O' Christmas Tree! Where to Find Fabulous Firs in and Around Bond Street
At this, the most wonderful time of the year, Bond Street comes alive with dazzling window displays and a spellbinding Christmas-light installation, inspired once again by the magnificent crown jewels. As for the humble fir, pine or spruce tree, prepare to be stopped in your tracks as our world-class luxury hotels unveil some of the most sparkling showstoppers in town.
As always, all eyes are on the most famous tree of all at Claridge's, unveiled on the morning of 25 November with the help of a very special guest - the Burberry Knight. Each Christmas, the celebrated hotel hands over the creative reins to a fashion-world visionary to design a unique tree to stand at the foot of its famous Art Deco staircase. In recent years, prestigious Bond Street brands, including Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana, have all reinterpreted the tree and added their own distinctive style. This year, it's the turn of Daniel Lee, chief creative officer of Burberry, to add a touch of artistry to its branches.
Lee's Christmas tree for Claridge's is a traditional 16-ft specimen decorated with approximately 600 bows, a Victorian symbol of unity, made from surplus Burberry fabrics. The tree will also feature hanging bells and chess-piece decorations, the latter inspired by the house’s Equestrian Knight Design. Other eye-catching details include the gold crown topper, sitting atop the tree, while oversized floor-standing chess pieces surround the base.
Remarking on the tree, the Burberry designer said: ‘Claridge’s has always felt like home from the moment you walk through its doors, a true symbol of elegance and British heritage where I’ve enjoyed many special moments over the years. Being invited to design the hotel’s annual Christmas tree is a huge honour. I saw it as an opportunity to celebrate tradition and togetherness – expressing the season through vibrant colours and rich textures. Christmas is my favourite time of the year.’
Speaking of jewel-inspired Christmas tones and shimmering accoutrements, the tree at The Ritz features decorations meticulously curated each year by Paul Thomas-Jeffreys of Paul Thomas Flowers. Once again, the magnificent tree is designed around a carefully planned theme. Timeless elements, however, remain constant: heirloom baubles, elegant bows and traditional stars, all illuminated by white lights and complemented by a classic red-and-gold palette.
Meanwhile, the wait is over for the name of the guest artist for The Connaught's eagerly anticipated tree. This year, that honour goes to Swiss-born contemporary visual artist Urs Fischer. The 31ft Nordmann Fir has been decorated using spheres filled with AI-generated faces and “imagines a global community gathered in joy”. Elsewhere, other festive firs of note include the “KidsOut Giving Tree” at The Langham, London. This special tree takes pride of place in the hotel lobby and is adorned with bauble tags, each representing a child’s wish. Guests of the hotel can bring Christmas magic to children in need by scanning the tag's QR code to purchase a toy online or by leaving a gift beneath the tree. The storied hotel has also partnered with the world's oldest toy shop, Hamleys, for a festive afternoon tea in the stunning Palm Court and its much-loved Christmas grotto.
With so many well-dressed trees spanning from Brown's Hotel to the Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair, there's much to Instagram in and around Bond Street. And, of course, no Christmas-tree tour is complete without a spiced Christmas cocktail or afternoon tea with a twist, so be sure to factor that into your busy itinerary. Merry Christmas, one and all!