Where to find London's most talked about Christmas trees in 2023
Christmas in London is a magical time filled with festive spirit and vibrant activities. The city comes alive with bustling Christmas markets, carols, charming ice rinks, the aroma of mulled wine, and dazzling Christmas light displays. Among the attractions are London's iconic Christmas trees, including the infamous Trafalgar Christmas tree, classic trees showcased by prestigious hotels like The Ritz, and collaborations with luxury brands at hotels like Claridge's. We've compiled a list of 22 of London’s most talked-about Christmas trees, highlighting where you can find them.
The Connaught (Carlos Place)
Dame Rachel Whiteread at The Connaught (Carlos Place). © MTotoe.
#FLODown: Dame Rachel Whiteread, a Turner Prize-winning sculptor, lends her artistic touch to The Connaught's 31-foot Christmas tree on Carlos Place in Mayfair. Featuring 102 glowing white hoops, a motif from Whiteread's work, the tree symbolises unity and hope, evoking a sense of togetherness. This marks the eighth year of the hotel's collaboration with celebrated artists for their Christmas tree design.Click here to discover some of their previous collaborations with artists, including Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin, and Damien Hirst.
Location: The Connaught, 16 Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL.
The Ned London
The Ned London Christmas Tree 2023. @thenedlondon
#FLODown: The Ned has revealed an impressive 21-foot Christmas tree, boasting over 6,000 fairy lights and with 1,600 decorations. Accompanying this grand spectacle is a giant halo wreath nestled behind the tree, both masterpieces by in-house florists Grandirosa. The tree, a British-grown Premier Nordman Fir, stands majestically in the former banking hall.
Location: The Ned London, 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ.
Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station’s Christmas Tree. © MTotoe
#FLODown: Battersea Power Station is embracing the holiday spirit with not one, but three stunning Christmas trees. The majestic 30 ft tree takes centre stage. Alongside these trees, there are several festive attractions at the Power Station. From shopping and dining in and around the newly-launched development to gliding across the ice at Glide Ice Rink, a collaboration with Jo Malone, to enjoying breathtaking views from Lift 109, or exploring the delightful pop-up Christmas markets,there are plenty of things to do at Battersea Power Station this Christmas!
This Christmas tree can also been seen at Battersea Power Station. © MTotoe.
Location: Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD.
Drawn on iPad by David Hockney
Apple David Hockney at Battersea animated Christmas trees.
#FLODown: Also at Battersea Power Station is a huge digital display by David Hockney. His creation,The Bigger Christmas Trees, transforms the station's famous chimneys into festive Christmas trees. Using only an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, Hockney conjures a 10-minute animation that shines every evening from 5 pm to 10.30 pm until Christmas Day.
Location: Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: Love it or hate it, the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is an enduring London tradition. The return of this cherished tree over Christmas has been a consistent certainty since its first donation by Norway as a gesture of gratitude for support during WW2. The tree's unveiling will take place this year on 7 December. While visiting, make the most of the bustling Christmas market and explore nearby galleries like the National Gallery, featuring exhibitions such as Frans Hals, and the National Portrait Gallery showcasing an exhibit dedicated to the works of David Hockney.
Location: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DX.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden Christmas Tree 2023. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: Covent Garden proudly showcases one of London's most photographed Christmas trees—a stunning 60ft British-grown marvel with 30,000 LED lights. The festive vibes spread through the Piazza, Seven Dials, and nearby streets. Inside the iconic Market Building, get ready for 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles, and eight spinning mirror balls, truly setting the festive scene. Plus, throughout December, catch daily snowfall around the tree from noon. Can it get any more festive than that?
Location: Covent Garden, London WC2H.
Claridge’s Hotel
Claridge’s 2023 Christmas tree designed by Louis Vuitton. Courtesy of Claridge’s.
