London's best Christmas trees lift the spirits indoors and out

Christmas in the capital is underway and the best Christmas trees are shining out. 

From those who always put on a good show to the newcomers, London's hotels, restaurants and shopping districts are dazzling us with their festive displays.

Take inspiration for your own Christmas decorating ideas or just head out and soak up some seasonal joy.

CLARIDGES

This year, for Christmas, Claridges (opens in new tab) has drawn on its glamorous Art Deco design heritage evoking the Roaring 20’s, a time when people were looking for a symbol of hope post World War One. The message seems fitting as we once again hope for better times to come.

Kally Ellis, founder of renowned British floral designers McQueens Flowers has created Claridge's Christmas Tree 2020. 

Out goes the traditional evergreen, in comes a magical, white frosted deciduous tree, with each snowy branch shimmering with swathes of crystal, glass garlands and pendants, reflecting light across the black and white marbled and mirrored Art Deco lobby. 

COAL DROPS YARD

Coal Drops Yard has three Christmas trees, but this one by Coal Drops Yard (opens in new tab)residents the Botanical Boys (opens in new tab) stood out to us the most. 

The 28ft Terrarium Tree is made from 70 terrariums, just like giant baubles, each containing a unique miniature garden. The terrariums are surrounded by 168 mirrored baubles in differing sizes and will grow throughout the festive season and then be re-homed in 2021. 

At night, the terrariums are illuminated from below, casting a warm glow across Coal Drops Yard. (The core structure of the tree is reusable and will be transformed into new tree designs throughout the year ahead).

SKETCH

Designed by Ricky Paul of Ricky Paul Flowers (opens in new tab), the Christmas tree at Sketch (opens in new tab) is an electric blue creation festooned with flowers in hues of gold, pink and yellow, as if they've fallen from the skies.

It's a fun and fanciful festive treat that perfectly suits this imaginative space. 

BOND STREET

The world famous street has welcomed shoppers back with a 5-metre tall Christmas tree located in the centre of the ‘Town Square’. The tree promises a Christmas treat with a digital surprise nestled amongst the traditional decorations.

Surrounded by some of London’s most celebrated storefronts including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fenwick and Dior, the Christmas tree offers shoppers a unique, virtual experience upon scanning a QR code - with seasonal sparkle, snow and fairy dust in the festive filter. 

WHITE CITY

British designer and creative consultant Matilda Goad has designed the 'JOY Christmas tree' at Television Centre, White City. The 12-metre show-stopper sits on the forecourt adorned with traditional baubles, bows and fun, brightly coloured, oversized letters, inspired by festive favourite - Quality Street wrappers, for an eye-catching installation.

The letters loosely spell out feelings of hope and positivity as well as memories associated with the holiday season (provided by students of a local school).

GOODWILL GRAFFITI

Not a tree clearly, but we couldn't help but be charmed by design team, Buchanan Studio (opens in new tab)'s festive messages, which they've spread around the capital this year. 

In lieu of cards, @Buchanan.Studio has ‘reverse graffiti-ed’ four different messages across 20 different London locations in the hope they will infuse a sense of joy across the capital over the final few weeks of the year. 

The joyful stencil designs are created by power housing the dirt away - so will stay until the pavements get dirty again. Let's hope we're dancing again by then... 

See these alternative Christmas tree ideas