Ranging from the traditional tree to entirely unique interpretations of the festive staple, Christmas tree collaborations have taken over London this year.
Each year, London’s prestigious hotels and sought-after locales unveil exquisite Christmas trees, and this year is no exception. Including fashion makeovers from brands such as Valentino and Louis Vuitton, a digitally-created masterpiece by David Hockney and a tree that pays homage to sustainability by Arnaud Lapierre, these eight festive trees surpass all seasonal expectations.
Harrods x Valentino
Glimmering in a Valentino-pink glow, the Hans Crescent entrance to Harrods has had a neon makeover thanks to their collaboration with Valentino. The nine-meter tall tree is worth a look itself – even if you don’t have plans to step inside the store’s festive wonderland. But, if you do, you’ll find gifts-a-plenty – of course – as well as a festive food hall with chocolate-making demonstrations, beauty and fragrance masterclasses and further Valentino displays and installations. And don’t miss the pop-up truck serving ‘Valentino hot beverages’. Harrods always knows how to put on a great Christmas display and this year it comes wrapped in Valentino Pink PP.
The Londoner x Huishang Zhang
While interiors at The Londoner are designed by Yabu Pushelberg, its 2023 festive makeover is courtesy of luxury designer, Huishang Zhang. Taking cues from the designer’s Resort 2024 collection, Zhang has adorned the Christmas tree at this west-end hotel with black and white roses, as seen in his collection and inspired by Eileen Chang’s 1944 novella Red Rose, White Rose. The designer seems to have a soft-spot for this hotel as it’s also where he showcased his most recent collection as part of London Fashion Week 2023. And, just like his clothing, this tree is designed to make a statement.
London St Pancras x Hatchards
The London St. Pancras Christmas tree in partnership with Hatchards book sellers – who have an in-station store – is encouraging people to break away from their screens and indulge in a book while travelling this Christmas. At 12-metres high, with a winding staircase, whimsical design, and adorned with hand-painted booked stacked across 270 shelves, you can actually sit inside this tree. Take time out with your own book or take a seat in one of the notches and listen to audio books from Penguin, including timeless classics from Charles Dickens, C.S. Lewis and Beatrix Potter. This collaboration is an ode to the wealth of literature, travelling, and the long-cherished partnership between the two.
Battersea Power Station x David Hockney
London’s Battersea Power Station is set to sparkle with artistic brilliance and innovation this festive season. In what is perhaps the most unique tree on this list, visit to enjoy “Bigger Christmas Trees,” a masterpiece drawn by celebrated artist David Hockney. Using the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, Hockney’s work is projected onto two of the building’s 328-foot-tall chimneys. In collaboration with Apple, the artwork – inspired by the power stations’ art deco architecture – adds a touch of modern-festive magic to the city. This collaboration combines art and technology, creating a visual spectacle that lights up the holiday season at this historic London landmark.
Shangri-La The Shard x Jo Loves
It’s a very fragrant Christmas at Shangri-La The Shard where a festive collaboration with British brand Jo Loves is taking form, in the shape of a tree. This might be the most traditional tree on our list; it comes with needles, sparkling lights and red bows, but take a closer look – or perhaps more aptly, a closer sniff – and you’ll discover mini bottles of Jo by Jo Loves also adorning its branches. Behind the tree itself is a further sensory experience too: a giant bottle of the fragrance filled with mirrors, lights and delicate wafts of the scent.
Claridge's x Louis Vuitton
Claridge’s has a history of collaborating with fashion designers to unveil a new tree each year; previous trees have been dreamt up by Jimmy Choo, Karl Lagerfeld, Dior and Christian Louboutin. This year, it’s the turn of luxury fashion icon and the hotel’s long standing friend, Louis Vuitton. The result? An unconventional, reimagined version of the traditional tree. Fifteen vertically-placed, repurposed LV trunks are stacked atop one another and sprinkled with 21 Louis Vuitton Mascots, including Father Christmas himself. This innovative tree adds a contemporary charm to the hotel’s iconic lobby.
The Connaught x Dame Rachel Whiteread
The Connaught‘s Christmas tree, envisioned by acclaimed artist Dame Rachel Whiteread, has cast a spell of illumination and magic on Carlos Place. The majestic tree stands tall, at 31 foot, and is adorned with 102 circular neon white hoops, radiating a festive glow. With a history of creating iconic Christmas trees, this is Whiteread’s eighth contribution to The Connaught and her circles of light this year symbolise togetherness, simplicity and a positive brightness throughout the season. Located next to the tree, stop for a seasonally-inspired sweet or savoury crêpe, a mulled wine or a hot chocolate at The Connaught Christmas Hutte.
Pan Pacific London x Arnaud Lapierre
This ultra-modern design, crafted from recycled emerald-green glass, stands just outside the Pan Pacific London and is a reflection of the modern buildings that surround it, including that of the hotel itself. The iridescent structure, designed by multidisciplinary artist Arnaud Lapierre in collaboration with EC BID and MTArt Agency, stands out for its contemporary and fresh approach to festive decor, as well as for its symbol of artistry and eco-conscious design. Admire it with a glass of warming mulled wine, served from a stand on the plaza every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30PM to 7PM.
Lead image: Shangri-La The Shard x Jo Loves
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