#FLODown: At Claridge's hotel, they've teamed up with Louis Vuitton for an impressive 5.2-meter high Christmas display in the lobby—a 'wardrobe trunk' tree crafted from 15 repurposed chrome trunks. Celebrating travel, it even includes a replica of Louis Vuitton's historic family home. This collaboration pays tribute to their shared long history, both established in 1854. Louis Vuitton's influence at Claridge’s goes way back to Empress Eugénie's wardrobe packing.
Location: Claridge's, Brook Street, London W1K 4HR.
Aqua Shard
Aqua Shard Giving Tree. Photo by Steven Joyce.
#FLODown: Aqua Shard's 2023 display showcases a 7m 'Giving Tree' in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Decorated with wooden toys, teddy bears, and hot air balloons, the tree symbolises the hospital's cause. Diners can contribute one pound to GOSH Charity's Christmas Appeal, helping children return home for the holidays. Additionally, Aqua Shard generously donates stockings filled with food to local food banks, spreading the spirit of giving beyond the restaurant.
Location: Aqua Shard, Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY.
The Londoner
Huishan Zhang Christmas Tree at The Londoner.
#FLODown: Huishan Zhang and The Londoner collaborate once again for the hotel's 2023 Christmas tree, featuring large black and white roses from Zhang's Resort 2024 collection. Inspired by Eileen Chang's novella 'Red Rose, White Rose,' the tree embodies a narrative of love, passion, and femininity. Fashion designer Zhang brings the same frothy elegance from his clothing line to the tree with an exquisite monochrome design, celebrating the multifaceted essence of women.
Location: The Londoner Hotel, 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX.
The London EDITION
The London EDITION’s Christmas tree for 2023, crafted by artistic design duo Campbell-Rey.
#FLODown: The London EDITION revealed its bold Christmas tree for 2023, crafted by artistic design duo Campbell-Rey, Duncan Campbell, and Charlotte Rey. The 20ft tree captures the magical allure of Christmas Eve, drawing inspiration from Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s romantic set design for Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute. Campbell-Rey infuses the tree with symbolism and wonder, featuring oversized handblown Murano glass baubles, hand-painted faux stone decorations resembling lapis, onyx, marble, and malachite, creating an ethereal, weightless effect.
Location: The London EDITION, 10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NP.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market Christmas Tree 2023. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: Leadenhall Market boasts an 8m Christmas tree set in the scenic Victorian market in the City of London. Enjoy the magical atmosphere, explore shops for gifts, have a cup of mulled wine, and join a festive sing-along!
Location: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 1LT.
45 Park Lane
45 Park Lane Chirstmas tree by Hormazd Narielwalla.
#FLODown: 45 Park Lane has unveiled a musical-themed Christmas tree with bespoke decorations celebrating British music icons. Crafted by Hormazd Narielwella, the tree boasts ornaments resembling miniature versions of pop culture legends such as the Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, and Sir Cliff Richard. These unique decorations will be up for purchase in January, with proceeds going to charity.
Location: 45 Park Lane Hotel, 45 Park Lane, London W1K 1PN.
St Pancras International
St Pancras International Christmas Tree 2023. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: This year, St Pancras International Station has outdone itself with a 12m tree celebrating literature. Immerse yourself in winter tales at one of eight cosy nooks surrounding this unique Christmas tree. In partnership with Hatchards bookshop, the tree celebrates literature, featuring an enchanting staircase design with over 3,000 hand-painted books, creating a magical ambiance for book lovers.
Location: St Pancras International, Euston Road, London N1C 4QP.
The Rosewood London
Rosewood London has partnered with Garrard on this spectacular 24ft Christmas tree.
#FLODown: Rosewood London teamed up with Garrard for their awesome 24 ft Christmas tree, celebrating 20 years of Garrard's Wings collection and marking Rosewood London's 10th anniversary. The hotel's decked out with glitzy decorations inspired by Garrard's Wings Rising collection, jazzing up the impressive 24ft Christmas tree in the courtyard. Plus, you can grab a cosy spot at Ruinart Champagne, with a perfect view of the tree. Inside, Garrard's Wings and stunning festive florals by McQueens add that extra sparkle to the lobby. They even crafted a special seasonal menu for the hotel's Art Afternoon Tea, giving a nod to Garrard's incredible legacy.
