London’s Prettiest Christmas Trees For 2023
It starts earlier every year: Christmas shops open in August, light shows sell out in September, tubs of Christmas chocolates go on sale in October, and Mariah Carey has fully defrosted come November. But when London’s iconic Christmas trees start to light up the capital? That’s when you know the festive season has truly begun.
From spectacular festive hotel displays to twinkling landmarks, here are some of the best Christmas trees in London to check out this festive season.
The Prettiest Christmas Trees In London
Shangri-La The Shard
The highest hotel in London has collaborated with Jo Loves by Jo Malone CBE and renowned British textile brand Warner House for an ‘Enchanted Wonders’ festive theme, where a scent-inspired Christmas tree, wreath-making workshops, and festive feasts promise a sensory journey through beloved Christmas traditions.
‘The Chronicles of Jo Loves’ larger-than-life Christmas tree in the lobby is decorated with twinkling lights, whimsical bows, and mini bottles of Jo by Jo Loves, while gifts wrapped in Warner House’s festive prints, and a life-size perfume bottle set the scene for that perfect Instagram moment.
WHERE: 31 ST THOMAS ST, LONDON SE1 9QU
WEBSITE: WWW.SHANGRI-LA.COM
Claridge’s
A traditional tree (or indeed a tree shape at all) is in no way a given at Claridge’s. Every year, the iconic institution of the art deco hotel’s tree is passed from designer to designer, and this year Louis Vuitton are celebrating the ‘Art of Travel’.
The stunning installation stands tall at 5.2 metres, within two large, emblematic Malles Vestiaire, or ‘Wardrobe Trunks,’ decorated with nostalgic Claridge’s travel stickers and an oversized Louis Vuitton luggage tag. 15 vertical silver trunks form a traditional Christmas tree silhouette and reflect the hotel’s art deco architecture, and at the peak is Asnières, the historic Louis Vuitton family home and atelier. Scattered atop the silver trunks and among the snowy landscape of the tree are 21 Louis Vuitton Vivienne mascots, including Father Christmas himself.
WHERE: BROOK STREET, LONDON W1K 4HR
WEBSITE: WWW.CLARIDGES.CO.UK
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Sketch
The term ‘tree’ is used loosely here, but you wouldn’t expect anything less from Sketch. Located in The Lecture Room & Library, the gold, bejewelled tree pays homage to surrealism, from Dali to Magritte.
It’s really something extraordinary, adorned with a cascade of sparkling crystals. We’re obsessed.
The gold, bejewelled tree pays homage to surrealism.
WHERE: 9 CONDUIT ST, LONDON W1S 2XG
WEBSITE: WWW.SKETCH.LONDON
Aqua Shard
Aqua Shard unveils yet another of the prettiest Christmas trees in London this year, with panoramic city views to boot. Standing tall at 7 metres, this year’s masterpiece supports Great Ormond Street Hospital through ‘The Giving Tree’, decked out with teddy bears, wooden toys, red bows and hot air balloons. It’s a heartwarming sight, and guests can contribute to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity’s Christmas Appeal, ensuring that the magic of the festive season reaches those in need.
Blending breathtaking views with charitable spirit, it’s a must-visit destination for some Christmas magic in the capital.
Where: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
Website: www.aquashard.co.uk
The Westin London City
Celebrate the childlike magic of the festive season at The Westin London City with their Winter Candyland installation, and step into a world of whimsy, surrounded by gingerbread houses, giant gumdrops, and a pink, cotton candy-inspired tree.
This sweet and playful dreamland is perfect for families, and highlights include a life-size gingerbread house and advent calendar, a festive afternoon tea boasting stunning views of the River Thames, and carol singers throughout December
Where: 60 Upper Thames St., London EC4V 3AD
Website: www.marriott.com
Pan Pacific London
Not your average tree, this year, Pan Pacific London welcomes their enchanting MOSAIC installation by artist Arnaud Lapierre in collaboration with EC (Business Improvement District) and MTArt Agency.
Nestled against the hotel’s ‘orchard of trees’ light installation, the unique Christmas tree is reimagined from recycled emerald-green glass and mirrored cubes. Illuminating One Bishopsgate Plaza, the shimmering structure captures the diversity of London’s architecture, reflecting light and harmonising with the five-star luxury hotel.
Where: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
Website: www.panpacific.com
The Dorchester
This year, the festive décor at The Dorchester has been designed by resident florist, Phillip Hammond. The luxurious five-star hotel is decorated with Christmas trees in the Promenade, an opulent display in the forecourt, and fireplaces dressed up with stockings and baubles.
The best bit? A magical 15ft fir, decked out with beautiful ornaments. Alongside these charming arrangements, there are plenty of festive activities including a Santa’s grotto where kids can craft letters to Father Christmas, and sending them through The Dorchester’s special postbox – a direct route to the North Pole.
Where: 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
Website: www.dorchestercollection.com
The Ritz
Twenty-five feet of tree, covered in glorious red and gold decorations, makes a visit to The Ritz feel spectacularly Christmassy this December.
