mix youth service.

Princess Charlotte carries a festive candy cane as she leaves a Christmas Day service with her family.

Prince William gives Santa his son Prince George's Christmas list.

The royal family (with the Duchess of Sussex for the first time) attends traditional Christmas Day church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.

Kate and Prince William hosted a very Christmassy event at Kensington Palace for children of military families—fake snow and all.

During her first Christmas season as an official member of the royal family, Meghan helped residents of the Royal Variety Charity's nursing home make holiday decorations.

Meghan and Kate share a smile on the walk in to St. Mary Magdalene church. See more photos from this year's celebration here.

Kate visited Peterley Manor Farm in December to help children pick out Christmas trees for their classrooms. (As it turns out, Kate has a clear preference for the Nordmann Fir variety.)

The Queen recorded her annual Christmas broadcast, accompanied by a festive tree and some sweet family photos.

Following their annual tradition, the royal family attended Christmas Day church services at Sandringham. Here, Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte hold hands while heading to church.