Location: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN.
Pan Pacific London
MOSAIC by artist Arnaud Lapierre at Pan Pacific London
#FLODown: Pan Pacific London showcases MOSAIC, a green Christmas tree installation created by artist Arnaud Lapierre using recycled glass sheets. The tree embodies the Christmas spirit, crafted from emerald-green recycled glass, symbolising London's vibrant essence.
Location: One Bishopsgate Plaza, 80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB.
V&A Museum
V&A Christmas Tree Installation 2023 by Isabel + Helen 4. Photography by Sam Lort Studios.
#FLODown: This year's Christmas tree at the V&A Museum, named Power Plant, is a creation by the duo Isabel + Helen. Rising over 4m tall, it blends festive cheer with industrial innovation. This unique display, drawing inspiration from the celestial dance of the night sky and incorporates wind-powered turbines to create light.
Location: V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL.
Sketch
Sketch London Christmas Tree 2023. Photo by Ed Reeve.
#FLODown: Sketch is pulling out all the stops for the 2023 festive season with an incredible Christmas tree that's just part of their magical winter wonderland makeover. Crafted by Tony Marklew, this surreal Christmas Tree makes a grand appearance at the venue's fancy three Michelin-starred restaurant, The Lecture Room & Library. It's like something out of Dali or Magritte, with cascading sparkling crystals. But that's not all—the rest of sketch is in festive mode, with a snow-capped tree chilling inside a snowglobe at The East Bar & Pods and cool snow-covered silver birch trees in the Reception area.
Location: Sketch, 9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG.
Hay’s Galleria
Hay’s Galleria Christmas Tree 2023. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: Hay's Galleria boasts a stunning Christmas tree tucked beneath its Victorian-style glass roof. With 7,200 LED lights, 750 recycled decorations, and 30 neon stars, it's a bold display that took over 20 hours to decorate!
Location: Hay's Galleria, 1 Battle Bridge Lane, London SE1 2HD.
The Ritz
The Ritz London Chirstmas Tree 2023. Photo by John Carey Photographer.
#FLODown: At The Ritz, Christmas has arrived in grandeur! Their 25ft Christmas tree, proudly displayed in the Lobby, shines in vibrant red and gold hues. The tree is so lavishly covered in red and gold ornaments that the green tree underneath is almost obscured by the stunning decorations. It's a sight not to be missed!
Location: The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR.
Waterloo Station
The Kate Spade New York Christmas tree. Courtesy of Kate Spade New York.
#FLODown: Kate Spade New York brings a touch of fashion to London's Waterloo Station with a 10m Christmas tree made from Kate Spade Green gift boxes. This unique display, part of the brand's 30th-anniversary celebration, adds festive charm to the station until 6 January 2024.
Location: Waterloo Station, Waterloo Road, London SE1 8SW.
Coal Drops Yard
Christmas tree at Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: Christmas at Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross features a charming 50ft alpine-themed tree decorated with 15,000 twinkling lights. Nearby in Lewis Cubitt Square, you'll find Temenos, an artistic light sculpture by American-born artist Liliane Lijn, offering a unique take on the traditional festive tree.
Location: Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, Stable St, London N1C 4DQ.
Skate at Somerset House
Christmas tree in the courtyard of Somerset House. © MTotoe.
#FLODown: London's Somerset House welcomes back its iconic Christmas tree within the courtyard, part of the Skate ice skating pop-up, decorated in collaboration with Swiss International Air Lines, the proud partners for this year's Skate festivities. Emphasizing a strong commitment to sustainability, their tree is locally sourced from the Littlefield Christmas Tree and Apple Farm in Harpenden, UK. Post-Skate, the eco-conscious journey continues as our tree is composted and thoughtfully repurposed.
Location: Somerset House Strand, London WC2R 1LA.
