43 festive photos of Queen Elizabeth celebrating Christmas over the years
The royal knew how to get into the festive spirit
By 
When December rolls around, the royal family brings Christmas cheer not just to the UK, but to the world. When Queen Elizabeth II took to the throne in 1952, she continued the tradition of making the holiday season a big part of life at Buckingham Palace. Following her death earlier this year, her Christmas spirit is just one of the many ways we will remember and how her legacy will continue to live on.
Over the years, she's sported many festive outfits, decorated dozens of trees, and greeted thousands of eager members of the public. For a true understanding of her Christmas merriment, take a look at these photos of the Queen celebrating the festive season.
1929
A three-year-old Princess Elizabeth holds her grandmother's hand at King's Cross station on December 21, 1929. They were travelling to Sandringham Estate for the Christmas break.
1934
Princess Elizabeth (second child from the right) sings Christmas carols with her family at a public concert in London's Albert Hall. The smaller girl in the photo is her younger sister, Princess Margaret.
1934
Just a few days later, Princess Elizabeth returned to Albert Hall with her family for a reception on 23 December. Here, they're seen walking to their seats in the royal box.
1937
The Queen, Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, and King George VI pose for cameras at King's Cross station, before departing to Sandringham Estate for the Christmas break.
1937
Just moments later, a town car whisks the royal family away. Inside, Princess Elizabeth waves to spectators.
1941
During World War II, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret were taken to Windsor Castle, while their parents stayed behind in Buckingham Palace. It was there that Margaret proposed putting on a Christmas pantomime. Here, Elizabeth is dressed as Cinderella, as her mother hands her a fan.
1942
Princess Elizabeth spread Christmas cheer even before she took the throne. Here's a festive card she sent to the Grenadier Guards regiment of the British Army.
1944
Princess Elizabeth shines on stage in a flowing white dress, as she performs alongside her sister in their annual Christmas pantomime. This year, the show was Old Mother Red Riding Boots.
1952
Just six months after her coronation, Queen Elizabeth sits by the microphone, paper in hand, to prepare for her very first Christmas address to the nation.
1953
During her first royal tour, Queen Elizabeth made history as the first reigning British monarch to visit Australia. She also stopped in New Zealand, where she made her annual Christmas Day speech via radio from the Government House in Auckland.
1953
While in New Zealand, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip watch from the steps of the Government House as Santa gives out presents.
1953
During that same trip, Queen Elizabeth was spotted leaving New Zealand's Cathedral Church of St. Mary, alongside the Bishop of Auckland, Right Reverend W.J. Simkin.
1955
Even royals deserve to have some Christmas fun. Here, Cyril Bertram Mills—the King of the Modern Circus—greets Queen Elizabeth with flowers, as she attends the Bertram Mills Christmas Circus.
1955
After she took her seat at the circus, Queen Elizabeth enjoyed the show with her husband, Prince Philip, and her sister, Princess Margaret (far right).
1956
The Queen shares a laugh with her daughter, Princess Anne, and son, Prince Charles, in the car, while traveling to Sandringham for Christmas.
1957
Five years after becoming Queen, the monarch makes her annual Christmas Day address to the UK. She holds a copy of The Pilgrim's Progress, which she read a few passages from. Fun fact: This was her very first holiday address that was televised.
1968
Queen Elizabeth sports a salmon suit on the steps of St George's Chapel in Windsor. The royal family stops to greet the clergy as they leave Christmas Day service.
1969
Queen Elizabeth chose this sweet photo of her smiling family on a trip to Norway for her Christmas card in 1969.
1969
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip admire their Christmas tree decorations, while filming a documentary about royal life.
1971
Nothing says "Christmas" quite like looking through old family albums. Her Majesty flips through a large book with two of her sons here.
Kate photographs Prince Louis for his birthday
Meghan Markle launches her own lifestyle brand
Balmoral Castle will open to the public
Princess of Wales reveals cancer diagnosis
