These are the kinds of Christmas trees that fill your dreams: the too good to be true and too tall to get anywhere near your front door. They’re gorgeously decorated, dripping in gold and probably involved no tangled fairy lights in the making of them. You will never own one yourself (unless you’re a hotel heiress) but luckily for you, London owns a few for you to gawp at. Gather round peeps.
1. Norwegian Fir in Trafalgar Square
Did you know that the kind people of Norway have been giving us a specially selected Christmas tree every year since 1947? As a way of saying thank you for the British support in WW2, they save us one of their tallest Norwegian spruce, usually measuring over 20m! Talk about spreading the Christmas cheer!
2. Fortnum & Mason’s Christmas Tree at Somerset House
Aside from hosting one of the best ice skating rinks in the city, Somerset House is also the proud owner of a gorgeous 40ft Christmas tree, decorated by Fortnum & Mason. With baubles and mini F&M hampers hanging from the tree, it’s certainly a lavish affair. Admire it whilst your skating or after a mini shopping spree at the Christmas Arcade.
3. Kalpataru: The Wishing Tree at the V&A
A slightly more abstract take on the traditional Christmas tree, Delhi-based designers Sarthak and Sahil are the brains behind this wonderful installation at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Part of the India Festival, the tree uses classic Indian motifs, like the lotus petal and paisley, and the whole tree is lit beautifully, to symbolise hope, prosperity and ecology.
4. Winter Wonderland tree at One Aldwych
Just LOOK at that. Have you ever seen a more angelic Christmas tree? Dripping in silver and with over 130 birdhouses and baby robins nestled in the glittering branches, this stunning 25ft tree sits in the Lobby Bar at One Aldwych. It was designed by the hotel’s in-house florist Mark Siredzuk – we wish he’d come over and spruce up our place…
5. Disney Christmas Tree at St Pancras International
This one amazed us so much, it got a post of its own – we guess that’s what happens when you pile 2000 cuddly toys on top of each other. Standing head and shoulders above the rest (metaphorically, not literally), this 14m tree magically comes to life every 4 minutes, with snowflakes miraculously falling from the top. Mind. Blown.
6. Burberry Christmas tree at Claridges
Trust Burberry to create a Christmas tree this chic. Made from motion-responsive metallic umbrellas and 77,000 individual lights, the tree lights up as someone walks past, sending glittering reflections all around the room. Very fancy.
7. Tiffany & Co Christmas Tree at the Royal Exchange
Luxury jewellers Tiffany & Co have donated this Christmas tree to the Royal Exchange, spreading a bit of festive cheer for tired passers-by. It’s as twinkly as a diamond ring…but that doesn’t mean to say we won’t be expecting one underneath anyway.