Prince George's First Christmas: What We Know About Prince William and Kate Middleton's Holiday Plans

Festivities will take place at Queen Elizabeth II's estate at Sandringham

By Peter Gicas Dec 12, 2013 5:01 PMTags
Prince George, Prince William, Kate MiddletonJohn Stillwell/PA Wire/Press Association via AP Images

The holidays are no doubt going to be extra special for Prince William and Kate Middleton this year.

After all, Prince George will be celebrating his very first Christmas.

So, what's in store for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their firstborn son?

Here's what we know.

Christmas Eve: The royal trio will travel to Queen Elizabeth II's estate at Sandringham to join several other guests there.

In addition to William, Kate and George, other expected invitees include Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince Harry, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Younger family members will reportedly get into the holiday spirit by adding more decorations to the approximately 20-foot Christmas tree.

Later, it's time to exchange gifts. Per tradition, the tearing open of presents does not take place on Christmas, as the queen views the day as a religious festival.

As for what everyone will receive, apparently the royal family prefers to give each other small or funny gifts, nothing too terribly lavish.

Afterward, the family attends a black-tie dinner at the estate around 8 p.m.

"It's a very formal, traditional set-up in that the family dresses appropriately and are waited on by their staff in a formal environment," a source tells E! News. "But the conversation isn't stuffy and serious. There's a jovial atmosphere."

Christmas Day: The morning will start off with breakfast before everyone makes their way to nearby services over at Sandringham's St. Mary Magdalene parish church. The service will reportedly only last about 12 minutes after which the royals sit down for lunch.

Later, the group will gather around the television to watch the queen give her annual Christmas address.

"The family does watch TV on Christmas day," according to the source. "They all watch the queen's speech together, and then it's often on in the afternoon for special Christmas shows. Traditionally, that was a time for games and walks, but as the younger generations have become more relaxed, traditions have changed."

Come evening, everyone changes and dines together at around 8 p.m.

Boxing Day: Breakfast will be served in the a.m. before William and several others head out for a pheasant hunt on the grounds. Soon after the shoot, all the royals will say their goodbyes and leave the estate to return to their respective homes.