Top 13 Christmas trees in London

There’s nothing that signals the festive period more than a Christmas tree. London has some of the most resplendent, varied creations you’re likely to see. They can usually be admired from November into the New Year.

 

Trafalgar Square, from 7 Dec

Every year since 1947, the people of Norway have sent the gift of a Norwegian spruce in gratitude for Britain’s support for the country in World War II. It towers at 66ft and lights up Trafalgar Square throughout the festive period. Don’t miss the lighting of the famous tree on 7 December. There’s also usually a blessing of the crib ceremony, featuring a torchlit procession and music from St Martin-in-the-Fields church. Listen to the dulcet tones of the carol singers who gather around the tree during the festive period.

 

Handel Hendrix House

Hallelujah! The house where Handel wrote the Christmas-favourite Messiah is dressed for the festive season. The adjacent homes of composer Handel and rock ‘n’ roll legend Jimi Hendrix are now the museum, Handel Hendrix House in Mayfair. Hendrix’s apartment has also been dressed for Christmas and the homes will host a series of festive events until 22 December.

 

Windsor Castle

Just over 30 minutes by train from Paddington, Windsor is fantastic for a day trip out of London. Head to the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world – and the location of Price Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding – while you’re here. Magnificent Christmas trees, twinkling lights and festive garlands transform the State Apartments at Windsor Castle. Highlights include a 20-foot-high Christmas tree in St George’s Hall, dressed with 3,000 lights and hundreds of ornaments. The tree is sourced from Windsor Great Park.

 

Covent Garden

One of the largest Christmas trees you’ll stumble across in the capital, this is always an Instagrammer’s favourite. The 60ft tree towers above the beautiful cobbled streets of the 19th-century piazza. It’s dripping in 30, 000 lights and 200 gold baubles. The surrounding square and market area is adorned with spectacular decorations. Look out for giant bells with bows on them, mirror balls and thousands of twinkling lights.

 

Claridge’s

 

The luxurious Mayfair hotel presents an iconic Christmas tree installation, created by a different designer annually. This year, it’s the celebrated menswear designer Sir Paul Smith’s turn. The 20-foot tree is decorated with more than 100 mechanical birdhouses, playing cards, postage stamps and dice. Make sure to get up close to admire the detail. Afterwards, why not wander over to the West End to gaze at some of London’s best Christmas lights?

 

St Pancras International

Follow the yellow brick road to St. Pancras International station to see this year’s Wicked-themed Christmas tree, in celebration of the release of the most hotly anticipated film of the season. Designed with Universal Pictures UK, the tree is inspired by the Emerald City. Gaze on in amazement at the 36 ft tree, featuring hand-painted gold and green details which, legend has it, took more than 4,000 hours to create!

 

Coal Drops Yard

Visit the festive-feeling Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross and you’ll find a 50ft traditional Christmas tree lighting up the area. Head round the corner to Lewis Cubitt Square where you can also see Temenos (20 Nov-2 Mar) – an artistic installation reflecting the festive tree by Liliane Lijn, featuring geometric neon poles.

 

Aqua Shard

Head up to the 31st floor of The Shard to find this unusual tree, created in collaboration with the esteemed French perfume brand, Editions De Parfums Frédéric Malle. The 23-ft red and silver tree is a glamorous addition to the restaurant and is complete with giant chrome baubles. A dessert inspired by the tree is also available at Aqua Shard, with proceeds being given to charity Art of Wishes, which unites the art world to help children with critical illnesses. See the tree until 5 January.

 

Leadenhall Market

Gaze on in wonder at the beautiful festive tree at the Victorian Leadenhall Market nestled in the heart of the City of London. Embrace the magical atmosphere with a gift-stop at the shops, before wandering locations used in some of the Harry Potter movies. It is a striking place to visit all year round, with its vaulted glass roof and elaborately painted store fronts, but Christmas brings an extra special atmosphere. Soak it in and pop into one of the cosy Dickensian-style pubs for a mug of mulled wine.

 

Annabel’s

Okay, we’re using a bit of artistic licence on this one, but the installations outside this Mayfair privates members’ club are always stunning. This year’s Christmas façade features a glimmering magical bird inside a snow globe. The stunning, larger-than-life display has taken over the entranceway at Annabel’s – and the floors above it too. While you may not get inside (unless you treat yourself to a membership), the exterior is always extravagant beyond belief and can be seen in all its glory until January.

 

The Churchill Arms

A short walk from Kensington Gardens and South Kensington’s museums and galleries is the most Christmassy pub in London. Each year The Churchill Arms transforms into a festive spectacle. Decked out in over 90 Christmas trees and thousands of lights, it’s a sight to behold. The decorations take weeks to prepare but you can expect to see them from mid to late November. Step inside for delicious Thai food in cosy surroundings.

 

Victoria & Albert Museum

Every year to celebrate the festive period, the V&A Museum commissions a designer to create a Christmas tree to sit in the Grand Entrance. These unique installations range from lavishly decorated real trees to hand-crafted twists on the tradition. This year it was created by artist and designer, Anna Lomax. All Lit Up! is a swirling structure inspired by the columns in the museum’s Dome, which creates a parallel between the elegance of an evergreen conifer tree and the strength of a column. The installation also has lights that are playfully animated throughout the day, bringing magic and sparkle to the festive period.

 

The Connaught Hotel

The Connaught Christmas tree, located outside this iconic hotel, is a landmark of Mount Street during the festive months. Admirers travel from miles around to marvel at the creative genius dreamed up by some of the top artists in the world. This year’s tree is the work of the influential British artist Conrad Shawcross RA, who is known for his mathematical and geometrical creations.