A rare, traditional tree on the festive luxury hotel scene, the festive décor matches the interiors of the building perfectly, dripping in gold and velvet, with over 6,500 lights to make sure it’s sparkly enough.
WHERE: 150 PICCADILLY, ST. JAMES’S, LONDON W1J 9BR
WEBSITE: WWW.THERITZLONDON.COM
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45 Park Lane
45 Park Lane’s Christmas tree marries festive tradition with pop culture. Crafted by British collage artist Hormazd Narielwella, the tree stands as the inaugural Artists’ Christmas creation. On closer look, you’ll spot iconic British music figures like Elton John and David Bowie, gracefully decorating the branches.
This musical masterpiece fuses creativity and tradition, bringing a cultural tribute and a dash of Christmas spirit to the Mayfair hotel.
Where: 45 Park Ln, London W1K 1PN
Website: www.dorchestercollection.com
The Royal Horseguards Hotel
Conveniently located near iconic landmarks, the Royal Horseguards Hotel is an ideal base for soaking up London’s festive atmosphere. Twinkling decorations and a magnificent Christmas tree beneath the grand stairwell create a magical atmosphere for warming up by the lobby’s fireplace or enjoying a Festive Afternoon Tea in The Lounge, with every corner covered in festive décor.
Where: 2 Whitehall Ct, London SW1A 2EJ
Website: www.guoman.com
Covent Garden
Arguably the most festive spot in town, it wouldn’t be Christmas in London without a visit to Covent Garden and their iconic tree.
Standing at a whopping sixty feet tall, the tree sparkles with over 30,000 dazzling lights to transform the West Piazza into the festive destination of dreams. There are over 115,000 lights in total, taking 126 hours to install with 100 people involved in the process.
WHERE: COVENT GARDEN, LONDON
WEBSITE: WWW.COVENTGARDEN.LONDON
The London EDITION
The London EDITION has unveiled its stunning Christmas tree for 2023, a creation by acclaimed design studio, Campbell-Rey. Standing tall at 20 feet, the tree is inspired by the childlike joy felt on Christmas Eve.
Drawing from Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s 1816 Romantic set design for Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Campbell-Rey weaves symbolism and wonder into the design through oversized handblown Murano glass baubles, faux stones like onyx and marble, and a hand-gilded star atop the tree.
Where: 10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP
Website: www.editionhotels.com
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station is dazzling us again this year with another extravagant Christmas display. Following last year’s success, the iconic location features a stunning Christmas tree surrounded by a huge ice-skating rink.
The festivities continue with fairground rides, charming igloos, and oodles of Christmas shopping opportunities. It’s a healthy dose of festive magic in a spectacular riverside setting.
Where: Nine Elms, London SW11 8EF
Website: www.glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
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St. Pancras International
Christmas has arrived at St. Pancras with their much-anticipated 2023 tree. Every year, the station pulls out all the stops with a new brand partnership for their iconic tree, and this year they’ve partnered with Hatchards, London’s oldest bookshop, to create a magnificent sight standing at 12 metres tall, featuring a winding staircase, and an impressive line-up of over 3,800 books.
The tree features eight cubby holes where children and adults can sit, fully immersing themselves in the magic of Christmas. Each booth is equipped with speakers, allowing visitors to choose a five-minute excerpt from an audiobook or reading provided exclusively by Penguin Books, featuring authors like Michael Morpurgo, Zadie Smith, Tom Fletcher, and Richard Osman.
WHERE: EUSTON RD, LONDON N1C 4QP
WEBSITE: WWW.STPANCRAS.COM
Trafalgar Square
For over 75 years, Trafalgar Square has welcomed a magnificent gift from Norway, a classic Norwegian spruce, as a thank you for Britain’s support during World War II. When December hits, the square transforms into a shining spectacle and the tree is festooned with vertical strings of lights.
Affectionately referred to by Norwegians as ‘the queen of the forest,’ the annual tradition adds a dash of Nordic magic to London’s festivities, symbolising the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Where: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DS
The Ned
Christmas has arrived at The Ned with a 21ft Christmas tree embellished in rich burgundy, plum, and gold hues, a creation by in-house florists Grandirosa.
6,000 traditional fairy lights, 1,600 classic decorations, and a grand halo wreath cast a warm festive glow throughout the venue to create an effortlessly charming atmosphere and a stunning display. Soak it all up with a glass of champagne and some live music in the Nickel Bar.
Where: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Website: www.thened.com
The Connaught
The eighth year The Connaught Christmas Tree has been designed by a celebrated artist, 2023’s tree has been designed by influential British artist and sculptor Dame Rachel Whiteread, celebrating a feeling of togetherness and circles of positive brightness throughout the festive season. The artist regularly uses circular motive in her practise and this tree is no exception, highlighting a symbol of hope this Christmas.
The Connaught has always been a prominent player in the art world, accumulating a substantial art collection throughout its extensive 170-year history.
WHERE: 16 CARLOS PL, LONDON W1K 2AL
WEBSITE: WWW.THE-CONNAUGHT.CO.UK
